Kalabhavan (
lit. "The House of Arts"), also known as Cochin Kalabhavan, is a centre for learning performing arts in
Kochi, India. ''Kalabhavan'' is notable and known for being the first organized performing
mimicry
In evolutionary biology, mimicry is an evolved resemblance between an organism and another object, often an organism of another species. Mimicry may evolve between different species, or between individuals of the same species. Often, mimicry f ...
group in
Kerala and which popularised the art of mimicry in the state of Kerala. Ever since its founding, Kalabhavan has served as a grooming centre for acting aspirants. Hence, Kalabhavan has contributed numerous actors as well as film directors to
Malayalam cinema
Malayalam cinema is an Indian film industry of Malayalam-language motion pictures. It is based in Kochi, Kerala, India. The films produced in Malayalam cinema are known for their cinematography and story-driven plots. In 1982, ''Elippathayam' ...
.
Founded on 3 September 1969, by
C.M.I.
The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate ( la, Congregatio Fratrum Carmelitarum Beatae Virginis Mariae Immaculatae) abbreviated CMI, formerly also known as the Servants of Mary Immaculate ( ml, അമലോത്ഭവ ദാസ സംഘം), is a Cath ...
priest
Fr. Abel
Abel Periyappuram (born Periyappuram Mathan Vaidyar Mathew, 19 January 1920 – 27 October 2001), commonly known as Fr. Abel, was an Indian Syro-Malabar Church, Syro-Malabar Catholic Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, CMI priest, journalist, and ly ...
, with the help of K. K. Antony, a music teacher, and
K. J. Yesudas
Kattassery Joseph Yesudas (born 10 January 1940) is an Indian playback singer and musician who sings Indian classical, devotional and film songs. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of Indian Music and also as a ...
, then a budding playback singer, started Kalabhavan as the Christian Arts Club to promote Christian music, what Kalabhavan initially took up was producing Christian religious songs. Later they moved on to ''Ganamela'' (Concerts for film songs).
Mimicry performances of individual artists were used as 'fillers' in between stage programs. Later, mimicry was organized as a team event to form the now popular ''Mimics Parade''.
The professional mimicry troupe of Kalabhavan began with a team of 6 consisting of
Siddique,
Lal, Anzar, K. S. Prasad Varkkichan and Rahman (comedy actor). It was this team that invented ''Mimics Parade'' in the present form. ''Harisree'' is the other notable mimics troupe in Kerala.
In 2015, Kalabhavan opened its
UAE centre at
Sharjah.
Notable alumni
(In chronological order)
*
Siddique, director
*
Lal, actor and director
*
Zainuddin
*
Jayaram
*
Kalabhavan Rahman
*
Harisree Ashokan
*
Dileep
*
Nadirshah
*
Kalabhavan Abi
*
N. F. Varghese
Nadakkaparambil Francis Varghese (6 January 1950 – 19 June 2002) was an Indian actor who worked in Malayalam film industry. He began his career as a mimicry artist in Kalabhavan, acting in minor roles, but later he turned to strong villain r ...
*
Kalabhavan Mani
*
Salim Kumar
*
Kalabhavan Shajohn
*
Narayanankutty
*
Thesni Khan
*
Hakim Rawther
*
Bindu Panicker
*
Machan Varghese
*
Sujatha Mohan
Sujatha Mohan (credited as Sujatha) is an Indian playback singer who is popular for singing in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies. She has also sung for Kannada, Badaga, Hindi and Marathi movies. In a career spanning 48 years, she has recorde ...
*
Kalabhavan Navas
* Rafi of
Rafi Mecartin duo
* Mecartin of
Rafi Mecartin duo
* Berny of
Berny-Ignatius duo
*
Kalabhavan Haneef
References
{{authority control
Indian impressionists (entertainers)
Arts of Kerala
Culture of Kochi
Performing arts education in India
Art schools in India
1969 establishments in Kerala