Career
Born into an Ambalavasi family on 16 February 1916, Poduval had his schooling till the fifth standard and moved on to practice the idakka and the chenda. He also practiced instruments like the veena from Parappanaatu Rama Kuruppu. He practised Carnatic music from the Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar besides Kodikunnath Madhavan Nair.
His experience in Kerala Kalamandalam helped him in gaining knowledge in Kathakali music as well.
Poduval married Lakshmikutty Amma at the age of 36. By the age of 56 he became the father of seven children - Janakikutty, Krishna Vijayan, Gopalakrishnan, Anjaneyan, Gaayathri, Hari Govindan, and Aananda Sivaraman.
Poduval died on August 13, 1996, aged 80. He brought out this art from within the walls of the temple and made this art popular among the people.
There are six different documentary films based on his life and music
"Sopaanam", his biography in Malayalam, is also implemented as study material for university students in Kerala. The awards he received also include fellowships from both government and cultural organisations.
