Murali

Murali (25 May 1954 - 6 August 2009) was an Indian actor and author. He mainly acted in Malayalam and Tamil films. He won the National Award for best actor for his portrayal of a freedom fighter and professional weaver in the film Neythukaran. He was also a stage actor and television serial actor. He was known for his powerful portrayal of character roles, lead roles, and negative roles.
Besides acting, he was the chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy from 2006 until death. He also authored five books, and was also a Sangeetha Nataka Academy award winner. He contested the 1999 Lok Sabha polls as a communist candidate without success.
Murali was born on 25 May 1954 as the first child of P. Krishna Pillai and K. Devaki Amma at Kudavattoor, Kollam, Kerala, India. He did his schooling from Kudavattoor L. P. School and Thrikannamangalam S. K. V. High School. He passed the pre-degree from M.G. College, Thiruvananthapuram and his Degree from Devaswom Board College, Sasthamkotta. He was an active member of the Students Federation of India. He took an Ll. B degree from the Thiruvananthapuram Law Academy. After studies, he worked for some years as Lower Division Clerk in the Department of Health, Government of Kerala and as Upper Division Clerk in the office of Kerala University.
Murali debuted into films with the lead role in Njattadi, directed by Bharath Gopi. But the film was never released. He then got chance to act in Chidambaram, directed by the national award winning filmmaker Aravindan. He then acted in Meenamasathile Sooryan and Panchagni, directed by the noted film makers Lenin Rajendran and Hariharan, respectively. Panchagni got released first and it gave him the break in his acting career. He soon established himself as a powerful actor in the Malayalam film industry. Adharam, directed by George Kittu, was the first film to be released with Murali in lead role. He acted in a variety of roles, ranging from lead roles to villain roles, and won accolades. Some of his other notable films include Nee Ethra Dhanya, Dhanam, The King," Pathram", Veeralippattu, Achan Kombathu Amma Varambathu, Meenamasathile Sooryan, Swarnam, and The Truth.
Murali acted in the longest TV commercial ever on Indian TV, spanning 150 seconds. This was for Air Deccan in 2005.
Murali was actively involved with Natyagriham, a drama venture started by actor Narendra Prasad. Murali won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ravana in the Malayalam play Lanka Lakshmi, which was based on C. N. Sreekantan Nair's novel of the same name.
Murali authored five books. His book on Kumaranasan, Abhinethavum Asante Kavithayum (Actor and Asan's Poetry) won him the Sangeetha Nataka Academy award. One of his other critically acclaimed books was Abhinyathinte Rasathanthram (Chemistry of Acting).
Murali contested the 1999 Lok Sabha polls from the Alappuzha constituency as a Left Democratic Front candidate, but lost to V. M. Sudheeran of Indian National Congress.
Murali died in Thiruvananthapuram on 6 August 2009 at the age of 55, due to acute diabetes which led to a heart attack at 8.20 PM IST.
Awards

National Award For the best actor: Neythukaran (2001)
Kerala state award for best actor: Adharam (1992), Kanakinavu (1996), Thalolam (1998), and Neythukaran (2001).
Kerala State Award for best supporting actor: Amaram (1989), Veeralipattu & Pranayakaalam (2007)
FilmFare award
Madras Film fans Award
Kerala Film Critics Award
Shivaram award
Best columnist award: For his feature "Vyazhaporul" in Malayala Manorama newspaper.

Prepared by: Dr. Susie Pazhavarical