Mollywood actor and musician Pappukkutty Bhagavathar dies at 107

Mollywood actor and musician Pappukkutty Bhagavathar who is popularly known as 'Kerala Saigal' passed away today evening in Kochi at the age of 107. He took his last breath at his home in Perumpadappu, Kochi. He was born in March 29, 1912, and in 2013 he turned 100 years old.
Pappukkutty Bhagavathar started his career as an actor in the musical play ‘Vedhamani’.He was seven then. Later at the age of 17, he appeared in the garb of Mary Magdalene in a play based on Christ. He happened to share screen with Augustin Joseph, the father of K J Yesudas. He also imparted first lessons in music to Yesudas, a fact that the singer is most acknowledged in the music industry.
Pappukkutty Bhagavathar made his acting debut in movies with the 1950 release ‘Prasanna’. In the coming years, he appeared in about 25 movies. ‘Sthreehrudayam’, ‘Vilakuranja Manushyar’, ‘Oraal Koodi Kallanaayi’, ‘Shyaamala Chechi’ and ‘Vice Chancellor’ are some of the movies he has acted in. He has also acted alongside some of superstars in the industry including actors Sathyan,Thikkurisshi and Prem Nazir. 2010 release 'Marykkundoru Kunjadu' was the last movie Bhagavathar has crooned for. He has lent his voice for the song ‘Enttadukke Vannadukkum’.
Pappukkutty Bhagavathar's wife Baby passed away in 2017. Playback singer Selma George and actor Mohan Jose are their children. Veteran filmmaker KG George is his son-in-law.
(Image courtesy: Facebook)