For the first time ever, a handpicked ensemble of the world’s leading Kathakali artists unites on one stage. Each artist in this stellar lineup has been chosen for their specific brilliance, with a legacy of prestigious training and history of captivating audiences across the globe. This tour marks the debut of this unique collaboration.

Witness the nuanced expressions, the intricate gestures, and the profound storytelling of Kathakali as it was meant to be—up close and intimate.

Kalamandalam Manoj is an accomplished Kathakali artist, trained at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam, a premier institution for traditional performing arts in India. He is renowned for his powerful portrayals of villainous characters. His exceptional skill in embodying complex, negative roles, such as Ravana, has earned him acclaim for his intense and commanding stage presence. Manoj also has a strong background in theatre, which has further refined his acting techniques in Kathakali. In addition to his Kathakali expertise, Manoj has made significant contributions to other classical dance forms, such as Mohiniyattam and Kerala Natanam. His holistic approach to traditional performing arts highlights his versatility and dedication to preserving Kerala’s cultural heritage. Manoj is also the founder of the prestigious Kalayami Charitable Trust, an institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Kathakali stars. Through this trust, he continues to mentor and build future performers, ensuring the legacy of Kathakali remains vibrant and relevant in the modern era.

Peesappilly Rajeevan is a distinguished Kathakali actor celebrated for his innovative approach and exceptional acting skills, capable of portraying a vast range of characters, from heroic to demonic, male to female roles, with remarkable finesse. Trained in Kathakali and holding a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, he blends classical rigor with modern theatrical insights, making his performances uniquely compelling. His interpretations of characters are fresh, offering contemporary perspectives on traditional narratives, which resonate with modern audiences while staying true to the art form’s roots. Peesappilly Rajeevan is a sought-after expert for lecture demonstration, and his ability to engage audiences — from novices to connoisseurs— showcases his mastery of both performance and pedagogy. He has also been honored with a State Award for Best Actor and multiple prestigious awards.

Roshni Pillai is a Kathakali practitioner with over 25 years of experience. She began her training at age seven, studying under the late Kalamandalam K. Gopalakrishnan and Kalamandalam Keshavan Namboothiri. A frequent performer in both Kerala and the United States, she has gained acclaim from critics for her portrayals of sthree vesham (female roles). Roshni’s approach is rooted in preserving the form’s core structure while adapting to the demands of each character. She believes in staying true to the literature, allowing the role to dictate the performance. Roshni has been selected as a mentor for the 2025 ACTA Apprenticeship program, demonstrating her commitment to introducing and making this ancient art form accessible to new audiences.

Kottakkal Harikumar is a highly skilled Kathakali actor from Kottakkal, Kerala, renowned for his proficiency in portraying a wide spectrum of Kathakali roles. His technique, marked by precision and emotional depth, has made him sought after for many key roles. Trained at the esteemed PSV Natyasangham, Kottakkal, under the guidance of legendary gurus such as Sri Kottakkal Gopi Nair, Sri Kottakkal Chandrasekhara Warrier, Sri Kottakkal Nandakumar, and Sri Kottakkal Haridas, Harikumar’s expertise has flourished over decades of dedicated practice. Harikumar has served as a Kathakali instructor at PSV Natyasangham since 2001. His portrayal of characters on national and international stages, including in Japan and Sri Lanka, has been widely acclaimed. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Kerala Kalamandalam V S Sharma Endowment, Edapally Kathakali Club’s Kalamandalam Kesavan Smaraka Puraskaram, Kottakkal Krishnan Kutty Nair Endowment, and the Irinjalakuda Punnapally Vasudevan Smaraka Endowment. These accolades are a testament to his significant contributions to the art of Kathakali.

Kalanilayam Sreejith is a rising star in Kathakali. He completed a 6-year Diploma in Kathakali from the esteemed Unnai Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam, showcasing his dedication and talent in the craft. His expertise extends beyond acting, as he is also a trained Chutti (Kathakali makeup) artist, having completed his training in Chutti from Kathakali School, Cheruthuruthi (2012-2014), further enriching his understanding of the visual and dramatic elements of Kathakali. Recognized for his potential, he was awarded the prestigious Scholarship Scheme for young artists and the Kerala Vajra Jubilee Fellowship (2021-2022), underscoring his promise as an influential figure in the Kathakali community. His contributions have taken him across India and internationally, with performances in the USA, Canada, Dubai, Sharjah, and Israel, as well as participation in various cultural events, expanding the global reach of Kathakali.

Kottakkal Madhu is a renowned Kathakali singer and composer known for his exceptional contributions to the field of Kathakali music. He began his training under Parameswara Iyer and further honed his skills at P.S.V. Natyasangham in Kottakkal, an esteemed Kathakali institution. Madhu later became a senior faculty member at the Natyasangham, where he has significantly influenced the next generation of Kathakali musicians. Madhu has distinguished himself as an innovator in Kathakali music, particularly through his experimentation with new Ragas and elaboration techniques. His prominence is underscored by his role as the lead singer in major Kathakali multimedia projects. His international credentials include tours in the UAE, Switzerland, Singapore, and Srilanka with the P.S.V. Natyasangham group, further showcasing his global appeal and expertise. He is an ‘A’ Grade All India Radio Artist and the recipient of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Kalasree award. Madhu’s artistry and dedication have solidified his status as one of the foremost exponents of Kathakali padam singing today, making him a highly respected and sought-after figure in the world of Kathakali.

Sadanam Jyothish Babu is a promising Kathakali singer, celebrated for his expressive voice and melodic style, quickly becoming a fan favorite. He has performed alongside leading artists like Kottakkal Madhu and contributed to innovative productions, including the premiere of Mahaprasthanam. He is a sought-after performer at Kathakali musical concerts. He frequently collaborates with artists like Peesappilly Rajeevan in lecture demonstrations and workshops, known for his ability to captivate diverse audiences. As a teacher at Gandhi Seva Sadan, Jyothish is dedicated to passing on his knowledge to the next generation of musicians. In recognition of his accomplishments, he has received several awards, including the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Award from the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi. His talent has also taken him internationally, with performances in the USA, Japan, Paris, Switzerland, Korea, France, and Dubai, further establishing his reputation as a versatile and skilled Kathakali singer.

Jishnu Namboodiripad is a professional Kathakali artist specializing in Kathakali music. His artistic expertise is distinguished by his rare, dual training in both Kathakali vesham (acting) and Kathakali Sangeetham (vocal). His training in vesham was conducted under the tutelage of prominent gurus, including Kalamandalam M.P.S. Namboodiri and Kalamandalam S. Harinarayanan. This foundational knowledge of acting provides his vocal performances with a unique understanding of character, emotional depth, and stage presence. For his vocal training, he studied under revered masters Madambi Ashan and Nedumbally Rammohan. This comprehensive training has established him as a highly skilled vocalist and actor, allowing him to create a seamless integration between music and the actors’ movements on stage.

Kalamandalam Sivadas, an acclaimed Chenda artist, has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of Chenda artistry globally. Starting his training at the age of 10 under Sri Pailassana Kunjumani Marar, he has become a master of Thayambaka and Kathakali Chenda, performing at major festivals such as the Thrissur Pooram. He holds a post-graduate diploma in Kathakali Chenda and currently serves as the Head of the Department and Principal at the Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam Arts Institute. His extensive teaching career has produced a new generation of skilled Chenda artists, including many in the U.S. As a testament to his global impact, he was honored with the Boston Vadya Gurushreshta Award. He has also received numerous other accolades, including the Veerasringala award from the legendary Padmavibhushan Sri. Umayalpuram Sivaraman. His unwavering dedication has made him a pivotal figure in preserving and promoting this vibrant art form internationally.

Sadanam Jithin is an experienced Kathakali, Chenda, and Thayambaka artist with over two decades of performance across Kerala and international platforms. Trained through a 4-year diploma and a 2-year postgraduate program in Kathakali Chenda and Thayambaka, he is known for his deep-rooted commitment to the art’s tradition and rhythmic excellence. His notable appearances include the IKKF Dubai Kathakali Festival (2018), performances in Switzerland (2020) and Paris (2023) with Guru Sadanam Balakrishnan and the Sadanam Group. Over the years, he has received several accolades, including the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi’s Yuva Puraskaram (2021) and the Ernakulam Kathakali Club’s Thauryathrikam Award (2022), recognizing his contributions to the percussion traditions of Kathakali. Passionate about sharing the richness of Kathakali with diverse audiences, Jithin seeks to collaborate with artists and institutions worldwide, bridging cultures and contributing to the legacy of this classical form through artistic dedication and innovation.

Kalamandalam Venu is a highly skilled Kathakali Maddalam artist with a strong academic and professional background. He completed a 4-year Diploma Course in Kathakali Maddalam with first-class honors from Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, studying under the guidance of the renowned Cherpulassery Sivan for five years. His expertise and proficiency in Maddalam have made him a sought-after artist and teacher in the field of Kathakali percussion. He has served as a temporary Maddalam instructor at Kerala Kalamandalam from 2008 to 2012 and became a permanent staff member in 2019. He also contributed to the RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura, as a guest lecturer for four years (2013-2017). He is recognized as an All India Radio ‘B’ Grade artist (since 2018) and has earned multiple prestigious awards, including the Kala Sagar Award (2023). His contributions to the art form are widely celebrated, and he remains an integral figure in the Kathakali music tradition.

Eroor Manoj began his Kathakali journey as an Aniyara (Green Room) assistant, working alongside his father at Sree Bhavaneeshwary Kathakali Yogam, which was previously managed by his late grandfather Krishnankutty. Starting Kathakali chutti training in 1990 under Kalanilayam Saji, he pursued advanced training at Bharatiya Kala Mandalam in Vytilla under Kalanilayam Janardanan Aashan in 1995. With over 30 years of experience as a Kathakali chutti (Makeup) artist, he has collaborated with prominent figures such as Padma Shri Kalamandalam Gopi and performed extensively in India, South America, Paris, North America, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and other Gulf countries. His achievements include multiple awards, such as the “Unnikrishnan Smaraka Puraskaram”. Today, Eroor Manoj leads and runs the Kathakali Yogam, continuing the family tradition. In addition, he is also part of the performance ensemble onstage for the traditional curtain called Thirasheela, which is an essential part of the art form and theatrical direction. He also plays the conch as the invocation for every performance.