Mr. Kottakkal Harishwaran is a well-known Kathakali artiste in Kerala.

Though he performs all roles with great dedication, Hari has a special interest in “Thadi” (beard) roles.

He was born on 29 December 1976 to Kuthannoor Pisharath Govindan Kutti Pisharody and Aandam Pisharath Narayanikutty Pisharasiar.

After completing his primary education up to Class 6, he joined the P.S.V. Natyasangham in 1986, along with his elder brother Anil Kumar, to learn Kathakali. His gurus included Krishnan Kutty Nair, Chandrasekhara Warrier, Murali, Nandakumar, and Shambu Embranthiri. In 1987, he made his debut as Lavana in Lavanasuravadham at the Kottakkal Vishwambhara Temple. He then successfully completed the eight-year curriculum and an additional three years of advanced training, and in 1999, he was appointed as a teacher at P.S.V. Natyasangham.

He has also trained in percussion instruments like Chenda and Thimila, making his debut performance in them as well. His Thimila guru was Pulappatta Ramesan.

Awards: Thodayam Kathakali Club Kathakali Award – 2021

Hari resides permanently at Nayadippara, Kottakkal. His wife is Pisharath Geethanjali of Vilayil, Areekode, Manjeri.

Children: Siddharth and Sandra. Siddharth, a college student, has also made his debut in Thimila.