Chenganoor Raman Pillai

Guru Chenganoor Raman Pillai, also spelt Chengannur Raman Pillai, (1886-1980) was a celebrated Kathakali artiste from Kerala in south India. He was known for his brilliant portrayal of the anti-heroic Kathi roles on stage, and was a palace dancer to the Travancore Maharaja in a career spanning almost 65 years.

Raman Pillai, born in Chenganoor on 16 January 1886), was a specialist in Kathakali southern style called Kapplingad, which gives prominence to abhinaya (acting). A book, "Thekkan Chittayilulla Abhyasa Kramangal", he authored is considered one of the major training manuals in the southern-style Kathakali.

Raman Pillai was a disciple of Thakazhi Kesava Panikker, Mathur Kunhupilla Panikker and Ambalappuzha Kunhikrishna Panikker. Another Kathakali master, Chennthala Kochupillai Panikker, helped him a lot to gain popularity in his art.

Raman Pillai had his masterpieces in roles like Duryodhanan, Ravanan and Keechakan, Jarasandhan, Banan and Kamsan. He also performed as Hanuman, Hamsam and the black-bearded Kaatalan (woodsman).

Raman Pillai's leading disciples include Madavoor Vasudevan Nair and Mankompu Sivasankara Pillai, besides late masters like Harippad Ramakrishna Pillai and Chennithala Chellappan Pillai. They all took class under him as per the residential Gurukula system.

There is a documentary film, titled 'Chenganoor Raman Pillai', profiling his life and contribution. He died on 11 November 1980.

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Name	Pillai, Chenganoor Raman
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Date of birth	1886
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Date of death	1980
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