(12 January 1943 – 30 November 2022)
Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody was a renowned Kathakali artist, celebrated for his expertise in portraying a wide range of characters with remarkable depth and precision. His mastery shone particularly in the ‘Pacha’ roles such as Nalan and Bahukan in Nalacharitham, and in ‘Kathi’ roles like Ravanan in Udbhavam and Bali Vijayam, Keechakan in Keechaka Vadham, and Narakasuran in Narakasura Vadham. He also excelled in ‘Minukku’ roles such as Brahmanan in Santhanagopalam and *Parasuraman.
Early Life and Education
Vasu Pisharody was born on 12 January 1943 in Palakkad District, Kerala, to T.P. Rakhava Pisharody and M.P. Lakshmikutti Pisharasyar. He completed his formal education up to the 7th standard, after which he pursued his passion for Kathakali.
His initial training began at Kerala Kalalayam, Ottapalam, under Kalamandalam Balakrishnan Nair for one year. He then continued his studies at P.S.V. Natyasangham for three years, followed by six years of advanced training at Kerala Kalamandalam under the legendary Padmasree Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair. He also received guidance from celebrated gurus like Ramankutty Nair and Padmanabhan Nair.
With a scholarship from the Central Government, he continued his studies for two more years, completing his formal Kathakali education in 1969.
Career
After completing his training, Vasu Pisharody served as a teacher on a temporary basis at Kerala Kalamandalam until 1979. During this time, he also taught in Kalari schools managed by the Guruvayoor Kathakali Club.
In 1979, he was appointed as a permanent faculty member and later Head of the Department of Kathakali Vesham at Kerala Kalamandalam, a position he held until his retirement in March 1999.
Awards and Recognitions
Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody received numerous accolades for his contributions to Kathakali, including:
- Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Kerala Kalamandalam Award (1998)
- Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship
- Fellowship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Central Government)
- Shri Pattikkamthodi Puraskar – Kerala Kalamandalam & Gandhi Seva Sadan
- Olappamanna Devi Puraskar
- Kalamandalam Krishnan Kutty Podhuval Puraskar
- Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Kalyanikutty Amma Puraskar
- Veerashrinkhala from Kongad
- Awards from various Kathakali clubs and organizations including “Sarggam” Kongad
Literary Contributions
He authored a notable book on Kathakali titled “Ranga Naishadham”, contributing to the academic and artistic understanding of the art form.
Personal Life
Vasu Pisharody was married to P. Subhadra and had two children: Sreekala and Unnikrishnan.
Demise
Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody passed away on 30 November 2022, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, excellence, and inspiration in the world of Kathakali.