Poojappura Ravi (1936-2023) was an Indian actor, known for his comedy roles in Malayalam films. He has performed in approximately 4,000 stage plays and more than 800 films.
Wiki/Biography
Poojappura Ravi was born on Wednesday 28 October 1936 in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Travancore, British India. Raveendran Nair (age 83; death). His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He attended Am Hss Thirumala High School in Thiruvananthapuram. He is known for his extraordinary voice and delivery of his lines. He began his acting career while still in school, focusing on radio drama. People quickly recognized his voice as he participated in many of the children’s radio dramas broadcast by Akashwani. When he was 12 years old and in seventh grade, he was selected as one of the 15 people to participate in Aagasavani. After completing his studies in class 11, he started acting in a theater group called “Kalastanyam Drama Vision”. He played a small role in a play called Oralakudi Kallanai and earned Rs 500 per month from acting. He was married and a father when his income was so little. At first, he didn’t have much success in the film industry, so he started taking other jobs to make a living. However, his career took a positive turn when Mr. Achari reintroduced him to theatre. He became a part of famous dramas like “Raktharakshassu” and “Kayamkulam Kochunni” which helped him gain popularity and establish himself in the theater world.
appearance
Height (approximately): 5′ 5″
Hair color: gray
Eye color: black
family
Parents and siblings
His father’s name is Madhavan Pillai and mother’s name is Bhavaniyamma. He has three siblings.
wife and children
He married Tankama. She died a few years before Pujapura. His son’s name is Hari Kumar. His daughter’s name is Lakshmi.
Poojappura Ravi with his daughter and grandson
Profession
Movie
He made his acting debut in 1975 with the Malayalam film Bhaaryaye Aavashyamundu.
Poster of the movie Bhaaryaye Aavashyamundu
His last film during his lifetime was 2017’s “Pokkiri Simon”.
Movie “Pokkiri Simon” poster
He appeared in other Malayalam films including Ammini Ammaavan as Swami (1976), Enikkum Oru Divasam as Thankappan (1982), Kali karyamaai: Crime Branch as Shankara Pilla (1989), Achaneyanenikkishttam as Chettiyar (2001) and Isaac Newton S/O Philipose (2013).
Poojappura Ravi in the movie Achaneyanenikkishttam
television
He made his television debut in 1993 with the Malayalam serial Kittunni Ammavan Vannu. He has appeared in Mahathma Gandhi Colony (2000) (Surya TV), Kadamattathu Kathanar (2004) (Asianet), Swami Ayyappan (2006) (Asianet), Bhaamini Tholkarila (2009) (Asianet), Kadamattathachan (2011) (Surya TV), Melappadam (2016) (Doordarshan) and Aluvayum Mathikariyum (2016) (Asianet Plus).
Poojappura Ravi in the serial ‘Melappadam’
prize
In 2012, he won the JAYAN Award.
die
He passed away on June 18, 2023, in Marayur, Idukki, Kerala due to age-related illnesses. Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, Higher Education Minister Dr R Bindu and former ministers KK Selja and G Sudhakaran expressed condolences on Ravi’s death. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also said on Facebook:
Condolences on the death of famous actor Poojapura Ravi. He entered the field of art by conquering the hearts of theater lovers. The actor who had a huge fan following in Kerala later entered the film industry and won the hearts of people by portraying comic book characters. Poojapura Ravi follows an expressive acting style. His death is a great loss to the arts and culture community. Condolences to his family and colleagues. “
Facts/Trivia
- His stage name is Poojappura Ravi. Inspired by the famous theater artist Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair, he decided to adopt this stage name.
- In 2022, after living in Poojapura for 40 years, he decided to move to Munnar Marayur to live with his daughter Lakshmi. The decision was taken after his son Harikumar moved to the UK with his family.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education