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1-50 of 181
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Sajid Khan was born on 28 December 1951 in Bombay, State of Bombay, India. He was an actor, known for My Funny Girl (1971), Mother India (1957) and Savera (1972). He died on 22 December 2023 in Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, Kerala, India.- Actress
- Producer
Srividya, a prominent South Indian film actress of the 1970s to early 2000s, was not only celebrated for her acting prowess but also showcased her musical talents. Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to Tamil film comedian Krishnamurthy and Carnatic classical singer M. L. Vasanthakumari, Srividya faced early challenges as her family struggled with financial hardships. Her father's illness forced him to quit acting, exacerbating their financial woes, and her mother tirelessly worked to support the family.
Despite a difficult childhood, Srividya entered the world of acting at a young age, making her debut with a dance scene in the Malayalam film "Kumarasambhavam" directed by P. Subramanyan. She gained attention in films like "Chattambikkavala" and "Chenda," directed by A. Vincent. However, it was her entry into the Tamil film industry in the mid-1970s that propelled her to stardom. Notably, her role in K. Balachander's "Apoorva Raagangal" opposite Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan became a turning point in her career.
Srividya faced personal challenges in her relationships. Despite an initial engagement with Kamal Haasan, their love did not endure. She later married George Thomas, an assistant director, against her family's wishes. The marriage ended in divorce, leading to a protracted legal battle that culminated in Srividya's victory in the Supreme Court of India.
Her later career was defined by iconic mother roles, including the notable portrayal in "Thalapathi" (1991), directed by Manirathnam, where she played Rajinikanth's mother. The loss of her mother in 1990 deeply affected Srividya, and she turned to television, featuring in successful Malayalam serials like "Swapnam."
A multi-talented artist, Srividya showcased her singing abilities in films like "Ayalathe Sundari," "Oru Painkilikkadha," and "Nakshathra Tharattu." Her classical vocal prowess was evident in various functions, including the Soorya Festival.
Throughout her career, Srividya faced adversity with resilience and dedication, fighting against personal tragedies and health issues. Despite battling breast cancer, she continued to contribute to the world of cinema and television until her untimely demise, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and enduring artist.- Monisha Unni, an acclaimed Indian film actress, left an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema with her extraordinary talent. Born in 1971 in Kerala to Narayanan Unni and Sreedevi, she grew up in Bangalore alongside her brother, Sajith. Monisha's father, hailing from Shornur, was engaged in the leather business in Bangalore, while her mother, Sreedevi, was a dancer. From a young age, Monisha displayed a passion for dance, starting her training in Bharatanatyam and captivating audiences with her first stage performance at the age of 9.
Monisha's journey in the world of arts continued to flourish, and in 1985, she achieved the prestigious Kaushika Award for winning the Karnataka state level Bharatanatyam competition. Her educational journey included schooling at St Charles High School and Bishop Cotton Girls School, both in Bangalore. She further pursued her academic interests by completing a degree in psychology from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore.
Renowned Malayalam novelist M. T. Vasudevan Nair, a family friend of Monisha's, played a pivotal role in her entry into the film industry. Under his guidance, Monisha made her debut in acting with the film "Nakhashathangal" in 1986, a project written by M.T. himself and directed by Hariharan. Remarkably, Monisha, at the age of 15, won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Gowri, the female protagonist in the film, making her the youngest actor to achieve such an honor for a debut film.
Monisha's talent wasn't confined to a single performance, as she continued to shine in subsequent films. Her noteworthy roles in "Perumthachan" (1990), "Kadavu" (1991), and "Kamaladalam" (1992) further solidified her status as a versatile and accomplished actress. Notably, "Kamaladalam" starred the legendary Bharath Mohanlal.
Monisha expanded her reach beyond Malayalam cinema, showcasing her acting prowess in Tamil films such as "Pookkal Vidum Ithal" (a remake of "Nakhashathangal") and "Dravidan." Additionally, she ventured into Kannada cinema with the film "Chiranjeevi Sudhakar" (1988), where she paired with Raghavendra Rajkumar in the lead role.
Tragically, Monisha Unni's promising career and life were cut short in a car accident at the age of 21. Despite her untimely departure, her legacy lives on through her remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, leaving behind a lasting impact on the hearts of her fans and peers alike. - Writer
- Director
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Siddique was born on 1 October 1962 in Kochi, Kerala, India. He was a writer and director, known for Bodyguard (2011), Hera Pheri (2000) and Big Brother (2020). He was married to Seena. He died on 8 August 2023 in Kochi, Kerala, India.- Rizabawa was an actor, known for Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan (2002), Aanaval Mothiram (1990) and The Gang (2000). He died on 13 September 2021 in Kochi, Kerala, India.
- Writer
- Director
- Actor
P. Padmarajan was an Indian author, screenwriter, and film director who was known for his landmark works in Malayalam literature and Malayalam cinema. Padmarajan was the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam, along with Bharathan, in the 1980s, which created films that were widely received while also being critically acclaimed.
Padmarajan was born on 23 May 1946 in Muthukulam near Haripad in Alappuzha district as the sixth son of Thundathil Anantha Padmanabha Pillai and Njavarakkal Devaki Amma. After early schooling at Muthukulam, he studied at M. G. College and University College Trivandrum, graduating with a BSc in chemistry (1963). Subsequently, he learned Sanskrit from the scholar Cheppad Achyutha Warrier at Muthukulam. He then joined All India Radio, Trichur (1965), starting as a program announcer, and later settled at Poojappura, Trivandrum (1968); he would remain at All India Radio until 1986, when his busy involvement in films would prompt him to retire voluntarily.
His stories deal with deceit, murder, romance, mystery, passion, jealousy, libertinism, anarchism, individualism, and the life of peripheral elements of society. Some of them are considered as among the best in Malayalam literature, his first novel Nakshathrangale Kaaval (With only the stars as witness) won the Kerala Sahithya Academy award (1972).
He entered the world of Malayalam films by writing the screenplay for Bharathan's directorial debut Prayaanam (1975) to take first steps to be one of the most talented script writers to have graced Malayalam cinema.
He later began to direct films based on his own screenplays, beginning with Peruvazhiyambalam (The Street as a Choultry) (1979), which are greatly popular among the common people as well as intellectuals and film critics, while maintaining richness in artistic and thematic originality and excellence. Padmarajan was a great experimenter who explored all walks of life in his works. His screen plays had such hitherto-unheard of features and subjects - such as casting rain as a character in Thoovanthumbikal (Dragonflies in the Spraying Rain), friendship between two young school girls in Desadanakili Karayarilla (Migratory Birds Don't Cry), unusual climax (By traditional standards) in Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal (Vineyards for us to dwell) and Oridaththoru Phayalvaan (There Lived a Wrestler). Many of his films bear the mark of his romanticism.
He is celebrated for his possibly unparalleled attention to detail in his screenplays. Some of his scripts are arguably the smoothest narratives ever penned in the Malayalam language. They are also ample proof for his keen observation, acute perception, and astute portrayal of human relationships and emotions. Many of his films have stunning and haunting climaxes, most of them not commonly portrayed in Malayalam movies. His characters were portrayed with great sensitivity and intensity on the screen and many of the scenes are generously sprinkled with humor. The dialogues of characters are quite natural, in the language of the common man, and yet have a subtle lyrical quality.
Indeed, a just case may be made that his directorial merit flowed easily from his exquisitely crafted screenplays: he never directed a film based on a script written by someone else (unlike other Malayalam film directors of comparable stature, say, Bharathan and K. G. George), and rarely adapted his script from a story not his own. Consequently, he had an unusually intimate knowledge of the characters in his films in combination with his mastery of the script.- Actor
- Music Department
- Writer
Kalabhavan Mani (born 1 January 1971) is a South Indian actor and singer. He began his career in Malayalam film industry, later he became a busy artist in Tamil and Telugu industry, especially in villain roles. Although he began his career as a comedian, Mani proved his versatility roles such as serious actor, heroic and villain. He has acted in a number of Malayalam and Tamil films. He proved his acting talent in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, in which he plays a blind street singer.he got National film awards and Kerala state film award in 1999 for Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum- Jishnu Raghavan was born on 23 April 1979 in Kannur, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Nammal (2002), Annum Innum Ennum (2013) and Nidra (2012). He was married to Dhanya Rajan. He died on 25 March 2016 in Kochi, Kerala, India.
- Actor
- Music Department
Thilakan (born Surendranatha Thilakan) was a Malayalam film actor. Widely considered one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema, he was stubborn, uncompromising and very critical of the way lead actors worked in comparison to character actors. In a span of around 40 years, Thilakan handled a huge variety of roles, including negative portrayals. He is especially well known for his on screen father roles opposite Mohanlal, in movies like "Spadikam" (1995) and "Kireedam" (1989).- Director
- Writer
- Actor
K.G. George was born on 26 May 1946 in Changanacheri, Kerala, British India [now India]. He was a director and writer, known for Yavanika (1982), Ee Kannikoodi (1990) and Lekhayude Maranam: Oru Flashback (1983). He was married to Selma George. He died on 24 September 2023 in Kakkanad, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Director
- Music Department
Murali was born on 25 May 1954 in Kollam, Kerala, India. He was an actor and director, known for Aadharam (1992), Neythukaran (2002) and Kanakkinavu (1996). He died on 6 August 2009 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.- Director
- Writer
- Composer
Govindan Aravindan was born on 21 January 1935 in Kottayam, Kerala, India. He was a director and writer, known for Esthappan (1980), Vasthuhara (1991) and Oridathu (1987). He died on 16 March 1991 in Trivandrum, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Writer
- Music Department
Nedumudi Venu was born on 22 May 1948 in Alleppey, Travancore, India. He was an actor and writer, known for Charlie (2015), Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam (1987) and Bharatham (1991). He was married to T. R. Susheela. He died on 11 October 2021 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.- Actress
- Music Department
Lalitha was a renowned Indian actress known for her contributions to the Malayalam film industry. Born in Kayamkulam, Kerala, India, K.P.A.C. Lalitha's full name is Karthiyayani Amma. The acronym "K.P.A.C." stands for Kerala People's Arts Club, a prominent theater group in which she started her career. Lalitha made her acting debut in the film "Nritashala" in 1962 and went on to establish herself as a versatile and talented actress over the years.
Lalitha's performances were widely appreciated for their depth and authenticity. She became a prominent face in the Malayalam film industry during the 1960s and continued to contribute to the field for several decades. Some of her notable films include "Chemmeen" (1965), "Kochu Themmadi" (1986), and "Nirakkoottu" (1985), among many others.
Apart from her successful film career, K.P.A.C. Lalitha has also been actively involved in theater. She gained recognition for her association with the K.P.A.C. drama troupe, which played a crucial role in shaping her early career. Lalitha's ability to portray a wide range of characters endeared her to audiences and earned her numerous accolades.
Throughout her career, K.P.A.C. Lalitha received several awards for her outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, including the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress for her role in "Kudumbam" (1988). Her dedication to the arts and her ability to bring characters to life on screen have left an indelible mark on the history of Malayalam cinema.- Actor
- Producer
Sukumaran was born on 10 June 1948 in Edappal, Malappuram, Kerala, India. He was an actor and producer, known for Kathayariyathe (1981), Mainakam (1984) and Irakal (1985). He was married to Mallika Sukumaran. He died on 16 June 1997 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.- Oduvil Unnikrishnan was born on 13 February 1944 in Vadakkancherry, Trichur, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Nizhalkkuthu (2002), Sallapam (1996) and Devasuram (1993). He died on 27 May 2006 in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Innocent Vareed Thekkethala was born on 4 March 1948 in Thrissur, Kerala, India. He was an actor and producer, known for Devasuram (1993), Aavanazhi (1986) and Pranchiyettan and the Saint (2010). He was married to Alice Thekkethala. He died on 26 March 2023 in Kochi, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Director
Rajan P. Dev was born on 20 May 1954 in Cherthala, Kerala, India. He was an actor and director, known for Vyooham (1990), Achante Kochumol (2003) and Varnapakittu (1997). He died on 29 July 2009 in Kochi, Kerala, India.- Writer
- Director
- Actor
A.K. Lohithadas was born on 10 May 1955 in Chalakudy, Kerala, India. He was a writer and director, known for Thaniyavartanam (1987), Kasthuriman (2003) and Joker (2000). He was married to Sindhu. He died on 28 June 2009 in Kochi, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Writer
- Additional Crew
Narendra Prasad was born in 1945 in Alappuzha, Kerala, India. He was an actor and writer, known for Galileo (1994), Njan Gandharvan (1991) and Bhoopathi (1997). He died on 3 November 2003 in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Music Department
Sankaradi was born on 14 July 1924 in North Pavavur Kingdom of Cochin. He was an actor, known for Vazhve Mayam (1970), Ezhuthatha Katha (1970) and Ithrayum Kalam (1987). He died on 9 October 2001 in Cherayi, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Producer
Ratheesh was an actor and producer, known for John Jaffer Janardhanan (1982), Ahimsa (1981) and Nirnnayam (1995). He died on 23 December 2002 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Bharath Gopi was part of the golden era of Malayalam movies spear headed by P. Padmarajan, K.G. George, Bharathan, MT Vaudevan Nair, I.V.Sasi, Aravindan, Pavitran, Sreenivasan, Lohitadas, T. Damodaran etc with fellow actors like Thilakan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Nedumudi Venu, Mohanlal, Mamootty. He was very famous for portraying eccentric characters with ease.- Director
- Writer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Malayalam director who studied economics at a college near Kottayam. His grandfather educated him and gave him his first camera. He worked as an insurance salesman in Bellary. Then he went to FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) and studied under Bengali director Ritwik Kumar Ghatak. He started with a student film. His first film was Vidyarthikale Ithile Ithile (1971) made in Tamil. He also wrote his own films. He later lived a nomadic lifestyle in the 70s and depended on support from his friends and colleagues. He suffered from alcoholism and died an accidental death.- Writer
- Director
Sachy was born in 1972 in India. He was a writer and director, known for Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020), Anarkali (2015) and Driving Licence (2019). He died on 18 June 2020 in Thrissur, Kerala, India.- Stunts
- Actor
- Director
Jolly Bastin was born on 24 September 1966 in Alleppey, Kerala, India. He was an actor and director, known for Lockdown Diaries, Masterpiece (2017) and Kannur Squad (2023). He died on 26 December 2023 in Alappuzha, Kerala, India.- Mammukoya was born on 5 July 1946 in Kozhikode, India. He was an actor, known for Minnal Murali (2021), Nadodikkattu (1987) and Sallapam (1996). He was married to Suhara. He died on 26 April 2023 in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Sasikumar was born on 10 April 1927 in Alappuzha, Kerala, India. He was a director and writer, known for Pancha Thanthram (1974), Choola (1979) and Swanthamevide Bandhamevide (1984). He died on 17 July 2014 in Kochi, Kerala, India.- Shivaji was born in 1957 in Pattambi, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Perumazhakkalam (2004), Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan (2002) and Mahanagaram (1992). He died on 30 September 2004 in Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
- Sainuddin was an actor, known for Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare (1986), Chappo (1982) and Independence (1999). He died on 5 November 1999 in Kochi, Kerala, India.
- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Prathapachandran was born in 1941. He was an actor and writer, known for Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988), Jagratha (1989) and Kodathi (1984). He was married to Chandrika. He died on 16 December 2004 in Omallur, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Producer
M.G. Soman was an actor and producer, known for Varnapakittu (1997), Mahanagaram (1992) and Douthyam (1989). He died on 12 December 1997 in Kerala, India.- Kalabhavan Haneef was born in 1959 in Mattancherry, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Drishyam (2013), Driving Licence (2019) and Ustad Hotel (2012). He died on 9 November 2023 in Kochi, Kerala, India.
- Actor
- Additional Crew
N.F. Varghese was an actor, known for Dubai (2001), Sallapam (1996) and Vietnam Colony (1992). He died on 19 June 2002 in Kochi, Kerala, India.- K.P.A.C. Sunny was an actor, known for Mahanagaram (1992), Naduvaazhikal (1989) and News (1989). He died on 17 April 2006 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Dennis Joseph was born on 20 October 1957 in Ettumanoor, Kottayam district, Kerala, India. He was a writer and director, known for Manu Uncle (1988), Thanthram (1988) and Nair Saab (1989). He was married to Leena. He died on 10 May 2021 in Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Kerala, India.- Music Department
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Girish Puthencherry was born on 23 September 1959 in Puthenchery, Kozhikode, Kerala, India. He was a writer, known for Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997), Meleparambil Aanveedu (1993) and Devasuram (1993). He was married to Beena. He died on 10 February 2010 in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Kollam Ajith was an actor and writer, known for Pakal Pole (2017), Calling Bell (2016) and Spadikam (1995). He was married to Prameela. He died on 5 April 2018 in Kochi, Kerala, India.- Jagannatha Varma was born on 1 May 1939 in Cherthala, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Sallapam (1996), Devasuram (1993) and New Delhi (1987). He was married to Santha Varma. He died on 20 December 2016 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
- Director
- Producer
Rajesh Raman Pillai was an Indian film director working in Malayalam cinema. He is credited with setting a new trend in Malayalam cinema with his thriller, Traffic (2011).
He began his film career in 2005 by directing Hridayathil Sookshikkan. His second film Traffic, written by brothers Bobby and Sanjay was released in 2011. The film has its narrative in a hyperlink format is inspired from an actual event that happened in Chennai. The film was a notable success and is widely regarded as one of the defining movies of the Malayalam New Wave.
In August 2012, the director announced his next movie titled Motorcycle Diaries. However Pillai put the project on hold and started the work of Mili, a heroine-centered film with Amala Paul in title role opposite Nivin Pauly. The film released in January 2015 and received positive reviews from critics and became an above average grosser at box office.
Vettah, a psychological thriller, starring Kunchacko Boban, Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran and Kadhal Sandhya, scripted by Arunlal Ramachandran, and is touted to be the first ever mind game movie in Malayalam was released on 26 February 2016, a day before Pillai's death. Manju Warrier plays the role of Sreebala IPS, the City Police Commissioner in this film.
Suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Pillai died on 27 February 2016, at PVS Hospital, Kochi.- Thodupuzha Vasanthi was an actress, known for Kunjattakilikal (1986), Pattanapravesam (1988) and Rathachakram (1991). She was married to Rajeendran. She died on 28 November 2017 in Vazhakkulam, Kerala, India.
- Actor
- Music Department
Jose Prakash was born on 14 April 1925 in Kottayam, Travancore, British India [now Kottayam, Kerala, India]. He was an actor, known for Devasuram (1993), Traffic (2011) and Puthiya Velicham (1979). He died on 24 March 2012 in Kakkanad, Kerala, India.- Writer
- Actor
- Music Department
T. Damodaran was a screenwriter of Malayalam cinema. He scripted some of the biggest blockbusters in Malayalam cinema.Damodaran and director I. V. Sasi teamed up to produce many hit movies, including Angadi, Eee Nadu, Vartha, Avanazhi, Inspector Balram, 1921, Adimakal Udamakal, and Balram vs. Taradas. He also teamed up with director Priyadarshan to produce many hit movies including Aryan, Advaitham, Abhimanyu, and Kala Pani.- Music Department
- Writer
- Actor
O.N.V. Kurup was born on 27 May 1931 in Chavara, Kollam, British India. He was a writer and actor, known for Madanolsavam (1978), Pranayam (2011) and Kambhoji (2017). He was married to Sarojini. He died on 13 February 2016 in Trivandrum, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Writer
- Music Department
Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair was born in 1917 in Thikkurisi, Kerala, India. He was an actor and writer, known for Sheriyo Thetto (1953), Urvashi Bharathi (1973) and Achante Bharya (1971). He died on 11 March 1997 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.- Actor
- Music Department
Sujith Raj Kochukunju's realization to work in Malayalam cinema was not born out of a sudden whim or fancy. Born and raised in Dubai, He has been diligently crafting and mastering his skill from the age of 4.
He began training in Carnatic vocals and dance (Bharatnatyam) at kindergarten and showed sincere interest in acting from the age of six. He plays several percussion and string instruments, which he learned seamlessly by watching YouTube videos.Since his early age, He has bagged laurels in various youth festivals across the UAE.
In 2018, Sujith gave up a full-time job as a brand specialist professional to pursue his biggest passion- to become an actor. Recognised for his slapstick comedy and viral vine videos, Sujith's entry into Malayalam cinema was through Kinavalli, Horror / comedy based movie directed by Sugeeth. He has also acted opposite Sunny Leone in her Malayalam Debut - Rangeela.
His musical debut as playback singer was also through Kinavalli and has also worked with an Internationally renowned electronic dance music producer Mangal Suvarnan.- Kalasala Babu was an actor, known for Neelambari (2010), Lion (2006) and Runway (2004). He was married to Lalitha. He died on 14 May 2018 in Kochi, Kerala, India.
- Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
N.L. Balakrishnan was born on 17 April 1943 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), Aravam (1980) and Vrudhanmare Sookshikkuka (1995). He was married to Nalini. He died on 25 December 2014 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Director
- Writer
Murali Nagavally was born in 1955 in India. He was an assistant director and director, known for Alexander the Great (2010), Wanted (2004) and Virasat (1997). He was married to Geetha Murali. He died on 9 June 2014 in Alappuzha, Kerala, India.- Anil Nedumangad was born on 30 May 1972 in Nedumangad, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020), Padavettu (2022) and Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil (2018). He died on 25 December 2020 in Thodupuzha, Kerala, India.