Kerala artist collapses during performance, dies on stage

Kalamandalam Geethanandan

One of the finest exponents of Ottanthullal, Kalamandalam Geethanandan, died while performing at a temple in Irinjalakkuda in Kerala's Thrissur district. Ottanthulal is a classical dance form from Kerala, performed by very few artists now, reported NDTV.

58-year-old Geethanandan, was a retired head of the Thullal Department at Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture. A video clip of his last performance, on social media, showed how he collapsed in front of a percussion artist with his hands folded. He was rushed to a hospital but it was too late. Geethanandan had received several awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000. He also acted in over 30 Malayalam films.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, Kalamandalam Geethanandan's death was a great loss to art and culture in the state. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said Geethanandan made thullal popular.

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai, National and International news here