Born in 1945, G.Venu is a performer, teacher and scholar of Kutiyattam and senior disciple of Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, the legendary Kutiyattam actor. He is also the founder of Natanakairali (Research and Performing Centre for Traditional Arts) and Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam (Training Centre for Kutiyattam). His major contributions are his adaptations of Mahakavi Kalidasa’s plays SAKUNTALA (Abhinjnana Sakuntalam) and Vikramorvaseeyam for Kutiyattam.