Shri Krishnapurath Murali is a well-known Ottan Thullal artiste.
He began training in Thullal at the age of ten under the traditional Gurukula system from his father. He made his stage debut in 1978. In 1983 and 1984, he won prizes at the school youth festivals. Since then, he has been actively involved in the Thullal art scene for over thirty years.
Through rigorous practice, Murali became a proponent of the style of Payyannur P.K. Pothuval, who was his father’s guru. His performances are known for their expressive character portrayal, distinct body movements, clear gestures (mudras), attractive costumes, meaningful musical rendering with a deep understanding of the lyrics, rhythmic and agile movements, and a sense of humor that never turns into mockery.
He is the son of the renowned Ottan Thullal artiste Kongad Achutha Pisharody.
His mother is Krishnapurath Pisharath Lakshmikutty Pisharassyār (Thangam).
His wife is Jayasree of Alathur Pisharam, Kodakara.
His children, Haripriya and Shruthi Keerthi, are also Thullal artistes.
His siblings are Ravi (brother) and Rajani (sister).
In 2016, he received the Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Pothuval Memorial Kalasagar Award.
