Innocent Vareed Thekkethala (born 28 February 1948) is an Indian actor and politician. He predominantly works in Malayalam cinema in addition to
Hindi
Hindi ( Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt region encompassing parts of northern, central, eastern, and western India. Hindi has been ...
, English,
Tamil
Tamil may refer to:
* Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia
**Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils
**Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia
* Tamil language, nativ ...
, and
Kannada
Kannada (; ಕನ್ನಡ, ), originally romanised Canarese, is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by the people of Karnataka in southwestern India, with minorities in all neighbouring states. It has around 47 million native s ...
films, mostly in comedic roles. He has acted in more than 750 films and is considered one of the best comedians in Malayalam cinema. He has also appeared in villainous roles, such as in ''
Mazhavilkavadi
''Mazhavilkavadi'' () is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by Raghunath Paleri. It stars Jayaram, Sithara, Krishnankutty Nair, Urvashi, Innocent in the lead roles. This is one of the ve ...
municipal council
A municipal council is the legislative body of a municipality or local government area. Depending on the location and classification of the municipality it may be known as a city council, town council, town board, community council, rural counc ...
or of
irinjalakkuda
Irinjalakuda is a municipal town in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of
Irinjalakuda Revenue Division and Mukundapuram Taluk. After Thrissur, this town has most number of administrative, law-enforcement and judicial o ...
municipality. Innocent won the
2014 Lok Sabha elections
General elections were held in India in nine phases from 7 April to 12 May 2014 to elect the members of the 16th Lok Sabha. With 834 million registered voters, they were the largest-ever elections in the world until being surpassed by the 2019 ...
Left Democratic Front
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is an alliance of left-wing political parties in the state of Kerala, India. It is the current ruling political alliance of Kerala, since 2016. It is one of the two major political alliances in Kerala, the oth ...
(LDF). Innocent served as the president of the
Association of Malayalam Movie Artists
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (A.M.M.A) is an Indian organisation of film actors and actresses working in Malayalam cinema, formed in 1994.
Governing body
The governing body serves for three years. It includes a President, two Vice ...
(AMMA), a guild of Malayalam artists from 2003 to 2018. He has written books based on his memories, and columns in magazines and newspapers.
Early life
Innocent was born on 28 February 1948 to Vareed Thekkethala and Margaret in
Irinjalakuda
Irinjalakuda is a municipal town in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of
Irinjalakuda Revenue Division and Mukundapuram (tehsil), Mukundapuram Taluk. After Thrissur, this town has most number of administrative, law-enfor ...
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
), India. He is the fifth child and third son of his parents, who had eight children. He had his primary education at
Little Flower Convent Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda
Little Flower Convent Higher Secondary School in Irinjalakuda, in the Kerala state of India, was established by the sisters of the Congregation of Mother of Carmel (C.M.C). in 1923. It is the oldest and largest educational institution in Irinj ...
,
Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda
Don Bosco Higher Secondary School is a private, English-medium, co-educational school in Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India. It was established in March 1962 on the invitation of the late Bishop of Thrissur, George Alappatt.
It began as an English-me ...
, and Sree Sangameswara NSS School, Irinjalakuda. He studied till eighth grade and discontinued his studies as he could not cope with studying. Innocent went to Madras (then) for his acting career and worked there as a production executive and during that time he acted in a minor role in the movie ''Nellu'', which was one of his earlier movies. He fell ill and came to Davangere in the 1970s for treatment for Typhoid, where his cousins George (studying medicine at JJM Medical College), Davis, and his brother Sunny were running the Shamannur Match factory, in Davangere. Later, he was an active partner in the working of the factory. As Innocent was keen on the performance activities, he seized the opportunity to participate in Davangere, Kerala Samajam drama, and received audience approval in entertainment events.
He left Davangere in 1974, set up a
leather
Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hog ...
business, then a cycle renting business to make a living. Growing up, he had a few conflicts with his father, Vareed, because his brothers continued to have an excellent education and became successful doctors, lawyers, and judges. After some time, he joined politics and became Municipal councilor of Irinjalakuda.
Film career
Innocent's mannerisms and diction is unique in Malayalam cinema and he wildly caught the attention of the Malayalam audience. This made him almost a phenomenon in the Malayalam comedy scene, also making him a hot favorite for mimicry artistes. His popularity can be gauged from the fact that many frontline directors in Malayalam (like
Priyadarshan
Priyadarshan (born 30 January 1957) is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer who works predominantly in Malayalam and Hindi films, while also having done six films in Tamil and two films in Telugu. He has done about 31 films in ...
, Satyan Anthikkad, Fazil and Kamal) rarely make films without Innocent. He has proven his acting skills in serious and character roles in several films. He has been the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) for 12 years. He has held the post for the last four consecutive terms.
Innocent entered the film industry in 1972 with the movie ''Nrityashala''. At first, he produced a few serious offbeat films, but he was not successful. In the long span of his career, Innocent has worked in more than 500 films in a variety of roles, mainly in
Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 2 ...
. He has also acted in a few
Tamil
Tamil may refer to:
* Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia
**Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils
**Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia
* Tamil language, nativ ...
and
Hindi
Hindi ( Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt region encompassing parts of northern, central, eastern, and western India. Hindi has been ...
films.
Innocent played key comedy roles in superhits like '' Ramji Rao Speaking'', ''
Mannar Mathai Speaking
''Mannar Mathai Speaking'' is a 1995 Indian Malayalam-language comedy thriller film produced and directed by Mani C. Kappan and written by Siddique-Lal. The stars Mukesh, Innocent, Sai Kumar, Vani Viswanath, Biju Menon, Geetha Vijayan, K. P. ...
Vietnam Colony
''Vietnam Colony'' is a 1992 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film written and directed by Siddique-Lal. It stars Mohanlal, Innocent, Kanaka, and K. P. A. C. Lalitha. The soundtrack of the film was composed by S. Balakrishnan. The fil ...
Devaasuram
''Devaasuram'' () is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by Ranjith. It stars Mohanlal, Revathi, and Napoleon, with Innocent, V. K. Sreeraman, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Augustine in supporting ro ...
''. Innocent has also excelled in character and villain roles such as '' Keli'', '' Kathodu Kathoram''.
He proved his skills in other serious roles with a touch of laughter in films such as '' Kabooliwaala'', ''
Gajakesariyogam
''Gajakesariyogam'' () is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by P. G. Viswambharan and starring Innocent, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, and Mukesh. The film is about the struggles Nair faces after purchasing an elephant named Sreevidya from a ...
Mazhavilkavadi
''Mazhavilkavadi'' () is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by Raghunath Paleri. It stars Jayaram, Sithara, Krishnankutty Nair, Urvashi, Innocent in the lead roles. This is one of the ve ...
'', ''
Manassinakkare
''Manassinakkare'' (Beyond the Mind) is a 2003 Indian Malayalam family drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and written by Ranjan Pramod. It stars Jayaram, Sheela, and Nayanthara in the lead, while Innocent, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, K. P. A. C. ...
Rasathanthram
''Rasathanthram'' () is a 2006 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film written and directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and starring Mohanlal and Meera Jasmine, with Bharath Gopi,Innocent, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, and Mamukkoya in prominent roles. The ...
'', and ''
Mahasamudram
''Mahasamudram'' () is a 2006 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by S. Janardanan and produced by G. Suresh Kumar through Revathy Kalamandhir. It stars Mohanlal, Laila Mehdin, Innocent, Jagathy Sreekumar, and Rahman. Th ...
Manichitrathazhu
''Manichitrathazhu'' () is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language epic psychological horror film directed by Fazil, written by Madhu Muttam, and produced by Swargachitra Appachan. The film stars Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Shobana with Nedumudi Venu ...
''.
Innocent is one of the most imitated actors in Malayalam cinema and mimicry artists have brought him closer to women and children among his fans. The best example of this can be seen in the widely popular Maveli (
Mahabali
Mahabali (IAST: Mahābalī), also known as Bali, Indrasenan, or Māveli, is a daitya king featured in Hinduism. He is the grandson of Prahlada, and a descendant of the sage Kashyapa. There are many versions of his legend, in ancient texts such ...
) comedy cassettes which are brought out by various mimicry groups annually in association with the
Onam
Onam ( ) is an annual Indian harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the Hindus of Kerala. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events.
Onam commemorates Vamana ...
festival of
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
in the past few years. These cassettes satirise
Mahabali
Mahabali (IAST: Mahābalī), also known as Bali, Indrasenan, or Māveli, is a daitya king featured in Hinduism. He is the grandson of Prahlada, and a descendant of the sage Kashyapa. There are many versions of his legend, in ancient texts such ...
, a benevolent King in Kerala's mythology, who is supposed to visit his subjects in
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
every lunar year on the day of
Onam
Onam ( ) is an annual Indian harvest festival celebrated predominantly by the Hindus of Kerala. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events.
Onam commemorates Vamana ...
. These cassettes tend to portray Maveli (
Mahabali
Mahabali (IAST: Mahābalī), also known as Bali, Indrasenan, or Māveli, is a daitya king featured in Hinduism. He is the grandson of Prahlada, and a descendant of the sage Kashyapa. There are many versions of his legend, in ancient texts such ...
) as a comic King who gets into all sorts of troubles – the script makes use of many contemporary issues in
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
– on his annual arrival in Kerala. Mimicry artists use Innocent's voice to represent Maveli and all his mannerisms and idiosyncrasies in speech are deftly mimicked to generate laughter in the audience.
Innocent's participation in stage shows guarantees him a leading role as an anchor or performer. His Kathaprasangam (oratory combined with poetry) ''Olayaal Menjoru'' is one of the regulars in Gulf stage shows.
Books
Innocent has authored five books: ''Njan Innocent'', ''Cancer Wardile Chiri'', ''Irinjalakudakku Chuttum'' (memoirs), ''Mazha Kannadi'' (collection of short stories) and ''Chirrikku Pinnil'' (autobiography). ''Cancer Wardile Chiri'' (Laughter in the Cancer Ward) is an account of his experiences while undergoing treatment for throat cancer. ''Irinjalakudakku Chuttum'' won the
Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Humour
The Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Humour is an award given every year by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi (Kerala Literary Academy) to Malayalam writers for writing a book of humour of literary merit. It is one of the twelve categories of the Kerala ...
in
2020
2020 was heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to global social and economic disruption, mass cancellations and postponements of events, worldwide lockdowns and the largest economic recession since the Great Depression in t ...
. Innocent also writes columns in magazines and newspapers.
Politics
Innocent was the Thrissur District Secretary of the Revolutionary Socialist Party during the 1970s. He had contested in the
Irinjalakkuda
Irinjalakuda is a municipal town in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of
Irinjalakuda Revenue Division and Mukundapuram Taluk. After Thrissur, this town has most number of administrative, law-enforcement and judicial o ...
municipal council elections as Revolutionary Socialist Party-backed candidate in 1979 and had won that election. He was rumoured to be a
Left Democratic Front
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is an alliance of left-wing political parties in the state of Kerala, India. It is the current ruling political alliance of Kerala, since 2016. It is one of the two major political alliances in Kerala, the oth ...
(LDF)-supported independent candidate from the
Irinjalakkuda
Irinjalakuda is a municipal town in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of
Irinjalakuda Revenue Division and Mukundapuram Taluk. After Thrissur, this town has most number of administrative, law-enforcement and judicial o ...
2014 Lok Sabha elections
General elections were held in India in nine phases from 7 April to 12 May 2014 to elect the members of the 16th Lok Sabha. With 834 million registered voters, they were the largest-ever elections in the world until being surpassed by the 2019 ...
Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha, constitutionally the House of the People, is the lower house of India's bicameral Parliament, with the upper house being the Rajya Sabha. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by an adult universal suffrage and a first-p ...
Benny Behanan
Benny Behanan (born 22 August 1952) is an Indian politician from Kerala. He is a member of the Indian National Congress party who serves as Member of Parliament from Chalakudy (Lok Sabha constituency). He was the MLA of Thrikkakara Legislative ...
.
Personal life
He married Alice on September 26, 1976, and have a son, Sonnet. Sonnet is married, with two children, Innocent Jr and Anna. Innocent Jr has acted in a documentary as Innocent in childhood. Both Innocent and his wife are cancer survivors.
Ravanaprabhu
''Raavanaprabhu'' () is a 2001 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller drama film written and directed by Ranjith in his directorial debut. It is a sequel to the 1993 film ''Devaasuram'' written by Ranjith, directed by I.V. Sasi. The film st ...
* 2004 – Supporting Actor Award –
Vesham
''Vesham'' is a 2004 Malayalam-language film directed by V. M. Vinu, produced by Swargachithra Appachan in which Mammootty in lead role. Innocent and Gopika played other important roles.
Plot
The movie narrates the story of Appu ( Mammootty) ...
Rasathanthram
''Rasathanthram'' () is a 2006 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film written and directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and starring Mohanlal and Meera Jasmine, with Bharath Gopi,Innocent, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, and Mamukkoya in prominent roles. The ...
, Yes Your Honour
* 2008 – Supporting Actor Award –
Innathe Chintha Vishayam
''Innathe Chinthavishayam'' () is a 2008 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film written and directed by Satyan Anthikad. The film, produced by Antony Perumbavoor through Aashirvad Cinemas, stars Mohanlal and Meera Jasmine. The film's score ...
* 2010 - Character Actor Award -
Kadha Thudarunnu
''Kadha Thudarunnu'' () is a 2010 Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Sathyan Anthikad. The film stars Jayaram, Mamta Mohandas, Baby Anikha and Asif Ali .Snehaveedu, Swapna Sanchari
* 2013 – Lifetime Achievement Award
;Other awards
* 2004 -
Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Malayalam
The Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Malayalam films.
Winners
References
External links
{{DEFAULTSORT:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Ma ...
for
Manassinakkare
''Manassinakkare'' (Beyond the Mind) is a 2003 Indian Malayalam family drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and written by Ranjan Pramod. It stars Jayaram, Sheela, and Nayanthara in the lead, while Innocent, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, K. P. A. C. ...
* 2007 – Sathyan Award
* 2008 – Annual Malayalam Movie Award (Dubai) for Outstanding Performance
* 2013 – TTK Prestige-Vanitha Film Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award
* 2019 –He is Distributing Awards Realtors Investors Summit
Partial filmography
As actor
;Malayalam films
;Other language films
Story
* ''Pavam IA Ivachan'' (1994)
* ''Keerthanam'' (1995)
Producer
* ''
Vida Parayum Munpe
''Vida Parayum Munpe'' () is a 1981 Malayalam-language drama film directed by Mohan, written by John Paul and produced by Innocent and David Kachappilli. The film stars Prem Nazir and Nedumudi Venu in lead roles, while Lakshmi, Innocent, Bh ...
Ormakkayi
'' Ormakkayi '' (officially ''Ormakkyaie'') is a 1982 Malayalam drama film directed by Bharathan and written by John Paul. The film stars Madhavi, Bharath Gopi, Adoor Bhasi, Nedumudi Venu, Ramu, Krishnachandran and Kunchan in pivotal roles.
...
'' (1982)
* ''
Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback
''Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback'' () is a 1983 Malayalam-language film by K. G. George. The film was controversial because of the protagonist's similarities to the actress Shoba, whose suicide was highly publicized. In his biography, even tho ...