Vembayam Appukuttan Pilla was born on March 16, 1945. His father is Padmanabhan Pilla and mother is Kunji Amma.

After passing 8th, he learned Kathakali in RLV School, Thripunithura from 1963 to 1970. Has practiced under Chengannur Raman Pilla, Padmasri Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and Guru Gopinath. His expertise is in in "Minukku", "Pacha", "Kathi", "Thadi" characters, namely Hanuman, 'Munis', Hamsam, Karkodakan, etc.

Has Performed Kathakali in many Kathakali Clubs, Temples etc. all around India and in many foreign countries.

Family: Wife and two daughters.