Kapila Venu Biography
Kapila Venu is an Indian artist who performs the traditional Kutiyattam. One of the performing artists belonging to the present day generation, she learnt this art form from Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar. She is also interested in the study, revival and rejuvenation of several traditional art forms of Kerala including puppetry and folk theatre. She currently serves as the director of Natanakairali – Research, Training and Performing Centre for Traditional Arts founded by G. Venu in 1975.
Kapila Venu was born in the year 1983 in Kerala. Her father Gopalan Nair Venu, also known as G Venu was her early guru in Kutiyattom who also acted as her mentor. Since younger days she travelled extensively and conducted performances across Kerala. She also learnt the art form from Usha Nangiar and Kitangur C N Rama Chakyar. Her mother Nirmala Paniker taught her Mohiniyattom, and took advanced learning under Japanese farmer and performer Min Tanaka. She has worked several years under this renowned artist. She started her performance at a very young age, and still now active in the same field. She delivers solo performances and also appears in group, as a team member of Natanakairali and Ammannur Gurukulam troupes.
She is known for her efforts to remain close to technical purity and depth of the art form. She is also involved in the research and reviving works of many traditional art forms of Kerala, which may fade away if not given suitable nourishment. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and the Sanskriti award are the major honours received by her. She is a visiting professor at the prestigious National School of Drama and Intercultural Theatre Institute, Singapore.
Published: September 08, 2018
Updated: September 08, 2018