S. P. Pillai

S. P. Pillai Biography

S. P. Pillai was an accomplished actor of Malayalam known for comic roles. He, along with Adoor Bhasi, Shankaradi and Bahadoor forms a group of comic actors, particularly in the era of 1950’s to 1970’s. Noted comedy song ‘Keledi nee enne kettunna kaalathu’ was pictured on him. He played the role of Paanaran singing the song, Paattonnu Padane Paananaru in the historic movie, Aaromalunni based on Vadakkan pattukal. This was one among the serious roles played by this actor. He has played the role of a cop with comic touch in many old Malayalam movies. Noted television comedy actress Manju Pillai is his granddaughter and obviously, acting and comedy is in their blood!

S. P. Pillai was born in 1913 in Ettumanoor, Kottayam to a police constable. He lost both his parents at a younger age. For the same reason he couldn’t complete his formal education. But he got opportunity to learn Ottan thullal from prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam for a few years. He was a noted theatre artist before his entry to films. He played supporting roles for stage plays. Appan Thamburan's Bhootharayar, was the first movie in which he got a role. However the movie got shelved. As a film actor his debut movie was Jnanambika in 1940. Nalla Thanka in 1951 was his first noted role. There was no turning back after that and he went on to become one of the most wanted comedians in the later years.

His screen presence aside Adoor Bhasi, Shankaradi and Bahadoor used to bring cheers among the audience and he was an entertaining actor. He has also done playback singing for one song - Vayaranu Nammalkku Daivam for the movie Thaskaraveeran. Snehaseema, Nayaru pidichapulivalu, Chemmen and Bharya are his noted roles. 1977 movie Taxi driver won him State award for Second best actor.

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Updated: June 16, 2014