Pappukutty Bhagavathar

Pappukutty Bhagavathar was born on March 29, 1913 to Michael and Anna, in Vaippinkara, Kochi.

It was as a seven-year-old child artist in a musical named ‘Vedamani’ that Pappukutty made his entry into the cultural field.

Later, along with Augustine Joseph, father of KJ Yesudas, Bhagavathar acted in Artist PJ Cherian’s (producer of Nirmala) Mishiha Charitram, playing the role of Magdalana Mariam. He also won acclaim with his the role of Snapaha Yohannan in the same play. Pappukutty Bhagavathar acted in about 37 plays in all.

It was during his theater days that those at Pakshiraja Studios recognized his talent and offered Pappukutty Bhagavathar a role in their production ‘Prasanna’. He also sang ‘Vidhiyude Leela’ for this movie, thus becoming a movie actor and singer at the age of 37. In ‘Karutha Kai’, he sang Kallane Vazhiyil Mutti along with KJ Yesudas. He sang a duet Kanne Karale with noted actress and singer Sreelatha in ‘Ashachakram’. Although he sang in the movie Deepam, to music set by Chidambaranathan, the movie was never completed.

After Prasanna, Pappukutty Bhagavathar acted in Guruvayoorappan, Sthreehridayam, Muthalali, Oraal Koodi Kallanaayi, Vila Kuranja Manushyar, Anju Sundarikal, Viruthan Shankhu, Padicha Kallan, Shyamalachechi, Aadyakiranangal and Kattukurangu. The last film he acted in was Vice Chancellor.

Pappukutty Bhagavathar created history by singing for the 2010 released Marykkundoru Kunjadu at the age of 98, sixty years after he sang his first song for a movie. The song ‘Entadukke Varum’ was a huge hit. He is probably the only singer in Indian cinema to sing playback at this ripe old age.

Pappukutty Bhagavathar lives with wife Baby. His children are singer Salma George married to Director KG George, Mohan Jose (actor), Sabu, Sally and Jeevan.

Prepared by: Remitha Satheesh