Jagadish

P. V. Jagadish Kumar, popularly known as Jagadish is a Malayalam film actor and script writer. He became popular through performances in films such as Mukhachitram, In Harihar Nagar, Godfather, and Hitler. A post graduate rank holder, Jagadish's transition from a college lecturer to a film actor was a smooth one. He was a lead actor in a number
of movies in the 1990s and now gets character roles. He has unparalleled flair for comedy most notable in the movie In Harihar Nagar.

Jagadish was born to K. Parameshwaran Nair and P. Bhasurangi Amma on 12 June 1958 in Chenkal, Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Jagadish finished his formal education earning Master of Commerce degree with Kerala Univers ity first rank. Later he became a lecturer in a college in Thiruvananthapuram. He had dreams of becoming a film actor, so he took a long leave from his job to try his hand in films.

Jagadish debuted in films with a minor role in My Dear Kuttichathan (1984), which was India's first 3D film. Jagadish became an established actor with his roles in Mutharamkunnu P.O. (1985), Nandi Veendum Varika (1986), Manivatharile Aayiram Sivarathrikal (1987) and Vandanam (1989). In his early career, Jagadish wrote stories and
screenplays for a few films including superhits like Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986) (story), Manivathurile Aayiram Sivarathrikal (1987) (dialogue) and Adhipan (1989) (screenplay)[1]. Jagadish's performance as Appukkuttan in In Harihar Nagar (1990), directed by Siddique-Lal was highly acclaimed. Jagadish proved himself again with terrific comic timing with his role as Mayeen kutty in Godfather (1991), which also was directed by the same director duo. The scenes from films are still favoured a lot in TV comedy programmes. With the success of the above movies, Jagadish became one of the most popular actor in the early to mid 1990s. He acted in the leading role in more than 30 low-budget films some of which were successes in box office. He acted in family oriented movies Sthree dhanam, Bharya, Ponnaranthottathe Rajavu, Mr and Mrs etc. He also acted in slap stick comedies like Pavam IA Ivachan,
Kunukkitta Kozhi etc. Most of the movies he shared the hero role with the likes of Mukesh and Siddique. In his prime also, he acted in supporting roles with the super stars Mammootty, Mohanlal and Jayaram. The roles in Butter flies, Minnaminunginum Minnukettu and Jackpot earned loud aplause from the audience.

In late 90s and 2000s Jagadish failed to reinvent himself as an actor and continued doing the same kind of roles as his younger days which did not go well with the audience. Also new generation of comedy actors were aplenty. He did a lot of character roles in big movies and also started hosting for a comedy programme in Asianet. He played anchor role in some award functions also.

Jagadish has established the image of the comic hero who evokes spontaneous laughter with his own brand of humour. From comedy roles, Jagadish has moved on in to important roles that has made him dear to the audience. He is one of the few performers who are compatible both in front of the camera and on the stage in front of full audience. He comes alive on stage with his self mocking stances and improvised dialogues.

Jagadish got a vital break in his career in 2009 again with his infamous role of Appukkuttan in Harihar Nagar 2, a sequel to In Harihar Nagar. The movie went on to become a huge hit and Jagdish's Appukkuttan was again the star of the plot. This proved to be vital for Jagdish as he gets another opportunity as hero in another movie, Decent Parties. He is also planning to direct a movie with Mammootty in lead role.

Jagadish is married to Dr. P. Rama, a forensic professor in the Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. The couple has 2 daughters, Ramya and Soumya.

Prepared by: Winston Morris