Pappukutty Bhagavathar

Pappukutty Bhagavathar Biography

Pappukutty Bhagavathar popularly known as ‘Kerala Saigal’ is a noted singer of Malayalam cinema, who was active in the era of golden cinema. He has also portrayed a few character roles on screen during this period. Vidhiyude Leela of Prasanna (1950), Kallane Vazhiyil of Karutha Kai (1964), Kanne Karale of Aashaachakram (1973) and Entadukke Vannadukkum of Marykkundoru Kunjaadu (2010) are some of his memorable songs. In 2010, he was one of the co-singer of the chartbuster song ‘Entadukke Vannadukkum’ of Marykkundoru Kunjaadu – a song he recorded at the age of 98, almost 60 years after his debut song, thus completing 6 decades in playback singing. It’s perhaps for the first time a singer did playback singing in such a ripe age. He is also a theatre artist who acted in 37 plays.

Pappukutty Bhagavathar was born on March 29, 1913 in Kochi to a Christian couple. He is married to Baby and have 5 children. His son Mohan Jose is a noted character artist of Malayalam cinema, while his daughter Selma George is a playback singer who is married to famous film director, K. G. George. A musical named Vedamani marked his acting debut as a child artist at the age of 7. He has acted aside Augustine Joseph, K. J. Yesudas’ father in PJ Cherian’s theatre production - Mishiha Charitram, playing the female character Magdalana Mariam. In the same play, he acted the role of Snapaha Yohannan which earned him acclaim.

It was during his theatre days, he got introduced to Malayalam silver screen. He acted in Pakshiraja Studios’ ‘Prasanna’ (1950), which marked his debut as a playback singer as well, at the age of 37. Kallane Vazhiyil Mutti along with KJ Yesudas in Karutha Kai and duet ‘Kanne Karale’ with Sreelatha in ‘Ashachakram’ are his popular songs. Guruvayoorappan, Sthreehridayam, Muthalali, Oraal Koodi Kallanaayi, Vila Kuranja Manushyar, Anju Sundarikal, Viruthan Shankhu, Padicha Kallan, Shyamalachechi, Aadyakiranangal and Kattukurangu are some of noted character roles. He was last seen in Vice Chancellor. His 100^th birthday was celebrated at Changampuzha Park at Edappally, and was attended by K. J. Yesudas, whose father acted with Pappukutty in several plays.

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Updated: January 18, 2016