Featured BiographyImage source: StarsUnfolded
Quick Info
Date of birth28 October 1936
Age83 (at time of death)
BirthplacePoojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Travancore, British Raj
ProfessionActor
NationalityIndian
Marital statusWidower
SpouseThankamma
FamilyChildren: Son - Hari Kumar; Daughter - Lakshmi
Poojappura Ravi Biography
Poojappura Ravi, born Raveendran Nair in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, was a prolific Malayalam actor known for his comic roles and distinctive voice. As
Early life and backgroundRaveendran Nair was born on 28 October 1936 in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, then part of Travancore in the British Raj. He attended Am Hss Thirumala High School and completed his studies up to the eleventh standard. From an early age he showed interest in performance: at about 12 years old he was selected among a small group to participate in Akashvani, and he became involved in radio plays for children that helped establish his recognizable voice.
Career
Raveendran Nair adopted the stage name Poojappura Ravi under the influence of theatre artist Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair and built a long career across stage, radio, television and film. He began acting with a theatre company called Kalastanyam Drama Vision, where one of his first marked engagements was a minor role in the play Oralakudi Kallanai. Over the years he appeared in thousands of stage productions and hundreds of films, developing a reputation for comic timing and a distinctive delivery that audiences remembered.
His film debut came in 1975 with the Malayalam movie Bhaaryaye Aavashyamundu. Over the following decades he appeared in many notable Malayalam films, including Ormakal Marikkumo (1977) where he played Vaidyar, Swapname Ninakku Nandi (1983) as Pachu Pilla, Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988) as Mathai, American Ammayi (1999) as Keshu Nair, and Darvinte Parinamam (2016) as a priest. His last credited film role was in Pokkiri Simon (2017).
On television he appeared in a range of serials and programmes across Malayalam channels. His television work included the 1993 programme Kittunni Ammavan Vannu and serials such as Mahathma Gandhi Colony (2000), Kadamattathu Kathanar (2004), Swami Ayyappan (2006), Bhaamini Tholkarila (2009), Kadamattathachan (2011), Melappadam (2016) and Aluvayum Mathikariyum (2016). Across his career he was active in both mainstream cinema and the theatre circuit: he is reported to have performed in around 4,000 stage plays and acted in more than 800 films.
Public profile
Poojappura Ravi was best known for his work in comic roles within Malayalam cinema and for his expressive vocal style. His contributions to stage and screen earned him recognition later in life, including the JAYAN Award in 2012. In the final years of his life he moved from the Poojapura neighbourhood where he had lived for four decades to live with his daughter in Munnar Marayur.
Personal life
He married Thankamma and was the father of a son, Hari Kumar, and a daughter, Lakshmi. He was a widower at the time of his death. His parents were Madhavan Pillai and Bhavaniyamma, and he had three siblings.
Latest updates
Poojappura Ravi passed away on 18 June 2023 in Marayur, Idukki, Kerala, at the age of 83. Reports attributed his death to age-related illness. Following his passing, several political leaders and public figures offered condolences and paid tribute to his long career in theatre and film. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan commented on Ravi’s ability to win the hearts of theatre and film audiences and described his death as a loss for the arts and culture community.
Legacy
Across a career that spanned stage, radio, television and film, Poojappura Ravi became a familiar presence to Malayalam audiences through both the volume of his work and a distinctive performance style. His long involvement in theatre and frequent appearances in films and serials left a substantial body of work that continued to be remembered after his death.
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Recent Work
Last credited film role
2017Role: Priest
2016Television serial appearance
2016Career Highlights
- Stage name adopted under the influence of Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair
- Debuted in Malayalam cinema with Bhaaryaye Aavashyamundu (1975)
- Acted in around 4,000 stage plays and more than 800 films
- Received the JAYAN Award in 2012
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Poojappura Ravi born?
Poojappura Ravi was born on 28 October 1936.
What is Poojappura Ravi known for?
Poojappura Ravi is known for actor.
What is Poojappura Ravi’s marital status?
Poojappura Ravi's marital status is listed as Widower.
Who is Poojappura Ravi married to?
Poojappura Ravi is publicly listed as married to Thankamma.

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