Kathakali Maestro Oyoor Kochu Govinda Pillai passes away

Kollam, Aug 16 (UNI) Noted Kathakali maestro Oyoor Kochu Govinda Pillai died due to old age here today.

He was 92.

He started learning Kathakali at the age of eight. Mr Pillai made his debut at the age of nine as Krishnan in ''Rukmini Swayamvarm.'' As a recipient of Sangeetha Nataka Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Acadamy, he had also won various awards, including state's Kathakali award and Kalamandalam fellowship.

His scintillating performance as ''Hamsam'' in Nalacharitham brought him fame and gave him a prominent identity in Kathakali art.

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