NN Pillai

Born in Vaikom, kerala in 1918 as the son of Narayana Pillai and Parukkuttyamma, he countered the bitter realities of life even from his childhood days. Being the son of a village officer he did his schooling from many parts of the state. Following his failure in Intermediate at CMS College, kottayam he eloped to Malaysia where he worked as an estate manager. During the World War II he joined Netaji’s Indian National Army in 1939 and was in force till 1945. He scripted his first play “Thanthiya Thopi" when he was working with the INA. At the end of the war he returned to his native place. After two years he went back to Malaysia with his family. On his return, he formed a drama troupe “Viswa Kerala Kala Samithi” comprising mostly of his family members.

Having written over 28 plays, 23 one act plays, two theoretical studies on theatre and an autobiography “ Njan “, Mr.Pillai is undoubtedly a legend in Malayalam theatre and art. His plays "Potter Kunjali", "Cross Belt" and "Kapalika" have been made into movies in malayalam. In the movie Kapalika, Mr. Pillai potrayed the same role he enacted in his play. He stopped acting in 1987 due to illness. But later he acted in two mainstream Malayalam films “Godfather” and “Nadody” which were huge blockbuster hits. Mr.Pillai also acted in the telugu and tamil remake of Godfather; Pedharikkam and Periyavar respectively. Smt. Omana, Pillai’s sister was the main driving force behind him. In all his dramas he reserved a role for her. His wife Chinnamma also has appeared in some of his earlier plays. He has two daughters Sulochana and Renuka; and son VijayaRaghavan who is a prominent film actor. N.N.Pillai died at the age of 77 at Kottayam Medical College due to bronchial pneumonia. His troupe “Viswa Kerala kala Samithi” continued to stage his plays until 2005. Mr.Pilliai is still remembered in the hearts of millions of drama and art lovers through his powerful and unforgettable plays.

Courtesy:
nnpillai.com

Prepared by: Dr. Susie Pazhavarical