Sebastian Kunjukunju Bhagavathar Biography 
Sebastian Kunjukunju Bhagavathar was a famous theatre personality of Malayalam. He was also known as a stage actor, writer and singer. He has given significant contributions to Malayalam music operas. In 1930, he made a music opera of Kumaran Asan’s Karuna, which is regarded as a milestone in this stage performance.
Sebastian was born on 9 February 1901 in Ambalappuzha of Alappuzha district to Pollayil Vincent and Margarita. His initial schooling was done at native village and later studied at Leo XIII School in Alappuzha and St. Albert's High School in Ernakulam. While studying at Ernakulam, he came close to theatre when he joined a Tamil drama troupe and toured several parts of Tamil Nadu. This tour changed his life a lot and later he dedicated his full time in drama rather than giving importance to studies. After return to village, he married Marykutty who supported him in his artistic career.
Kunjukunju's first lead role was in Njanasundari, a Tamil drama translated into Malayalam. But later he struggled to get major roles in theater. In 1929, he played the role of Adam in Parudeesa Nashtam, a Malayalam version of epic poem Paradise Lost. It was staged by Royal Cinema & Dramatic Company and for the first time he was paired with Ochira Velukkutty who played the role of Eve in this play. It was during this time when males used to act for female characters also and the Jodi of Kunjukunju and Ochira Velukkutty became successful. Together they appeared in Satyavansavitri, Alliarjuna, Kovalan Charitram, Nallathanka, and Harishchandra and this duo were crowd pullers in those days. He has also rendered his voice for many songs for plays.
Published: N/A
Updated: February 15, 2014
