Bahadoor
Encyclopedia
Bahadoor born P. K. Kunjalu, was a Malayalam film comedian
who, along with Adoor Bhasi
, redefined the way in which comedy and funny scenes were perceived in Malayalam cinema. They made a significant contribution toward establishing comedy as the predominant genre of Malayalam cinema. Bahadoor also appeared in some serious roles and in professional plays
.
, British India. as one of the nine children of Padiyath Blangalil Kochumoideen and Khadeeja. Out of his eight siblings, seven were sisters. His family was financially poor and the seven young women added to the burden as the Kerala
social system openly supported dowry at that time. He had affinity towards plays from very young age itself. He passed 10th Standard with First Class and joined Farook College, Calicut
for Intermediate. He could not complete his studies due to financial troubles and had to start working for a living. He found his first job in a private bus as the bus conductor. He still wished to be an actor. He met Thikkurussi Sukumaran Nair through a relative. Thikkurussi gave him the chance to act in films and renamed him Bahadoor.
and got established as a good actor. Bahadoor got his first break with his role as Chakkaravakkal in Neela Production's Padatha Painkili
. The film which went on to become a big hit marked Bahadoor's presence in the industry. Then there was no turning back. He along with Adoor Bhasi
formed a box-office ruling combination and the duo is being compared to Laurel and Hardy
. Bahadoor became hero in Neelasari and Mucheettu Kalikkarante Makal.
Bahadoor found time in acting in plays as well. He partnered a play production theatre which made blockbuster plays like Manikyakkottaram and Ballatha Pahayan. These plays were later made into feature films by him.
Bahadoor started a black and white
processing studio in Trivandrum named K. C. Lab. But the studio's erection was ill-timed as films were shifting to colour. This caused financial troubles for Bahadoor and finally the studio was taken over by people to whom Bahadoor was indebted. Bahdoor also started a film distribution
company only to face failures. He produced few films all of which failed at the box office
. Even with his commercial debacles from the industry, he could meet his family's monetary requirements and mark his presence in the field of acting.
Bahadoor was last seen in Lohithadas
's Joker (2000). He did the role of a mentally ill veteran joker in a circus camp. In the film, he commits suicide by letting himself in to the lion's cage in the circus den.
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
who, along with Adoor Bhasi
Adoor Bhasi
Adoor Bhasi was an Indian film actor and film director from Kerala. Adoor Bhasi was almost always cast as the man who stands next to the hero. His hilarious actions and roles became the cynosure of comic scenes in the Malayalam films of the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s. He is also famous for his...
, redefined the way in which comedy and funny scenes were perceived in Malayalam cinema. They made a significant contribution toward establishing comedy as the predominant genre of Malayalam cinema. Bahadoor also appeared in some serious roles and in professional plays
Play (theatre)
A play is a form of literature written by a playwright, usually consisting of scripted dialogue between characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading. There are rare dramatists, notably George Bernard Shaw, who have had little preference whether their plays were performed...
.
Early life
Bahadoor was born as P. K. Kunjalu in 1930 in Kodungalloor, near ThrissurThrissur
This article is about the city in India. For the district, see Thrissur district. For the urban agglomeration area of Thrissur see Thrissur Metropolitan Area...
, British India. as one of the nine children of Padiyath Blangalil Kochumoideen and Khadeeja. Out of his eight siblings, seven were sisters. His family was financially poor and the seven young women added to the burden as the Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
social system openly supported dowry at that time. He had affinity towards plays from very young age itself. He passed 10th Standard with First Class and joined Farook College, Calicut
Farook College, Calicut
Farook College is a center of higher education in Kozhikode, a district of Kerala, India. Its creation marked a breakthrough in the renaissance of Kerala Muslims.- The beginning :...
for Intermediate. He could not complete his studies due to financial troubles and had to start working for a living. He found his first job in a private bus as the bus conductor. He still wished to be an actor. He met Thikkurussi Sukumaran Nair through a relative. Thikkurussi gave him the chance to act in films and renamed him Bahadoor.
Career
Bahadoor made his debut with a minor role in Avakasi (1954). At that time he also acted in Akashavani and amateur-professional playsPlay (theatre)
A play is a form of literature written by a playwright, usually consisting of scripted dialogue between characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading. There are rare dramatists, notably George Bernard Shaw, who have had little preference whether their plays were performed...
and got established as a good actor. Bahadoor got his first break with his role as Chakkaravakkal in Neela Production's Padatha Painkili
Padatha Painkili
Padatha Painkili is a 1957 Malayalam social drama film based on the novel of the same name by Muttathu Varkey and directed by P. Subramaniam from a screenplay by Varkey. The film is a social drama that revolves around marriage and dowry problems...
. The film which went on to become a big hit marked Bahadoor's presence in the industry. Then there was no turning back. He along with Adoor Bhasi
Adoor Bhasi
Adoor Bhasi was an Indian film actor and film director from Kerala. Adoor Bhasi was almost always cast as the man who stands next to the hero. His hilarious actions and roles became the cynosure of comic scenes in the Malayalam films of the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s. He is also famous for his...
formed a box-office ruling combination and the duo is being compared to Laurel and Hardy
Laurel and Hardy
Laurel and Hardy were one of the most popular and critically acclaimed comedy double acts of the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema...
. Bahadoor became hero in Neelasari and Mucheettu Kalikkarante Makal.
Bahadoor found time in acting in plays as well. He partnered a play production theatre which made blockbuster plays like Manikyakkottaram and Ballatha Pahayan. These plays were later made into feature films by him.
Bahadoor started a black and white
Monochrome
Monochrome describes paintings, drawings, design, or photographs in one color or shades of one color. A monochromatic object or image has colors in shades of limited colors or hues. Images using only shades of grey are called grayscale or black-and-white...
processing studio in Trivandrum named K. C. Lab. But the studio's erection was ill-timed as films were shifting to colour. This caused financial troubles for Bahadoor and finally the studio was taken over by people to whom Bahadoor was indebted. Bahdoor also started a film distribution
Film distribution
The distribution of a film is the process through which a movie is made available to watch for an audience by a film distributor...
company only to face failures. He produced few films all of which failed at the box office
Box office
A box office is a place where tickets are sold to the public for admission to an event. Patrons may perform the transaction at a countertop, through an unblocked hole through a wall or window, or at a wicket....
. Even with his commercial debacles from the industry, he could meet his family's monetary requirements and mark his presence in the field of acting.
Bahadoor was last seen in Lohithadas
Lohithadas
Ambazhathil Karunakaran Lohithadas was an Indian screenwriter, director, and producer known for his extensive work in Malayalam cinema....
's Joker (2000). He did the role of a mentally ill veteran joker in a circus camp. In the film, he commits suicide by letting himself in to the lion's cage in the circus den.
Awards
Kerala State Film Awards:- Second Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Second Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor winners:- Best Comedy Artist :The Kerala State Film Award for Best Comedy Artist winners:-References:**...
- 1973 - Madhavikutty - Second Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Second Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor winners:- Best Comedy Artist :The Kerala State Film Award for Best Comedy Artist winners:-References:**...
- 1976 - Aalinganam, Thulavarsham
- Best Comedy Artist - 1970 - Various films
- Best Comedy Artist - 1972 - Various films
Death
On 22 May 2000 around 10 am, Bahadoor felt severe chest pain and was taken to Vijaya Hospital. He died in the hospital by 3 pm due to internal bleeding in his brain.Selected filmography
- Kandam Bacha KotteKandam Bacha KotteKandam Becha Kottu is an Indian film in Malayalam language by T. R. Sundaram, starring Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair and Aranmula Ponnamma. It is the first colour film in Malayalam. Based on a popular novel, which was also staged as a play under the same title, the screen version in Eastman colour...
(1961) - Chitra Mela (1967) .... (segment "Penninte Prapancham")
- BalyakalasakhiBalyakalasakhi (film)Balyakalasakhi is a 1968 Malayalam film directed by Sasikumar. It is an adaptation of Basheer's famous novel of the same name....
(1967) - AgniputhriAgniputhriAgniputhri is a 1968 Malayalam language film directed by M. Krishnan Nair and written by S. L. Puram Sadanandan. It stars Prem Nazeer, T. S. Muthaiah, Adoor Bhasi, T. K. Balachandran, Bahadoor, S. P. Pillai, Jose Prakash, Sheela, Vasantha, T. R. Omana, Aranmula Ponnamma, Meenakumari and Baby Usha....
(1967) - KadalpalamKadalpalamKadalpalam is a 1969 Malayalam language film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan. Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Jayabharathi, Sheela, Bahadoor and Adoor Bhasi star in the lead. The film is an adaptation of the very popular professional stage play of the same name authored by the renowned dramatist K. T....
(1969) - Vazhve Mayam (1970)
- Aranazhikaneram (1970)
- CID Nazir (1971) .... Pappu
- Maravil Thirivu SookshikkukaMaravil Thirivu SookshikkukaMaravil Thirivu Sookshikkuka is a Malayalam language film. It was released in 1972....
(1972) .... Puncture Antony - Panitheeratha VeeduPanitheeratha VeeduPanitheeratha Veedu is a 1973 Malayalam language film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan. It stars Prem Nazir, Nanditha Bose, Baby Sumathi, N. Govindankutty, Veeran and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. It is an adaptation of Parappurath's 1964 novel of the same name. It won the Kerala State Film Awards for Best...
(1973) - NelluNelluNellu may refer to* Nellu , a landmark Malayalam film starring Prem Nazir* Nellu , a Tamil drama film...
(1974) .... Seythali - Thomashleeha (1975)
- Rathi Nirvedham (1978) .... Kochammani
- Theekkadal (1980) .... Shekharan Pillai
- Sakthi (1980) .... Paramu Pillai
- LavaLava (film)Lava is a 2001 British black comedy directed by Joe Tucker.The film competed at the Alexandria International Film Festival, Filmfest Oldenburg, Austin Film Festival and Rome Independent Film Festival in 2000.-External links:...
(1980) .... Govindan - Aravam (1980) .... Murukayya
- Vilkkanundu SwapnangalVilkkanundu SwapnangalVilkkanundu Swapnangal is a 1980 Malayalam drama film directed by Azad, written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and starring Sukumaran in the lead role. The film features Mammootty, as an antagonist in a supporting role. Voice for Mammootty in this film was dubbed by Sreenivasan.-Plot:To supported his...
(1980) .... Mammukka - PalangalPalangalPalangal is a 1982 Malayalam film written by John Paul Puthusery and directed by Bharathan starring Nedumudi Venu, Zarina Wahab, Bharath Gopi and Shankar...
(1981) .... Varkey - KathayariyatheKathayariyatheKathayariyathe is a 1981 Malayalam language film. It was directed by Mohan....
(1981) .... Raman Nair - Sara Varsham (1982) .... Ravunni Nair
- Ponnum Poovum (1982) .... Khadir
- Kurukkante KalyanamKurukkante KalyanamKurukkante Kalyanam is a 1982 Malayalam film that dwells on love that transcends age barriers, told with a deft touch of humor and simplicity in narrative. It is about a shy,timid and introverted Sivasubrahmania Hariramachandran who falls head over heels for the petite and spunky Saritha,...
(1982) .... Soopi Hajiyar - Piriyilla Naam (1984) .... Vareechan
- Ivide ThudangunnuIvide ThudangunnuIvide Thudangunnu is 1984 Malayalam film directed by Sasikumar and starring Mohanlal, Rahman and Balan K. Nair in pivotal roles.-Plot:Krishnakumar is orphan and a policeman who lived with his younger sister Sheela.Sheela falls in love with her classmate Babu and Krisnha accepts him as his brother...
(1984) .... Kurup - AppunniAppunniAppunni is a 1984 Malayalam romantic comedy film written by V. K. N. and directed by Sathyan Anthikad. The film is based on V. K. N.'s story Premavum Vivahavum. The lead roles are played by Nedumudi Venu, Menaka, Bharath Gopi, Mohanlal and Sukumari....
(1984) .... Hajiyar - AdiyozhukkukalAdiyozhukkukalAdiyozhukkukal is a 1984 Malayalam drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair; starring Mammootty, Seema, Mohanlal, Balan K. Nair, Vincent and Rahman in the main roles...
(1984) .... Muni Kakka - Koodum ThediKoodum ThediKoodum Thedi is a Malayalam film starring Mohanlal, Radhika, Rahman, Nadia Moidu, Soman, Thilakan, Sankaradi etc. Written by S. N. Swamy and Rajmohan, the film is directed by Paul Babu, and features music by Jerry Amaldev. The cinematography has been handled by P. C...
(1985) .... Judy's Father - Janakeeya Kodathi (1985) .... Suma's Father
- Azhiyatha Bandhangal (1985) .... Easwara Pillai
- Adhyayam Onnu MuthalAdhyayam Onnu MuthalAdhyayam Onnu Muthal is a 1985 Malayalam drama film written by John Paul, directed by Sathyan Anthikad and starring Madhavi, Mohanlal, Soman , Balan K. Nair and Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Venu Nagavalli and Bahadur.-Plot:...
(1985) .... Maash - Makan Ente Makan (1985) .... Sankan Nair
- Anu Bandham (1985) .... Madhavan
- Ente Kanakkuyil (1985) .... Sankara Pillai
- Kathodu KathoramKathodu KathoramKaathodu Kaathoram is a 1985 Malayalam movie, made in India, by Bharathan and starring Mammootty and Saritha.-Plot:The movie is about a young man Louis who is taken in by the central woman protagonist Marykutty , who herself is a victim of a bad marriage.-Cast:*Mammootty ... Louis*Nedumudi Venu...
(1985) .... Paily - Pappan Priyapetta Pappan (1986) .... Padmanaban/Pappan
- Revathikkoru PavakkuttyRevathikkoru PavakkuttyRevathikkoru Pavakkutty is a 1986 Malayalam film by Sathyan Anthikkad starring Bharath Gopi, Mohanlal and Radha.-Synopsis:...
(1986) .... Ayyappan Pillai - Oppam Oppathinoppam (1986)
- Adukkan Entheluppam (1986) .... Peter
- Naradhan Keralathil (1987) .... Kuttan Pillai
- AnantaramAnantaramAnantaram is a 1987 Malayalam feature film production written and directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Mammootty, Ashokan and Shobhana star in the lead. The film is structured like a monologue. It develops through a commentary by the protagonist about himself in the first person...
(1987) .... Mathai - AranyakamAranyakamAranyakam is a 1988 Malayalam film directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, and starring Saleema, Devan and Vineeth. The film was produced by B. Sasikumar. Music was composed by Raghunath Seth, lyriced by O. N. V. Kurup, and vocals by K. J. Yesudas, and K. S...
(1988) .... Nanu - Oru CBI Diary KurippuOru CBI Diary KurippuOru CBI Diary Kurippu is a 1988 Malayalam film directed by K. Madhu, scripted by S. N. Swamy, and starring Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jagathy Sreekumar....
(1988) .... Thomachan - Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam (1989) .... Kunju Krishna Kaimal
- Orukkam (1990) .... Kumaran
- Oliyampukal (1990) .... T. P. Chackochan
- KilukkampettiKilukkampettiKilukkampetti is a Malayalam film released in 1991 starring Jayaram and Suchitra Krishnamoorthi. Shaji Kailas directed this film. Baby Shamili, Jagathy Sreekumar, Saikumar, Innocent etc. also did significant roles in the film.- Plot :...
(1991) .... Muthachan - Soorya GayathriSoorya GayathriSoorya Gayathri is a 1992 Malayalam film directed by Anil, written by John Paul, and starring Mohanlal in the lead role. The film is essentially a revenge story, the story of a father who goes after the murderers of his son.-Plot:...
(1992) .... Kunjali - MaloottyMaloottyMalootty is a 1992 Malayalam drama film by Bharathan, starring Jayaram, Urvashi and Shamili who is the younger sister of Shalini. It based on the rescue of Jessica McClure in 1987 events set in the 1980s when a girl was trapped in a hole; she later survived after many hours. The title drawings were...
(1992) .... Kuttan Pillai - SphadikamSphadikamSpadikam is a 1995 Malayalam film written and directed by Bhadran, starring Mohanlal in the role of a real life rowdy Thomas Chacko aka Aadu Thoma. The film was critically acclaimed, and was also a blockbuster and received cult-fan following. The film's name "Spadikam" means prism, which is a...
(1995) .... Kurup - Vanarasena (1996) .... Lambodaran
- Man of the Match (1996)
- JokerJoker (2000 film)Joker is a 2000 Malayalam film directed by Lohithadas, starring Dileep, Manya and Nishanth Sagar in the lead roles.-Plot:Royal Circus, owned by Govindan , is on rocks. With the help of his manager Khader , Govindan just manages to run the company, though not in a satisfactory manner...
(2000)
External links
- A short biography (in Malayalam)
- An article published in Janayugam (in Malayalam)
- Bahadoor at MSI