Poojappura Ravi Wiki, Age, Death, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More

Poojappura Ravi (1936-2023) was an Indian actor who is known for appearing in comedy characters mostly in Malayalam films. He acted in approximately 4,000 stage plays and over 800 films.

Wiki/Biography

Poojappura Ravi ^[1]The Hindu was born as Raveendran Nair on Wednesday, 28 October 1936 (age 83 years; at the time of death) in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Travancore, British Raj. His zodiac sign was Scorpio. He did his schooling at Am Hss Thirumala High School, Thiruvananthapuram. He became famous for his exceptional voice and the way he spoke his lines. He started his career as a performer when he was in school and focused on radio plays. People quickly recognized his voice because he participated in many radio plays for children that were broadcasted by Akashvani. When he was 12 years old and studying in the seventh grade, he was selected as one of 15 people to take part in Aagasavani. After finishing his studies in the eleventh grade, he started acting in a theatre group called ‘Kalastanyam Drama Vision.’ He had a small role in a play called Oralakudi Kallanai and earned 500 rupees per month for his acting. He was married and was a father when he was earning such a small amount. At first, he didn’t find much success in the film industry, so he took on other jobs to make a living. However, his career took a positive turn when he was reintroduced to the theatre by Mr Achari. He became a part of well-known plays such as Raktharakshassu and Kayamkulam Kochunni, which helped him gain popularity and establish himself in the theatre industry.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 5″

Hair Colour: Grey

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Madhavan Pillai and his mother’s name is Bhavaniyamma. He has three siblings.

Wife & Children

He was married to Thankamma. She passed away a few years before Poojappura’s death. His son’s name is Hari Kumar. His daughter’s name is Lakshmi.

Career

Film

In 1975, he made his debut with the Malayalam film Bhaaryaye Aavashyamundu.

His last film before his death was Pokkiri Simon in 2017.

He appeared in other Malayalam films including Ammini Ammaavan as Swami (1976), Enikkum Oru Divasam as Thankappan (1982), Kali karyamaai: Crime Branch as Shankara Pilla (1989), Achaneyanenikkishttam as Chettiyar (2001), and Isaac Newton S/O Philipose (2013).

Television

In 1993, he made his television debut with the Malayalam serial Kittunni Ammavan Vannu. He appeared in the Mahathma Gandhi Colony (2000) (Surya TV), Kadamattathu Kathanar (2004) (Asianet), Swami Ayyappan (2006) (Asianet), Bhaamini Tholkarila (2009) (Asianet), Kadamattathachan (2011) (Surya TV), Melappadam (2016) (Doordarshan), and Aluvayum Mathikariyum (2016) (Asianet Plus).

Award

In 2012, he won JAYAN Award.

Death

He died on 18 June 2023 due to an age-related illness in Marayur, Idukki, Kerala. ^[2]The Times of India Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, Higher Education Minister Dr R Bindu and former ministers KK Selja and G Sudhakaran expressed condolences on Ravi’s death. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also took to Facebook and said,

Condolences on the demise of famous actor Poojapura Ravi. He entered the field of art by conquering the hearts of theatre lovers. The actor, who had a lot of fans across Kerala, entered the film world later and went on to win the hearts of people through the portrayal of comic characters. Poojapura Ravi followed an expressive acting style. His demise is a great loss to the art and culture scene. Condolences to his family and colleagues.”

Facts/Trivia

• His stage name was Poojappura Ravi. ^[3]The Statesman Inspired by the renowned theatre artist Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair, he decided to adopt this stage name.

• In 2022, after residing in Poojapura for 40 years, he decided to move and live with his daughter Lakshmi in Munnar Marayur. This decision came after his son Harikumar relocated to England with his own family.