P. Padmanabhan, popularly known as Pappan is a theater artist and an actor. He was popular theater personality during 1970-1990’s and has staged very good dramas. He has worked with Kollam Troupe, Drisya Kalanjali and Udaya Kala National Theaters. He was born on June 15, 1945 to Vaappala Narayana Menon and Naavally Pandarakulathil Parukkutty Amma at Ottapalam. Before coming to theatres he worked in Indian army in Bangalore for 8 years.
He debuted in movies in Valsalyam, a family entertainer directed by Late Cochin Haneefa and starred Mamooty as the lead. He acted in almost 80 movies in small roles; some of his popular movies are Golanthara Vartha directed by Sathyan Anthikkad starring Mammootty and Shobana; Oru Maravathoor Kanavu with Mommooty; Pingami with Mohanlal and Sallapam with Dileep and
Manju Warrier
. He has acted with most of the noted directors and actors.
He also acted in many telefilms and won Kerala State Government Best Supporting actor award for his performance in 2009 telefilm Irul Meghangalkkum Soorya Reshmikalkkum Madhye. His other television works are Desadanapakshi, Ormakalude virunnu,
Swami Ayyappan
, Nakshatrangalkku Thaazhe, Kadha Kadha Karanam. He passed away on 25th July 2013 at his house in Pambadi, Thiruvilvamala, due to general illness. He was survived by wife Pankajam .P. Menon and two sons Dheeraj and Sharath.