FACT Mohanan joined FACT Kathakali School in 1973 for a six-year course in Kathakali vesham (acting). Veteran artists Kalamandalam Karunakaran Nair and Kudamaloor Karunakaran Nair trained him there. Then he got two-year scholarship from UNESCO under Guru ''Padmasree Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair'' with a higher diploma in 1981 and joined Vijnana Kala Vedi School, Aranmula, as the main Kathakali teacher. For 22 years he worked in this institution and himself trained many Indian and foreign students. His students are continuing their higher studies in this profession in many recognized institutions, inspired by his teaching. His debut was in 1974 and is performing regularly since then both in India and abroad, performing different characters. Inaugural function of Asian games New Delhi 1982, 'Sikkim Autumn Festival' from November 1st to 8th in 1988,'London Kerala Festival' September in 2001, almost all temples in Kerala etc are some of his major performances.