Rajeev Pulavar

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Rajeev Pulavar is a renowned Indian shadow puppeteer from Kerala, famous for the traditional art of Tholpavakoothu.

Early life
- Born on June 1, 1989, in Koonathara village, Palakkad district, Kerala.
- Comes from a long lineage of Tholpavakoothu artists. His grandfather, Krishnankutty Pulava Rajeev, and his father, K. K. Ramachandra Pulavar, taught him the craft.
- Began training at age eight and learned thousands of verses from the Ramavataram (Kamba Ramayana), a core part of the performances.

Artistic contributions and innovations
- Modernized puppet designs and broadened access to the art form.
- Opened opportunities for women to perform by training female puppeteers and leading a women’s troupe.
- Brought contemporary themes to Tholpavakoothu, including stories about Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus, and various political figures.
- Used the art form for social awareness campaigns on road safety, drug prevention, and COVID-19.
- In 2013, adapted Shakespeare’s Othello into Tholpavakoothu, a historic milestone for the tradition.

Performances and outreach
- Has performed on international stages in Thailand, China, Singapore, Muscat, Hungary, and Israel.
- Runs regular annual performances in more than 40 temples across Kerala from December to June.
- Produces and handcrafts over 250 leather puppets each year.
- Trains foreigners and local students through workshops and runs a puppetry institute in Palakkad to make the art more accessible.

Awards and recognition
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, 2016
- Young Talented Artiste Award, Kerala Folklore Academy, 2015
- Young Talented Artiste Award, Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi, 2011
- Young Talented Artiste Award, South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, 2007

Workshops
- Akhyan Puppet Exhibition, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), 2010
- International Arts and Craft Fair, Jerusalem, 2007
- Natya Darsana Puppet Workshop, Kozhikode, 2006

Rajeev Pulavar’s work preserves Tholpavakoothu while expanding its reach, inviting new audiences and helping the next generation learn this ancient art.