Kalaikkal Kumaran

Kalaikkal Kumaran is a notable film actor in the Malayalam film industry. He was born in the year 1919 at Vaikkom, Kottayam in Kerala. He is also known for doing comedic roles in Kalidasa Kalakendram’s drama. Kalaikkal acted in over 65 films and performed in 150 dramas. He has also done more than 15,000 stage performances. He is a member of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in Thrissur City. 

He first acted in Kathirukanakili of Ponkunnam Varkey’s Kerala Theatre. His popular dramas include Althara, Doctor, Muthuchippi, Kadalpalam, Samgamam, Swantham Lekhakan, Yudhabhoomi and many more. He was about to make a record of appearing in more than 20,000 stage performances, but the actor has lost his vision because of cataracts, which forced him to leave the field he was in. 

In 1951, he acted in the Malayalam film, Rakthabandham, alongside T. R. Omana, in the lead roles. The film was helmed by MR Vittal. In the 1950’s, he acted in Kerala Kesari, Lokaneethi, Avan Varunnu, Kidappaadam, Achanum Makanum and more. He was also seen in films like Arappavan, Odayil Ninnu, Shakunthala, Punnapra Vayalar, Chattambi Kavala and Nithyavasantham. He earned the Kerala State Award for his contribution to drama in 1993 and the Kerala State Film Award for his contribution to the film industry in the year 1997. 

Kumaran got married to Bhargavi and had six children namely Shavanas, Ramani, Shobana, Mala, Ranjini and Sheela. Kalaikkal Kumaran died on August 8, 1998.