Premji

Premji, whose birth name was Mullamangalath Parameshwaran Bhattathiripad was a national award winning Malayalam film actor.

Premji was born on 23 September 1908 in a Brahmin family in Vanneri, Malappuram, Kerala. It was a time when Kerala was experiencing a social upraising. The effect of that was visible in Premji's family and life as well. His brother M. R. Bhatathirippad, known publicly as MRB was a prominent figure in Malayalam professional plays. Premji got married at the age of 40 to Arya Antharjanam (30years old) from Kuriyedath Illam, who was a widow since the age of 17. Premji started his professional life as a proof editor in Mangalodayam press Trissur when he was 19. He soon launched his acting career with Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathakku, a play by eminent dramatist V. T. Bhatathirippad. Later, he acted in various plays: MRB's Marakkudakkullile Mahanagaram, Muthiringot Bhavathrathan Namboothiri's Apphante Makal, Cherukad's Nammalonnu and Snehabimbangal and P.R.Warrier's Chavittikkuzhacha Mannu are some of them. He won gold medal from the Government of Kerala for his performance in the play Shah Jahan, produced by Kalakaumudi Nataka Koottayma. He was also awarded a fellowship by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. With his expertise in plays, he ventured into film industry. He debuted in Minnaminungu and went on to act in about 60 films including Thacholi Othenen, Kunjali Marakkar, Liza, Yaagam, Utharayanan and Piravi. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor as well as Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance as a father in search of his missing son in Piravi(1988), directed by Shaji N. Karun. In addition to the much acclaimed play " Ritumathi" Premji has 4 collected verses to his credit as well namely Sapakthni, Nalkalikal, Raktha Sandesam and Premji Padunnu. He died on 10 August 1998. 

Prepared by: Dr. Susie Pazhavarical