An Assistant Professor of Koodiyattam, Usha Nangiar has worked on the portrayal of many important female mythological characters. She is a celebrated performer of the traditional arts of Koothu and Koodiyattam. She trained under Padma Bhushan Ammannur Madhava Chakyar and Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar. Usha has revived Nangyar Koothu, written female-centric roles, and authored two books on Koodiyattam.

Usha Nangiar has been an Assistant Professor of Koodiyattam at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit since 1997.

She is also a celebrated performer of the traditional arts of Koothu and Koodiyattam, having trained under the legendary Padma Bhushan Ammannur Madhava Chakyar and Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar.

Nangiar played a pivotal role in reviving Nangyar Koothu, a traditional art form, and wrote several female-centric roles for performances like Panch Kanyas, breathing new life into the stories of Ahilya, Sita, Draupadi, Mandodari, and Tara. She also authored two books on Koodiyattam, later translated into English under the title Abhinethri.

Through years of intense training, assisting her gurus, and travelling with them, Usha Nangiar gained profound insights into the art. After seventeen years of dedicated learning, she joined the institute as a faculty member, contributing to the field as both a teacher and practitioner.

Hailing from Kerala, Nangiar was born into a family of Mizhavu players—a special drum integral to Koodiyattam performances. Her artistic journey began at the age of ten, fulfilling her father's wish for her to pursue this path. She enrolled at the Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam in Irinjalakuda, where she balanced her academic studies with rigorous practice. After graduating in statistics, Usha dedicated herself entirely to mastering Koodiyattam, training for eight years at the Gurukulam.

She considers herself fortunate to have trained under such illustrious gurus and to have had the opportunity to revive female mythological characters. She cites her father and her mentors as her primary role models, who instilled in her the values of love, truth, and proper conduct.

Usha Nangiar advises the younger generation to prioritise emotional regulation and cultivate a deep sense of concentration in their lives. She believes that learning to control one's emotions is essential for navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience.

In her free time, Nangiar enjoys reading, delving deeper into her art, and dreaming of future possibilities.

For Usha, mental peace comes from being on stage and performing—a sanctuary where she finds true fulfilment.