Sadanam Krishnankutty has been selected for the State Kathakali Award for 2016.
He is reputed for his skill in donning a wide range of characters in his acts and has shined equally well in the Pacha, Kathi, Kari, and Vellathadi roles.
A disciple of Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair, he is known for the roles of Nalan, Baahukan, Rukmangadan, Ravanan, and Keechakan. He has also won the Central and State Sangeet Natak Akademi awards.
Chengamanad Appu Nair has been selected for the Pallavoor Appumarar Award.
A Kombu artiste in Panchavadyam performances, Appu Nair had gained a place among the stalwarts in Panchavadyam at a young age.
At 84 years of age, he is still an active performer. He had earlier won major awards, including the Kalakshetra Puraskaram.
Kalamandalam Sivan Namboothiri has been selected for the Keraleeya Nritha Natya Award.
He is known for his lead actor roles in Koodiyattam performances.
He has donned the role of Arjuna in Subhadradhananjayam , Ravana in Jadayuvadham , Balivadham and Thoranayudham, and Sri Rama in Shoorpanakangam .
A disciple of Painkulam Ramachakyar, he has won the Padma Shri and the Central and State Sangeet Natak Akademi awards.