Mala Aravindan (15 January 1939 – 28 January 2015) was an Indian actor. He was best known for his work as a comedian and character artist in Malayalam films. He has acted in over 500 films.

Mala Aravindan
Born
T. K. Aravindan[1]

(1939-01-15)15 January 1939[2]
Vadavucode, Ernakulam, British India
Died28 January 2015(2015-01-28) (aged 76)
Other namesMala (മാള)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • tabla percussionist
Years active1976–2015
SpouseGeetha

Early life edit

He was born in Vadavucode, Ernakulam district of Kerala state as the eldest son of Thanattu Ayyappan and Ponnamma. His father was an Excise department employee and his mother, a school music teacher. Soudamini, late Ramanathan (died in 2004) and Prakashan are his siblings.[3] His father died when he was studying at seventh class.[4] Later when his mother got transferred, his family relocated to Mala in Thrissur district and he started using the place name as a prefix to his name.[5] He had his primary education from St Antony's High School, Mala, where his mother was a music teacher.[6][7] Seeing his talent in playing Tabla his mother joined him with Cochin Mohammed Ustad, a famous Tabla artist.[8] He joined for Pre University degree in Christ College, Irinjalakuda but dropped out in between to concentrate on his career.[9]

Career edit

Aravindan started his career as a Tabla artist. He joined stage plays and started playing Tabla as a background artist. Later, he moved into acting and started performing in professional stage plays of Kottayam National Theaters, Nadakashala, Suryasoma Theatres etc. He continued acting in dramas for 12 years. He has won Kerala State Nataka Academy's Best Actor award for his role in Sooryasoma's play Nidhi. He received State Award in 1978 and 6 other state level awards for the stage play Rasna.[7]

Aravindan started his film career with the movie Ente Kunju, but the film was never released. His first movie released was Thalirukal in 1967 in which he acted as a mental patient among many.[1] His first full-fledged role was in the 1968 movie Sindhooram, directed by Balakrishnan, although it is his critically acclaimed performance from the movie Tharavu which gave him the actual mileage. Since then he has acted in over 400 films for 33 years and established his own style which became his trademark. During the initial stages of his career, the Mala-Pappu-Jagathy trio was a guaranteed crowd-puller among Malayalam film audiences. His last film was Noolppaalam which is yet to be released. He was the president of the AMMA, the association of Malayalam film artistes.[10]

Mala was well known for his different acting techniques which included gestures, vocal variations and his unique laughing style. He was a jovial person who could shoot jokes at any situation. In one interview, Mala remembered once a random guy who came to him and asked him to tell some jokes. during the 1980s, Mala was a really busy artist since he was part of most of the movies doing various comedy roles. He also sang the popular song "Neeyarinjo Melemanathu" along with Mohanlal in the 1985 movie Kandu Kandarinju. His memorable characters are from the movies Bhoothakannadi, Sallapam, Thaaravu, Mimics Parade, Kanmadam, Joker, Meesha Madhavan etc. In the late 1990s, when the mimicry trend took over Malayalam Cinema, there were movies like Moonu Kodiyum Munnooru Pavanum and Mimics Super 1000, which featured full-fledged spoof characters imitating Mala Aravindan by various mimicry artists. Mala was a great fan of actor Nagesh and his acting style was greatly influenced by Nagesh.

Personal life edit

Aravindan married his wife Geetha on 2 February 1971, after five years of dating. Geetha is a Christian, and was previously named Anna before changing her name.[11] The couple have two children, Kishore (Muthu) and Kala. Kishore is married to Deepthi and they have a son Vedavyasan and two daughters Varalakshmi, Urvi. Kala is married to Surendran and they have two children Devi and Vishnu.[12]

Death edit

Mala Aravindan was admitted to Kovai Medical Centre Hospital in Coimbatore on 19 January 2015, following a massive heart attack and was shifted to the ICU on 24 January, where he was diagnosed with diffused block. He was on ventilator support. The actor had earlier undergone an angiogram after being hospitalized.[13] He died on 28 January 2015 at 6:30 AM, just five days short of his 44th wedding anniversary.[14] He was 76.[15] He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Awards edit

Filmography edit

  1. Kaalchilambu (2021) - Posthumously released
  2. Varnyathil Ashanka (2017) - Photograph of Mullani Pappan, reprisal from Meesa Madhavan
  3. Noolpalam (2016) - Posthumously released
  4. Chaminte Company (2015) - Posthumously released
  5. Nellikka (2015) - Posthumously released
  6. Lal Bahadur Shastri (2014)
  7. Masala Republic (2014)
  8. Punyalan Agarbattis (2013) as Ayyappan
  9. Vallatha Pahayan (2013) as
  10. God for Sale (2013) as Velayudan
  11. Once Upon a Time (2013)
  12. August Club (2013) as Lazer
  13. Thappana (2012)
  14. Prabhuvinte Makkal (2012)
  15. Priyappetta Nattukare (2011) as Pappan
  16. Ninnishtam Ennishtam 2 (2011)
  17. Nanthuni (2010)
  18. Yakshiyum Njanum (2010)
  19. 9 KK Road (2010)
  20. Cheriya Kallanum Valiya Policum (2010) as Kunju
  21. Canvas (2010)
  22. Again Kasargod Khader Bhai (2010)
  23. Swantham Bharya Zindabad (2010) as Sakhav ACS
  24. T. D. Dasan Std. VI B (2009)
  25. Chagathikoottam (2009)
  26. Rahasya Police (2009)
  27. Paribhavam (2009)
  28. Venalmaram (2009) as Sankarankutty
  29. Doctor Patient (2009)
  30. Ee Pattanathil Bhootham (2009) Judge
  31. 20 (2008)
  32. Positive (2008)
  33. De Ignottu Nokkiye (2008)
  34. Mulla (2008)
  35. Shalabam (2008) as Kumaran
  36. Kaalchilambu (2008)
  37. Thavalam (2008)
  38. Mayabazar (2008) as Kumarankutty Ashan
  39. Mizhikal Sakshi (2008) as Kadarukutty Musaliar
  40. Chithreshalabagalude Veedu (2008)
  41. Panthaya Kozhi (2007) as Chakrapani
  42. Athisayan (2007)
  43. Arunam (2006)
  44. Oruvan (2006) as Velu
  45. Achanteponnu Makkal (2006)
  46. Moonnamathoral (2006)
  47. Chanthupottu (2005)
  48. Finger Print (2005)
  49. OK Chacko Cochin Mumbai (2005) as Paramu
  50. Ponmudipuzhayorathu (2005) as Thankappan
  51. Perumazhakkalam (2004)
  52. Rasikan (2004) as Shivankutti's Uncle
  53. Sethurama Iyer CBI (2004)
  54. Chitrakoodam (2004) as Shankaran Thattan
  55. Mullavalliyum Thenmavum (2003)
  56. Pattalam (2003)
  57. Varum Varunnu Vannu (2003)
  58. Kaliyodam (2003)
  59. Kadha (2003)
  60. Chithrathoonukal (2003)
  61. Njan Salperu Ramankutty (2003)
  62. Nandanam (2003)
  63. Valkannadi (2002)
  64. Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan (2002)
  65. Jagathy Jagadeesh in Town (2002) as Kallan Bhaskaran
  66. Meesha Madhavan (2002) as Mullani Pappan
  67. Puthooramputhri Unniyarcha (2002) as Paanan
  68. Kattuchembakam (2002)
  69. Aala (2002)
  70. Desam (2002) as Marthandan
  71. Suvarna Mohangal (2002)
  72. Swapnahalliyil Oru Naal (2002)
  73. Swaraga Ganga (2002)
  74. Grandmother (2002)
  75. Ee Bhargaveenilayam (2002)
  76. Puthuram Puthri Unniyarcha (2002)
  77. Andolanam (2001)
  78. Bhadra (2001)
  79. Unnathangalil (2001) as Joseph
  80. Karumadikuttan (2001)
  81. Kabani (2001)
  82. Thenthuli (2001)
  83. Pranayakalathu (2001)
  84. Kakki Nakshithrem (2001) as Sreedharan
  85. Chithrathoonukal (2001)
  86. Ennum Sambavami Yuge Yuge (2001)
  87. Varnnakazhchakal (2000)
  88. Rapid Action Force (2000) as Jail warden
  89. Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal (2000)
  90. Joker (2000)
  91. Madhuranombarakattu (2000)
  92. Mark Antony (2000)
  93. Ival Doupadi (2000)
  94. Aayiram Meni (1999)
  95. Udayapuram Sulthan (1999)
  96. Charlie Chaplin (1999)
  97. Magician Mahendralal from Delhi (1998) as Mammad
  98. Kanmadam (1998)
  99. Panchaloham (1998) as Karutha
  100. Thattakam (1998)
  101. Kulirkattu (1998)
  102. Thirakalkkappuram (1998)
  103. Manthri Maalikayil Manasammatham (1998)
  104. Kalyana Unnikal (1997)
  105. Kaliyoonjal (1997)
  106. Arjunan Pillayum Anchu Makkalum (1997)
  107. Hitler Brothers (1997)
  108. Junior Mandrake (1997)
  109. Sammanam (1997)
  110. Gajaraja Manthram (1997)
  111. Ekkareyanente Manasam (1997) as Sudhakaran
  112. Bhoothakannadi (1997)
  113. Anjarakalyanam (1997)
  114. Snehadoothu (1997) as Veeramani
  115. Kaduva Thoma (1997) as D'Cruz
  116. Poomarathanalil (1997) as Ambujakshan
  117. Shobanam (1997)
  118. Ikkarayante Manasam (1997)
  119. Kudamattom (1997)
  120. Mimics Action 500 (1996)
  121. Sathyabhaamaykkoru Pranayalekhanam (1996)
  122. Sallapam (1996)
  123. Saamoohyapadom (1996)
  124. Dominic Presentation (1996) as Father Joseph Medayil
  125. King Solomon (1996)
  126. Harbour (1996)
  127. Excuse Me Ethu Collegila (1996)
  128. Kinnam Katta Kallan (1996) as Constable Mathew Joseph
  129. Punnaram (1995)
  130. Puthukottyile Puthu Manavalan (1995)
  131. Mazhavilkoodaram (1995)
  132. Kokkarakko (1995)
  133. Special Squad (1995) as Kochaugasthy
  134. Agnidevan (1995)
  135. Oru Abhibhashakante Case Diary (1995)
  136. Vadhu Doctoranu (1994) as Chinnappan
  137. Pingami (1994)
  138. Manathe Kottaram (1994)
  139. Varabhalam (1994)
  140. Gothram (1994)
  141. Dollar (1994) as Vettukili Damodharan
  142. Kambolam (1994) as Kochappy
  143. Kadal (1994) as Lasar
  144. Varanamalyam (1994) as Mathai
  145. Ponnu Chami (1993)
  146. Saubhaagyam (1993)
  147. Customs Diary (1993) as Skariachan
  148. Aagneyam (1993)
  149. Vakkeel Vasudev (1993)
  150. Adheham Enna Idheham (1993)
  151. Sarovaram (1993)
  152. Koushalam (1993)
  153. Jackpot (1993)
  154. Venkalam (1993)
  155. Saubagyam (1993)
  156. Uppukandom Brothers (1993)
  157. Kanyakumariyil Oru Kavitha (1993)
  158. Pravaachakan (1993)
  159. City Police (1993)
  160. Utsava Melam (1992)
  161. Maanthrika Cheppu (1992)
  162. Kizhakkan Pathrose (1992)
  163. Kallan Kappalil Thanne (1992)....Appunni Mashu
  164. Annu Good Friday (1992)
  165. Ayalathe Adheham (1992)
  166. Ente Ponnu Thampuran (1992)
  167. Ezharaponnana (1992)
  168. Simhadhwani (1992)
  169. First Bell (1992)
  170. Welcome To Kodaikanal (1992)
  171. Poochakkaru Manikettum (1992)
  172. Oru Swapnam Pole (1992)
  173. Maanyanmar (1992)
  174. Neelakurukkan (1992)
  175. Congratulations Miss Anitha Menon (1992)
  176. Kasargod Khader Bhai (1992) as Mammooty
  177. Mr & Mrs (1992)
  178. Sandesham (1991)
  179. Kizhakkunarum Pakshi (1991)....Nanappan
  180. Mimics Parade (1991) as Mammooty
  181. Ganamela (1991) as Appukuttan
  182. Neelagiri (1991)
  183. Keli (1991)
  184. Maydinam (1991) as Coach Warrier
  185. Agninilavu (1991)
  186. Amina Tailors (1991) as Jabbar
  187. Uncle Bun (1991)
  188. Kalari (1991)
  189. Mahassar (1991) as Shivadasan
  190. Kadinjool Kalyanam (1991)
  191. Mookilla Rajyathu (1991)
  192. Daivasahayam Lucky Centre (1991)
  193. Kalamorukkam (1991)
  194. Georgootty C/O Georgootty (1991)
  195. Ponnaranjanam (1990)
  196. Enquiry (1990)
  197. Maydinam (1990)
  198. Mukham (1990)
  199. Kottayam Kunjachan (1990) as Anthru
  200. Indhanam (1989)
  201. Puthiya Karukkal (1989)
  202. Mahayanam (1989)
  203. Carnival (1989)
  204. Jeevitham Oru Ragam (1989)
  205. Kodugallur Bhagavathi (1989)
  206. Ammavanu Pattiya Amali (1989)
  207. Annakutty Kodambakkam Vilikkunnu (1989) as Maducakkuzhi Achan
  208. Prabhatham Chuvanna Theruvil (1989)
  209. Agnichirakulla Moham (1989) as Govindan
  210. V.I.P. (1989) as Kuttoos
  211. Pattana Pravesham (1988)
  212. Kandathum Kettathum (1988) as Sadananthan
  213. Moonnam Mura (1988)
  214. Athirthikal (1988)
  215. Sankhanadam (1988)
  216. Janmatharam (1988) as Karunan
  217. Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas (1988)
  218. Onninu Purake Mattonnu (1988) as Appu
  219. Loose Loose Arappiri Loose (1988)
  220. Janmandharam (1988)
  221. Ulsavapittennu (1988)
  222. Swargam (1987)
  223. Nirabhedangal (1987) as Krishan
  224. Agnimuhurtham (1987)
  225. Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormakku (1987)
  226. Ivare Sookshikkuka (1987)
  227. Mangalya Charthu (1987) as Pappan
  228. Kottum Kuravayum (1987)
  229. Athinumappuram (1987)
  230. Kalam Mari Katha Mari (1987) as Koya
  231. Revathikkoru Pavakkutty (1986)
  232. Pappan Priyappetta Pappan (1986)
  233. Oppam Oppathinoppam (1986) as Neelakandan
  234. Kunjattakilikal (1986)
  235. Naale Njagalude Vivaham (1986) as Mathachan
  236. Ennu Nadhante Nimmi (1986)
  237. Nyayavidhi (1986) as Mathunni
  238. Ente Entethumathrem (1986)
  239. Manjamantharangal (1986)
  240. Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku (1986)
  241. Adukkan Entheluppam (1986)
  242. Geetham (1986)
  243. Shyama (1986)
  244. Alorugi Arangorugi (1986)
  245. Moonnu Masagalkku Munbu (1986)
  246. Prathyekam Sradhikkukka (1986) ...Detective Veerabhadran
  247. Atham Chithira Chothi (1986) as Pushkaran
  248. Snehamulla Simham (1986)
  249. Veendum (1986)
  250. Padayani (1986)
  251. Icecream (1986)
  252. Rareeram (1986) as Aravindakshan
  253. Ponnumkudathinu Pottu (1986)
  254. Katturumbinum Kathukuthu (1986) as Johny
  255. Ithramathram (1986) as Augustine
  256. Oru Yugasandhya (1986) as Kuttappan
  257. Akalagalil (1986)
  258. Love Story (1986)
  259. Ninnishtam Ennishtam (1986)
  260. Upahaaram (1985) as Sundareshan
  261. Vellarikka Pattanam (1985)
  262. Premalekhanam (1985)
  263. Koodum Thedi (1985) as Vasu
  264. Akkare Ninnoru Maran (1985)
  265. Makan Ente Makan (1985)
  266. Oru Nokku Kanan (1985) as Vidyadharan Mashu
  267. Kandu Kandarinju (1985) as Kittan
  268. Maniyara (1985)
  269. Akkachide Kunjuvava (1985)
  270. Oru Kudakeezhil (1985) as Pushpangathan
  271. Scene No 7 (1985)
  272. Black Mail (1985)
  273. Akalathe Ambili (1985)
  274. Shantham Bheekaram (1985)
  275. Shatru (1985) as Thamarakshan/Kottada Vasu
  276. Thathamme Poocha Poocha (1984)
  277. Koottinilamkili (1984)
  278. Manithali (1984) as Subaid
  279. Vanitha Police (1984)
  280. Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984)
  281. Swantham Sarika (1984)
  282. Kaliyil Alpam Karyam (1984)
  283. Kadamattathachan (1984) as Ithappiri
  284. NH 47 (1984)
  285. Pavam Krooran (1984) as Mathulan
  286. Velichamillatha Veethikal (1984)
  287. Ethirppukal (1984)
  288. Theere Pratheekshikkathe (1984) as Karunan
  289. Vepralam (1984)
  290. Sreekrishnaparundu (1984)
  291. Belt Mathai (1983) as Kuttan Pilla
  292. Aana (1983) as Thomas
  293. Pourusham (1983)
  294. Mazhanilavu (1983) as Mathukutty
  295. Ee Yugam (1983)
  296. Rathilayam (1983) as Lonappan
  297. Thavalam (1983) as Vaasu
  298. Maniyara (1983) as Moideenkutty
  299. Kolakomban (1983)
  300. Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal (1983) as Kuruppu
  301. Coolie (1983)
  302. Pooviriyum Pulari (1982)
  303. Kakka (1982)
  304. Mylanchi (1982) as Moosa
  305. Ethiralikal (1982) as Pareed
  306. Komaram (1982)
  307. Kolakomban (1982)
  308. Ariyappedatha Rahasyam (1981) as Gopi
  309. Aarathi (1981)
  310. Greeshmajwala (1981) as Nair
  311. Swapnaraagam (1981)
  312. Sphodanam (1981) as Vasu Pilla
  313. Vayal (1981) as Naanu Nair
  314. Arayannam (1981) as Antony
  315. Sambavam (1981)
  316. Thadavara (1981) as Karnan
  317. Raktham (1981)
  318. Tharavu (1981) as Thanki
  319. Sphodanam (1981)
  320. Avatharam (1981) as Parasahayam Thankappan
  321. Itha Oru Dhikkari (1981) as Kumar
  322. Thakilu Kottampuram (1981) as Vasu
  323. Dhandha Yudham (1981)
  324. Oru Vilippadakale (1981)
  325. Daliyapookkal (1980)
  326. Kaavalmaadam (1980) as Rappai
  327. Adhikaram (1980) as Appukuttan
  328. Deepam (1980) as Subrahmanyam
  329. Arangum Aniyarayum (1980) as Ananthan
  330. Chakara (1980) as Kochu Pilla
  331. Thaliritta Kinakkal (1980)
  332. Eden Thottam (1980)
  333. Muthuchippikal (1980) as Sadashivan
  334. Aavesham (1979)
  335. Angakkuri (1979)
  336. Agnivyooham (1979)
  337. Kannukal (1979) as Kuruppu
  338. Madhurikkunna Rathri (1978)
  339. Samayamayilla Polum (1978)
  340. Madhuram Thirumadhuram (1976) as vakeel
  341. Sindooram (1976) - Debut film
  342. Olavum Theeravum (1970)
  343. Madhuvidhu (1970)
  344. Thokkukal Kadha Parayunnu (1968)
  345. Pathirapattu (1967)(uncredited role)
  346. Thalirukal (1967) (uncredited role)
  347. Ente Kunju (unreleased)

Television edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ "മാള അരവിന്ദൻ ഒടുവിൽ മരണത്തിന് കീഴടങ്ങി; മരണം വിളിച്ചത് ഹൃദയാഘാതത്തെ തുടർന്ന് ഒരാഴ്‌ച്".
  3. ^ "Manorama Online | Malayalam News | Latest News |". Archived from the original on 31 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  4. ^ "Manorama Online | Malayalam News | Latest News". Archived from the original on 31 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  5. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ^ "Kerala Local News | Thrissur | Local Features". Archived from the original on 2 February 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  7. ^ a b http://images.mathrubhumi.com/pdf/mala/mala_aravindan1.pdf[bare URL PDF]
  8. ^ "മലയാളത്തിന്റെ മാള - Mala Aravindan, മാള അരവിന്ദന്‍ || Mathrubhumi Special". Archived from the original on 29 January 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  9. ^ http://images.mathrubhumi.com/pdf/mala/mala_aravindan3.pdf[bare URL PDF]
  10. ^ "Actor Mala Aravindan is dead". 28 January 2015.
  11. ^ "Manorama Online | Malayalam News | Latest News |". Archived from the original on 31 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  12. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  13. ^ "Mala Aravindan passes away". Archived from the original on 30 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  14. ^ "Actor Mala Aravindan dies". Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  15. ^ "Actor Mala Aravindan passes away, Latest News - Mathrubhumi English News Online". Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  16. ^ "'Drishyam' Bags Kerala Film Critics Association Awards". Archived from the original on 21 February 2014.

External links edit