Happy birthday, Madhu
Madhu, the legendary actor who immortalized the character Pareekkutty of Chemmeen (1965), the first-ever Malayalam movie to win the President's Gold Medal for the Best Film, celebrates his 75th birthday today (Tuesday).
Madhu, known for his simplicity and honesty, was born as Madhavan Nair on September 23, 1933. After completing his post-graduation in Hindi and Malayalam, Madhu started his career as a Hindi lecturer in Scott Christian College, Nagercoil at the behest of his father R. Parameswaran Pillai, Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram. However, Madhu later joined National School of Drama in 1949 to become an actor.
While studying at the NSD, he chanced to meet director Ramu Kariat, who offered a role as a youngster in Moodupadam, starring Sathyan as the hero. Ramu asked him to go to Madras and meet R.S. Prabu at Chandratara studio for a makeup test. When he met R.S. Prabu, he was taken to the set of Ninamaninja Kalpadukal, directed by N.N. Pisharady and produced by Sobhana Parameswaran Nair. The following day, Parameswaran Nair unexpectedly offered Madhu a role in Ninamaninja Kalpadukal (1963), which turned to be his debut movie in an acting career spanning more than four decades.
A few films later, Madhu established himself as an actor with Bhargavi Nilayam, the directorial debut of A. Vincent. The screen name 'Madhu' was given by Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, another famous Malayalam actor.
The milestone in his career was the all-time hit, Chemmeen. However, his initial years were full of struggle as Madhu entered Malayalam cinema while Prem Nazir and Sathyan, two great stars, were ruling the roost. Later, Madhu created his own place in Malayalam with his outstanding performances in films like Eenipadikal, Thulabharam, Theekkanal, Swayamvaram and Oolavum Theeravum.
Later, he distinguished himself as producer, director and storywriter. He opened a studio in Thiruvananthapuram and went on to produce and direct films that showcased his skills as a sensitive director. Madhu’s directorial debut was Priya (1969) in which he also played the first anti-hero of Malayalam cinema. He directed about 14 films, including the superhit Theekkanal and produced several films, including Asthamayam, Njan Ekananu, Archana Teacher and Mini, a children's film which won the National Award in 1995.
Madhu was lucky to pursue his profession with many generations like Sukumaran-Soman, Mammootty-Mohanlal, Jayaram and Dileep. In his acting career, Madhu has acted in over 300 films so far.
Madhu was never an aspirant of awards; he even declined the chairmanship of Film Development Corporation. He won Kerala state's special Jury Award in 1980 and J.C. Daniel Award in 2004. He also won a state award for producer of best children's film in 1995. Galatta.com wishes all the best and happy birthday to this versatile actor.
