Uppum Mulakum's Kuttanpillai, KPAC Rajendran, passes away
KPAC Rajendran, fondly remembered as Padavalam Kuttanpillai, the beloved grandfather figure from the popular Malayalam sitcom Uppum Mulakum, has passed away. The veteran actor, who was undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment, breathed his last in Alappuzha.
Earlier rumors about his demise had circulated, but were promptly denied by his family.
KPAC Rajendran began his artistic journey as a theatre artist and had a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades on stage. He was notably recognized for his powerful role in the acclaimed play Ningalenne Communistakki, which established him respected figure in Malayalam theatre.
Despite his extensive theatre background, it was his portrayal of Padavalam Kuttanpillai, the father of Neelu in Uppum Mulakum, that won the hearts of television audiences across Kerala.
His character was a cherished part of the sitcom, known for its warmth and humor. Rajendran had recently returned to the series in its third season, delivering an emotional scene where Kuttanpillai purchases the Paramada Veedu in the names of Keshu, Shivani, Parukutty, and Lechu, touching many viewers deeply.
In addition to his television work, KPAC Rajendran played a lead role in the serial Pavithram and appeared in the Malayalam film Minnaminungu.
The sad news of his passing was shared by Uppum Mulakum co-star Alsabith, who mournfully wrote, 'Our Grandpa is gone.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Kalabhavan Navas laid to rest in Aluva, hundreds pay respects
Kochi: Scores of people from various walks of life, including prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, paid their last respects to popular mimicry artist and actor Kalabhavan Navas when his body was kept for public homage at his residence and Town Juma Masjid in Aluva on Saturday. The mortal remains were interred at Town Juma Masjid around 6pm, in the presence of his family members and others. Navas was found unconscious in a hotel room in Chottanikkara on Friday night. He was taken to a nearby hospital where his death was confirmed due to heart failure. He was staying at the hotel after the last day of shooting for the upcoming Malayalam movie 'Prakambanam'. On Saturday, his body was taken to his residence on the Aluva-Perumbavoor road, around 1pm, after postmortem was conducted at the Ernakulam govt medical college hospital. His colleagues in the industry, including Lal, Sidique, Ramesh Pisharody, Sharafudheen, Bindu Panickar, Saikumar, Kalabhavan Shajon, K S Prasad, Kottayam Nazeer and others, paid their last respects. The autopsy report confirmed that Navas's death was due to heart failure. Signs of a previous heart attack were also found during the postmortem. Navas was found collapsed near the door of his hotel room, which was not locked. Actor Vinod Kovoor said in a Facebook post that Navas experienced chest pain on the set during shooting. Despite calling a doctor, they continued shooting to avoid disruption. TNN Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Kerala unveils draft film policy; focus on financial framework, gender equality, global presence
Thiruvananthapuram, The Kerala government on Saturday unveiled a draft film policy at the two-day Malayalam film conclave here, with a focus on establishing a transparent financial framework for the industry and promoting gender equality. Kerala unveils draft film policy; focus on financial framework, gender equality, global presence According to the draft, film production and exhibition will be designated as an industry, enabling access to various incentives and easing financing processes. "The recognition of film production as an industry will bring multiple advantages, enhancing transparency and promoting social responsibility within the sector," the policy stated. The government aims to ensure opportunities for all sections of society to contribute to Malayalam cinema's growth, positioning it as a key global stakeholder and preserving its cultural heritage for future generations. The vision statement outlines the goal of building a strong visual communication ecosystem, ensuring equality across related sectors, and transforming Kerala into a regional production hub by adopting advanced technology and increasing the industry's contribution to the state's GDP. The draft notes that India is the world's largest film producer, with over 2,000 releases annually. Hindi cinema leads with about 400 films a year, followed closely by Malayalam with approximately 300. In 2015, India was the fourth-largest film market globally, with theatrical revenue of USD 2.1 billion. Between 2016 and 2021, the Indian film industry grew at an annual rate of 7.7 per cent. The film industry is optimistic about cinema exhibition prospects this year, with experts estimating theatrical revenue for 2023 in India at around ₹12,000 crore. Kerala alone recorded box office collections exceeding ₹2,000 crore in 2023, the draft said. The policy affirms the government's commitment to continued dialogue with various film industry associations, supporting demands for better wages, job security, medical benefits, and insurance. A general financing incentive scheme for Malayalam cinema will be introduced, with specific provisions for women and marginalised communities. The draft also encourages the production of other Indian languages and foreign films in Kerala. A dedicated film development fund will support promotional and humanitarian initiatives outlined in the policy. A venture capital fund for film production, with private participation and crowdfunding options for socially relevant films, will be created and managed by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation . To promote an equitable work environment, the state will issue detailed guidelines and best practices for the film industry. A single-window film facilitation centre will be established to streamline all shooting-related permits in the state. A Film Development Council, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and co-chaired by Culture Minister Saji Cherian, with an industry representative as vice-chairman, will be established as the apex body to oversee the development of the film industry. The council will monitor industry activities and recommend policy interventions to the state cabinet as required. The draft policy was distributed among delegates and will be discussed in detail during the two-day conclave, which concludes on Sunday, official sources said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 contestant Binny Sebastian: Everything about the Geetha Govindam actress
Binny Sebastian, a doctor turned actress, is set to enter Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7. After completing her MBBS in China, a chance encounter led to her debut in the television serial 'Geetha Govindam,' where she gained popularity. She is married to actor Noobin Johny and is also known for her modeling and social media presence. Actress and doctor Binny Sebastian is all set to make her much-anticipated entry into the Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 house. With a background in medicine, an emerging career in acting, and a growing fan base as a model and social media personality, Binny brings a truly multi-faceted personality to the show. Hailing from Changanacherry in Kottayam, Binny aka Dr. Josephine, completed her early education in Kerala. Driven by her passion for medicine, she pursued her MBBS degree in China. However, destiny had other plans. During her medical studies, a chance outing changed the course of her life. Binny's unexpected foray into the Malayalam television industry happened when she accompanied her husband, actor Noobin Johny (popular for his role in Kudumbavilakku), to an award function. Spotted by the team at the event, she was soon offered the lead role in the serial Geetha Govindam. Despite initial hesitation, she took the leap, and it paid off. In Geetha Govindam, Binny portrayed Geethu, a bold yet bubbly young woman who falls for a businessman named Govind, played by actor Sajan Surya. Her convincing performance and warm on-screen chemistry with Sajan won over viewers and critics alike, quickly earning her a fan following. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Interestingly, Binny's acting debut predates her TV career. She made a brief appearance in the Mammootty-starrer Thoppil Joppan, playing the childhood version of Mammootty's love interest in the song 'Poovithalai.' Off-screen, Binny shares a heartwarming love story with Noobin Johny. After seven years of dating, the couple tied the knot, and their save-the-date photoshoot went viral, making Binny a familiar face even before her television debut. Apart from serials, Binny has appeared in music albums and continues to make waves with her striking photoshoots. Known for her chic fashion sense, she's highly active on social media, where her modeling content garners praise from fans.
