Kalamandalam Gopakumar was born on May 8, 1962. His father is Late Kandramath Sivarama Poduval and mother is Late Nanikutty Poduvalsiar.

Gopakumar had his initial training from his father's uncle Late Govinda Poduval. After his primary education joined Kerala Kalamandalam as a 'Chenda' student and completed his course (1976-1981) including one year PG Course under the legendary Late Kalamandalam Achunni Poduval, Late Pallassana Chandra Mannadiar and Late Kalamandalam Krishnan Kutty Poduval. He had training from Late Kottakkal Kuttan Marar at the PSV Natya Sangham after completion of course at Kerala Kalamandalam. Received National Scholarship in 1990.

Gopakumar is an exponent in 'Thayampaka'. He also knows other 'Kshethrakala' - temple performances of Chenda and Edakka for which he had training from Karikkad Appu Marar.

Participated in Kathakali and other dance programmes throughout India. Since 1993 he is with Rabindra Bharathi University, Kolkata as an Accompanist (Chenda).

Family: Wife Thankamani. Daughter is learning Bharathanatyam under Kalamandalam Venkit at Uma Kalalayam, Kolkata. Son is learning Mridangam under S.Sekhar.