Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair

Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair Biography

Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, popularly known as Kottarakkara was a legendary actor of Malayalam cinema. He was one of the earliest well established and accomplished film actors of Malayalam cinema. He portrayed the role of Chempankunju of highly acclaimed Malayalam movie – Chemmeen, for which he is remembered most.  He played the lead role in 1964 Pazhassi Raja and the periodic film, Veluthampi Dalava, which are also among his best roles. Thommante Makkal, Viruthan Shanku, My Dear Kuttichathan and Aranazhikaneram are a few more memorable ones. In 1970, he received Kerala state award for best actor for the portrayal of Kunjenachan, a ninety-year-old patriarch in Aranazhikaneran. In 1969, he received state award for second best actor.

Sreedharan Nair was born on September 11, 1922 in Kottarakkara of Kollam district. Padinjattinkara Korattiyode Narayana Pillai and Ummini Amma are his parents. Many of his family members followed his own steps. Noted film actor Saikumar, now best known for portraying negative roles is his son. Noted actress Bindu Panicker is his daughter-in-law. His daughter Shobha Mohan is also known for portraying supporting roles and Shobha’s children, Both Vinu Mohan and Anu Mohan are also Malayalam actors. His son-in-law Mohan Kumar and grandson Anil Pappan are also actors associated with Malayalam cinema and television.

This great actor is known for portraying both positive and negative roles with ease. He is best known for the portrayal of 90 year old man in 1970 movie – Aranazhika Neram. The movie also included an ensemble star cast of many stars like Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Sheela, Ambika, Ragini etc. He portrayed the role of a 90-year old man at the age of only 48 and it’s the most challenging role of his career which gave him a state award as well.

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Updated: July 22, 2014