Much much before Kathakali attained an International status as a glorious art form, this temple art was nurtured and popularised by a simple Kathakali singer by the name of Kalluvazhi Thrivikramapurath Rama Pisharody effectionately called Kunju Pisharody.
When renowned Ayurvedachaarya P.S.Varrier decided to set up P S V Naattya sangham to promote Kathakali the administration of the Nattya sangham was entrusted to Rama urf Kunju Pisharody and very soon a young Kathakali group was born. Rama Pisharody was proficient in all behind-the-curtain-art-forms of Kathakali viz. Music, chenda, Maddalam, make-up etc. Kottakkal Krishnankutty nair, Kalluvazhi Vasu, Vasu Nedungadi, Kuttan Marar were some of his favourite desciples. He was “Guru’s Guru” for many new generation artistes. Vazhengada Kunj Nair and Rama Pisharody were desciples of great Kalluvazhi Govinda Pisharody. He learned Kathakali Sangeetham from Bhagavather Keshavan Nair.
Rama Pisharody was born in 1892 to Thrivikramapurath Parukutty Pisharassiar and Kaplingat Manakkal Amrithan Namboodiripad. After attaining Primary education he joined his brother and Kathakali exponent Kalluvazhi Govinda Pisharody for further learning of Kathakali. He chose Vengasseri Kaavil Pisharath Parukutty Pisharassiar as his life partner. Kottakkal Krishnan kutty nair , the retired Principal of Nattyasangham, describes Rama Pisharody as “Encyclopedia” of Kathakali.
At the age of 82 ,in the year 1974 , this great versatile Acharya of Kathakali left for the heavenly abode.