Narendra Prasad

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Narendra Prasad was a popular Indian movie actor, playwright, director, teacher and literary critic. He studied at Bishop Moore College, Mavelikkara for Pre-degree and at NSS College, Pandalam, for his degree (in Mathematics) and Institute of English, University of Kerala for post-graduation in English Language and Literature. A voracious reader in Malayalam and English, Narendra Prasad distinguished himself as a potential man of letters even as a degree student. He used to take part in the Malayalam and English literary discussions, debates and competitions organised at the college and university levels, and won prizes.

Narendra Prasad started his career as a college teacher; he joined Bishop Moore College in 1967 as lecturer in English. He got into government service in 1968, and worked as Lecturer at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad, and Govt. Arts College, Trivandrum, and as Professor at University College, Thiruvananthapuram. In 1989 while working as Professor of English at University College, he was selected for the prestigious post of Director, School of Letters of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. He continued in this post till his demise. He is survived by his wife,Nanda Prasad, and two daughters Deepa and Nrutha.

Narendra Prasad's love of theatre prompted him to create "Natyagriham", a drama troupe, in the early 1980s. He composed, directed and produced plays for the troupe. Some of those who associated themselves with "Natyagriham" later became great actors in Malayalam films-- 'Bharat' Murali, Gopakumar, Aliyar Kunju and Rashid, to name a few. Kaithapram Damodaran Nambudiri, the noted Malayalam lyricist, used to compose music for the troupe."Sowparnika" a play written & directed by him won the Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award in many categories in 1983.Other productions include"Velliyazcha", "Sanidasa", "Marthandavarma Engane Rakshapettu","Moonu Prabhukkanmar","Satheerthian " etc

Prasad's noted literary works include the novel "Alanjavar Anveshichavar" , the critical works entitled "Nishedhikalae Manasilakku", "Adhunikathinte Madyanu", "Ente Sahitya Nirupanangal", "Jadi Paranjal Enthe", and the critically acclaimed and award-winning play "Souparnilka". It is as a playwright and critic that Prasad became known in the Malayalam literary world. He won the Sangeetha Nataka and Sahitya Akademi awards for his contributions to drama.

Narendra Prasad got into the tinsel world while working at the School of Letters. He earned recognition as a talented actor with his powerful portrayal of semi-villanous characters. His hit films include Thalasthanam,Paithrukam, Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans, Ekalavyan, Yadavam, Ulsava Melam, Njangal Santhushtaranu", Ustaad, Vazhunnor, Krishnaguddiyile Oru Pranayagatha and Susanna. He acted in over 150 films, winning the State Award for the 'Best Supporting Actor' for "Paithrukam".

Towards the second half of the nineties he ventured into television. Shayama Prasad's tele-film Perupazhyile Kariyilakayal, was Prasad's first venture on the small screen.

Prepared by: Dr. Susie Pazhavarical