NEDUMBASSERY: Renowned Kombu artiste Chengamanadu Appu Nair(85) passed away on Saturday. He was known for mastering the 'Nayathodu' style in Kombu recital.

A winner of state government's Pallavur award and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi award, Appu Nair had participated in several major festivals in the state such as the Thrissur Pooram festival. He was cremated with full state honours. Appu Nair is survived by wife Chittedathu Rajamma, children Prasanna, Harikuttan, Susheela, Raji and Bindu.