SUPER ACTORS: Mani Damodara Chakyar

Monday, 25 June 2012

Mani Damodara Chakyar

Mani Damodara Chakyar (Māni Dāmodara Chākyār) (1946–) is a renowned Kutiyattam and Chakyar Koothu artist in Kerala state of south India. He is a nephew and disciple of legendary guru Nātyāchārya Vidūshakaratnam Padma Shri Māni Mādhava Chākyār. He belongs to the great Mani Chakyar tradition of Koodiyattam and Chakyar koothu.

He studied Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam in the traditional way for more than 30 years under the direct guidance of Māni Mādhava Chākyār. He has studied Sanskrit and Nātyasāstra in the traditional way. He holds a Master's degree in Sanskrit literature as well. He used to be high school Sanskrit teacher in Kozhikkode.