Kathakali maestro Nelliyodu Vasudevan Namboodiri passes away

Thiruvananthapuram: Vasudevan Namboodiri (82), the maestro of Thaadi vesham (beard roles) and Minukku vesham (radiant roles) in Kathakali passed away on Monday night. He was a native of Poojappura Chadiyara and lived in Nelliyodu Mana. He had been suffering from cancer for a month.

He was recognised for his Kari (black) roles in Kathakali. His performances in the roles of Kali, Dussasanan, Baali, Narasimham, Hunter, Nakrathundi and Hanuman were widely accepted. In Minukku roles, Naaradan, Kuchelan and the Brahmin in Santhanagopalam were notable.

Vasudevan Namboodiri is son of Ernakulam Cheranalloor Nelliyodu Mana Vishnu Namboodiri and Parvathy Antarjanam. He is survived by wife Sridevi Antarjanam and children Kathakali artist Maya (teacher in Iringalakuda) and Vishnu. The body will be taken to Nelliyodu Mana in Nilambur on Tuesday morning. The last rites will take place at 4 pm.