Kalamandalam Gopi

Kalamandalam Gopi was born in Kothachira, Palakkad, Kerala, India, on May 21, 1937. He is a world-renowned Kathakali dancer, artist, theatre actor, and film actor from India. He has also appeared in Malayalam films. Gopi's first foray into the world of performing arts happened when he was in fourth grade. When the Ottanthullal school closed, Gopi was sent to Thekkinkattil Ravunni Nair's Kathakali Kalari. Later, he joined Kerala Kalamandalam. The poet Vallathol, who was influential in establishing Kalamandalam, enrolled him at the institute in 1951 at the age of 14. Gopi met the two great gurus Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair and Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair, who molded him.

In 1958, he was hired as a teacher, and in 1990, he was promoted to principal. Two years later, he stepped down from Kalamandalam. In 2013, Abu Dhabi hosted a four-day Kathakali production for the first time, and Gopi performed on all four days. Dr. Kalamandalam Gopi is known as the "Evergreen Hero." Once asked about his source of strength and stamina for performing in his 80s, he replied that the primary reason for this is his admiration for his work.  Gopi Asaan, his wife, two sons, and their families live in Mundur.

The 2020 epidemic has put a halt to his seven-decade career. When asked about his children following his footsteps, he denied it and added that he didn't want them to lose their education or schooling. Therefore, he didn't want them to be involved in it. They were enthusiastic about Kathakali, but he declined to teach them. "A Kathakali performer's life is highly demanding. To follow this skill with zeal, there must be a fire in one's gut," he declares.