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Biography: Purisai Kannappa Thambiran
Born in 1917 in the village of Purisai, Tamil Nadu, Shri Purisai Durisai Kannappa Thambiran is a fourth generation Therukoothu performer of Purisai, a notable center of Therukoothu. His training in the art began at ten with his father, the illustrious Koothu performed Purisai Durisamy Thambiran and his paternal uncle, Raghava Thambiran.
A performer of 50 years standing, Shri Kannappa Thambiran is now the only major representative of the northern style of Therukootha.He is a master of all aspects of the art and composes, improvises, and draws upon traditional sources with facility. Proficient in the Tamil classical texts, he is also imaginative with modern literature, as evidenced by his recent production Panchali Sabatham, employing Subramania Bharathi's text in homage to the poet.
Among the other honours Shri Kannappa Thambiran received the title of Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka manram in 1972.Recipient of a fellowship from the Union Ministry of Education and Culture, he is now engaged in training a group of young students in Koothu.
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Source: Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan Souvenir, All India Radio, 1992
