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Kalamandalam Gopi
Born Vadakke Manalath Govindan Nair (b. 1937), a leading Kathakali exponent known for pachcha (virtuous) roles; Padma Shri, 2009.
Joined Kerala Kalamandalam in 1951 and completed formal training in 1957. Appointed a teacher there in 1958 by the school's founder, Vallathol Narayana Menon — Gopi is the only living performer to have been appointed by Vallathol himself. Retired as school principal in 1992. Known for roles including Nalan, Karnan, and Rukmangadan.¶