Primarily a reputed exponent of Kathakali, Palakkad-born and Kerala-based Sadanam K. Harikumaran has carved for himself a distinct identity as a vocalist of Carnatic music. Guided in this art chiefly by Sangeet Acharya CS Krishna Iyer, Harikumaran also writes story-plays for the classical dance-drama. His own compositions in Malayalam set in ragas, such as Durbar, Husaini, Sankarabharanam and Hindolam, have drawn applause from both the connoisseur and the common man. Apart from giving recitals at various temple festivals and music sabhas, Harikumaran is a regular performer on Doordarshan and several other television channels. The versatile principal of Gandhi Seva Sadan, or simply Sadanam, is a certified artiste of the All India Radio. Apart from experimenting with Kathakali costumes and make-up, he also engages in sculpting and painting.