Rajan P Dev

Rajan Paulose Dev (20 May 1953 - 29 July 2009) was an Indian film and stage actor. He was born in Cherthala in the Alappuzha district of the former state Thiru-Kochi (present day Kerala). He had acted in over 140 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada language films. He was noted for his villain roles laced with a touch of humour. He came into limelight for his characterisation of Kochuvava in the play Kattukuthira. Rajan P. Dev died in Kochi Wednesday 29 July 2009.

Rajan P. Dev, born to noted stage actor S. J. Dev and Kuttyamma, started his acting career with various professional play troupes in Kerala. His father remained one of his major influences. He was noted for his performances in various plays in the troupe of senior stage actor N. N. Pillai. He was casted by S. L. Puram Sadanandan to do the pratogonist role of Kochuvava in his play Kattukuthira. The play, which was staged in over 100 venues and Dev became immensely popular all over Kerala. Along with his his successful stage career, Dev launched his film career. Despite his success in films, he maintained a steady relationship with stage plays. He founded the play troupe Jubilee Theatres; and for its plays he did creative contributions in various departments. The last play by Jubilee Theatres, a satire titled Amminipuram Gramapanchayat had its lyrics and music by Dev.

Dev launched his film career with Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku (1983), directed by Fazil. When his superhit play Kattukuthira was made into a film, the role went to Thilakan. Dev expressed his disappointment on this in a magazine interview, which caught the attention of director Thampy Kannanthanam. He invited Dev to play the villain role of Carlos in his film Indrajalam (1990), starring Mohanlal. Just like his character Kochuvava, Carlos also became immensely popular so much so that for some years since then Dev was often referred to as Carlos, much like Keerikkadan Jose another popular villain character of that time. The role of Carlos proved to be career defining for Dev, as he was showered with villain roles in a number of films.

Several of Dev's villain roles had a touch of comedy, but could not get out of the typical villain character mould. He got a break from this with Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava (1995) dirceted by Rajasenan, in which he played Aniyan Bava, the younger brother to Chettan Bava, played by Narendra Prasad. The film established his versatility. He went on to act in full fledged comedy roles after it, most notably in films Sphadikam (1995), Thommanum Makkalum (2005) and Chota Mumbai (2007). He still continued to act his his signature villain roles. He expanded his career to Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films starting with Gentleman (1993), directed by S. Shankar. He acted in over 50 films in those languages, most of which were villain roles. Out of about 150 films he acted in, about 35 of the roles he played were of corrupt police officers, another testimonial to the several typecasted roles he had to act in. Dev has directed three films: Achammakuttiyude Achayan (1998), Maniyarakkallan and Achante Kochumolku (2003). He was planning to direct two more films titled Kayal Rajavu and Simham, starring Mammootty and Jayasurya, respectively.

Rajan P. Dev died in Kochi Wednesday 29 July 2009 at 6.30 in the morning. He was admitted at Lakeshore hospital after vomiting blood. He was under treatment for liver disease for a long time. He is survived by his wife Santha, daughter Ashamma and son Jibile Raj. Funeral ceremony was held on Thursday, at 11 am at St. Xavier's church, Angamaly. The last film that he had acted was Ee Pattanathil Bhootham, directed by Johny Antony.

Prepared by: Dr. Susie Pazhavarical