Nelliyodu Vasudevan Namboodiri was born on Feb 5, 1940. His father is Vishnu Namboodiri and mother is Parvathi Antharjanam.

After preliminary education of Sanskrit, Vedam, Thanthram etc, he joined Kerala Kalamandalam for 9 year course in vesham. His main Guru is Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair. His expertise is in in "Thadi" and he is one of the most famous "Thadi" actors in Kathakali now. Also he was working as high school teacher for 20 years.

Has received Rigatta's 'Natyaratna' title and gold medal in 1976, Thulaseevana award in 1988, Kalamandalam award, Sangeethanataka academy award, Central Govt Felloship, Onamthuruth temple 'Natyavisarad' title, different Kathakali club awards etc.