Kalanilayam Gopalakrishnan was born on May 15, 1966. His father is Chamikkutty and mother is Ammukkutty Ammal.

After passing 9th, he learned Chenda in Kalanilayam and passed Diploma of 4 years and PG of 2 years. Has practised under Kalamandalam Damodaran Nair, Kalamandalam Appu Marar, Kalamandalam Balaraman and Kalanilayam Kunchunni.

Has received Pallippuram Gopalan Nair Memorial Award. He played Chenda in many stages all around India and in foreign countries like Japan, Germany, Denmark and Malaysia.