G. Keshava Pillai (July 1924 – 31 December 2021) was an Indian actor and army and naval officer known for his work in Malayalam cinema. He was active for 65 years, acting in more than 325 Malayalam films, and is known for revolutionising the role of the antagonist in

Indian cinema The Cinema of India consists of motion pictures produced in India, which had a large effect on world cinema since the late 20th century. Major centers of film production across the country include Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, ...

and

television Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertisin ...

. He was known for his acclaimed villain roles in Vadakkanpattu action films, historical films and other action films during the 70s and 80s. He took also many notable roles in family-focused films and TV shows. He is the only actor during the 80s to have accomplished most of his stunts in films without the use of stunt doubles.

Life and career

Pillai was born in Chirayinkeezhu in July 1924 to Perumpaattathil Govindapillai and Saraswathi Amma. He received his primary education from Chirayenkeezhu Sree Chithira Thirunal High School. He was married to the late Princess of Edava, Ulpalakshiyamma, and has six children named; K Prathapachandran, Sreekala R Nair, Sreelekha Mohan, Sreekumari B Pilla, Chandramohanan and K Priyadarshanan. His debut movie was

Snehaseema ''Snehaseema'' is a 1954 Malayalam film, directed by S. S. Rajan and written by Ponkunnam Varkey based on his own novel of the same name, which is a retelling of L. A. Tennyson's ''Enoch Arden'' in the context of Kerala culture. The lead roles w ...

in 1954. He joined Indian military before entering films. He served in both the Indian Army and the Indian Navy, and is a decorated veteran of WWII. After a long career in films, he began to act in TV serials too. His TV debut was in the serial 'Aakaasaththile Paravakal ', directed by Madhupal and telecast in

Kairali TV Kairali TV is an Indian Malayalam-language general entertainment television channel owned by Kairali TV Network (Malayalam Communications Limited). It is headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram. It was launched on 17 August 2000. The channel is ...

. He later appeared in many TV serials. His portrayal in the serial ' Kumkumapoovu' got wide attention. Princess Ulpalakshiamma, his wife, died in 2011. Pillai died at his home in Edava on 31 December 2021 at the age of 97.

Awards

G. K. Pillai has secured hundreds of awards in his career, but notably received these prestigious awards: *2005 Best Character Actor (for his role in serial :Megham)–Asianet television awards * 2011 Madras Film Fans Association * 2011 Jayan Ragamalika Award * 2011 Prem Nazir Award * 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award (for his role in Kumkumapoovu )- Asianet Television Awards 2012 *2016 Lifetime Achievement Award (for his roles in several serials )- Flowers Television Awards *2018 Lifetime Achievement Award (for his roles in several serials )- Janmabhoomi Television Awards

Filmography

(1954) as Pooppally Thomas * Manthravaadi (1956) * Deva Sundari (1957) * Achanum Makanum (1957) * Minnunnathellam Ponnalla (1957) *

Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu ''Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu'' ( ml, നായരു പിടിച്ച പുലിവാല്) is a 1958 Malayalam film directed by P. Bhaskaran and written by Uroob based on his own story "Business". Ragini and Sathyan play the lead roles, ...

(1958) as Gopi * Arappavan (1961) * Jnaana Sundari (1961) as King Shimayon * Ummini Thanka (1961) as Raman Thampi * Shree Rama Pattabhishekam (1962) * Vidhi Thanna Vilakku (1962) * Veluthambi Dalawa (1962) * Swargarajyam (1962) * Snapaka Yohannan (1963) as Pilate * Kalayum Kaaminiyum (1963) * Kadathukaran (1965) as Rajan * Rajamalli (1965) * Kavyamela (1965) as Dr.Panikkar * Kalithozhan (1966) * Puthri (1966) as Chackochan *

Sthanarthi Saramma ''Sthanarthi Saramma'' is a 1966 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and produced by T. E. Vasudevan. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sheela, Adoor Bhasi and Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai. It was released on 2 December 1966. ...

(1966) as Thomachan * Kanakachilanka (1966) * Tharavattamma (1966) as Madhavankutty * Kadamattathachan (1966) * Ashwamedham (1967) as Mohanan's Father * Bhagyamudra (1967) * Ollathu Mathi (1967) * Pooja (1967) * Chithramela (1967) * Paathira Pattu (1967) * Kottayam Kolacase (1967) * Cochin Express (1967) *

Kanaatha Veshangal ''Kaanatha Veshangal'' is a 1967 Cinema of India, Indian Malayalam language, Malayalam film, directed by M. Krishnan Nair (director), M. Krishnan Nair and produced by K. P. Kottarakkara. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sheela, Sukumari and Jayabharat ...

(1967) * Inspector (1968) *

Punnapra Vayalar ''Punnapra Vayalar'' is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed and produced by Kunchacko. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sheela, Adoor Bhasi and P. J. Antony in the lead roles. The film had musical score by K. Raghavan. Cast *Prem Naz ...

(1968) as SI Rajan * Lakshaprabhu (1968) * Kaayalkkarayil (1968) * Anchusundarikal (1968) * Padunna Puzha (1968) as Govinda Pilla * Agnipareeksha (1968) as Krishna Kuruppu * Danger Biscuit (1969) as K.J.Pillai *

Kannoor Deluxe ''Kannur Deluxe'' is a 1969 Indian Malayalam-language thriller film, directed by A. B. Raj Antony Basker Raj (25 June 1930 – 23 August 2020), also known as A. Bhaskar Raj, was an Indian director of Malayalam movies. Career From 1951 t ...

(1969) as K B Pilla *

Moodalmanju ''Moodalmanju'' is a 1970 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Sudin Menon and produced by C Vasudevan Nair. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sheela, Adoor Bhasi and P. J. Antony in the lead roles. The film had musical score by Usha Khanna. Cast *Pre ...

(1970) as Chandrasekharan Nair * Naazhikakkallu (1970) * Ezhuthaatha Kadha (1970) * Othenente Makan (1970) as Kunkan * Lottery Ticket (1970) * Mindaapennu (1970) as Kunjikelu Menon * Kaakkathampuraatti (1970) * Vimochanasamaram (1971) * Agnimrigam (1971) * Yogamullaval (1971) * Panchavan Kaadu (1971) as Thanu Pilla * Aromalunni (1972) *

Nrithasaala ''Nirthasala'' is a 1972 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by A. B. Raj and produced by Sobhana Parameswaran Nair. The film stars Prem Nazir, Jayabharathi, Innocent and Adoor Bhasi in the lead roles. The film had musical score by V. Daks ...

(1972) as Vamban Velayudan * Maaya (1972) as Panki Pilla *

Jesus Jesus, likely from he, יֵשׁוּעַ, translit=Yēšūaʿ, label= Hebrew/ Aramaic ( AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth (among other names and titles), was a first-century Jewish preacher and religiou ...

(1973) *

Thenaruvi ''Thenaruvi'' is a 1973 Indian Malayalam language, Malayalam film, directed and produced by Kunchacko. The film stars Prem Nazir, Vijayasree, Adoor Bhasi, G. K. Pillai (actor), G. K. Pillai and K. P. Ummer in the lead roles. The film had musical ...

(1973) * Football Champion (1973) as John Stephen *

Ponnapuram Kotta Ponnapuram is a village in the Dharapuram taluk within the Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu, India. Agriculture is the main occupation along with vegetable exporting and the generation of power using windmills. The village has a population ...

(1973) * Thumbolarcha (1974) as Udayappa Chekavar *

Durga Durga ( sa, दुर्गा, ) is a major Hindu goddess, worshipped as a principal aspect of the mother goddess Mahadevi. She is associated with protection, strength, motherhood, destruction, and wars. Durga's legend centres around c ...

(1974) * Udyaanalakshmi (1976) * Seemanthaputhran (1976) * Light House (1976) * Aval Oru Devaalayam (1977) * Sreemad Bhagavadgeetha (1977) * Kaduvaye Pidicha Kiduva (1977) * Thacholi Ambu (1978) * Kadathanaattu Maakkam (1978) * Aanakkalari (1978) *

Aanappaachan ''Aanappaachan'' is a 1978 Indian Malayalam film, directed by A. Vincent and produced by Boban Kunchacko. The film stars Prem Nazir, Jayan, Sheela and Adoor Bhasi in the lead roles. The film has musical score by G. Devarajan. Cast *Prem Nazi ...

(1978) * Raju Rahim (1978) * Irumbazhikal (1979) as Sankara Pilla *

Choola ''Choola'' is a 1979 Cinema of India, Indian Malayalam language, Malayalam film, directed by J. Sasikumar. The film stars M. G. Soman, Manavalan Joseph, Bhavani, P. J. Antony and Sankaradi in the lead roles. The film has musical score by Raveen ...

(1979) *

Lava Lava is molten or partially molten rock (magma) that has been expelled from the interior of a terrestrial planet (such as Earth) or a moon onto its surface. Lava may be erupted at a volcano or through a fracture in the crust, on land or un ...

(1980) as Police officer *

Paalaattu Kunjikkannan ''Paalattu Kunjikannan'' is a 1980 Indian Malayalam-language film directed and produced by Boban Kunchacko. The film stars Prem Nazir, Jayan and Jagathy Sreekumar. The film has musical score by G. Devarajan. Plot Palattu Kunjikannan (Prem Nazir ...

(1980) *

Chora Chuvanna Chora ''Chora Chuvanna Chora'' is a 1980 Indian Malayalam film, directed by G. Gopalakrishnan. The film stars Raghavan, G. K. Pillai, Jalaja and Kuthiravattam Pappu in the lead roles. The film has musical score by G. Devarajan. Cast *Madhu Malini ...

(1980) * Chandrahaasam (1980) * Deepam (1980) *

Vedikkettu ''Vedikkettu'' () is a 1980 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by K. A. Sivadas and produced by Thevannur Maniraj and Santha Gopinathan Nair. The film stars Sukumaran, Jalaja, Prameela and Ramesh in the lead roles. The film has musical sco ...

(1980) * Sanchari (1981) as Keshavan * Avathaaram (1981) as Parameshwaran Pilla * Valarthumrigangal (1981) * Manassinte Theerthayaathra (1981) * Orikkalkkoodi (1981) * Ankuram (1982) *

Ee Nadu ''Ee Nadu'' is a 1982 Indian Malayalam-language political film directed by I. V. Sasi, written by T. Damodaran and produced by N. G. John. The film stars Balan K. Nair with Mammootty, Ratheesh, and T. G. Ravi in supporting roles. The music scor ...

(1982) as Joshi John * Padayottam (1982) * Vidhichathum Kothichathum (1982) * Jambulingam (1982) * Rathilayam (1983) *

Iniyenkilum ''Iniyengilum'' () is a 1983 Indian Malayalam-language social problem film directed by I. V. Sasi, written by T. Damodaran and produced by N. G. John. It stars Mohanlal, Ratheesh, Lalu Alex, Ranipadmini, Seema, and Mammootty. The film features ...

(1983) * Aazhi (1985) * Vellam (1985) * Kulambadikal (1986) *

August 1 Events Pre-1600 *30 BC – Octavian (later known as Augustus) enters Alexandria, Egypt, bringing it under the control of the Roman Republic. *AD 69 – Batavian rebellion: The Batavians in Germania Inferior (Netherlands) revolt under ...

(1988) * Ee Raavil (2001) * Kanavu (2002) * Madhuram (2002) * Koottu (2004) * Mukhamariyaathe (2006) * NaalU Pennungal (2007) * Thathwamasi (2009) * Njaan Sanchaari (2010) * Kaaryasthan (2010) * The Metro (2011) * Warning (2012) * Anavaranam (2012) * Manikya Thamburattiyum Christmas Carolum (2013) * Loka Samastha (2015) * Elinjikkavu PO (2015) * Chirakodinja Kinavukal (2015) * Thinkal Muthal Velli Vare (2015) *Vishwa Vikhyatharaya Payyanmar (2017) *Nimisham (2018) *Ente Sathyanweshana Pareekshakal (2019)

Television

* 2001 - Porutham ( Surya TV) * 2005 - Kadamattathu Kathanar (TV series) ( Asianet) * 2004 - Megham ( Asianet) * 2006 - Ammamanassu ( Asianet) *2009-2010- Ente Manasaputhri ( Asianet) *2009-Pakalmazha (

Amrita TV Amrita TV is an Indian Malayalam Language general Entertainment television channel owned by Mata Amritanandamayi Math. It was launched in 2005. Theme song The theme song, "Lokasamastha," was composed by Rahulraj for Mata Amritanandamayi's 50t ...

) * 2010 - Autograph ( Asianet) * 2010- Mattoruval ( Surya TV) * 2011- 2014 - Kumkumapoovu ( Asianet) * 2011- Ividam Swargamanu ( Surya TV) * 2011- Veera Marthanda Varma ( Surya TV) * 2012- Manasaveena (

Mazhavil Manorama Mazhavil Manorama is an Indian Free-to-air Malayalam general entertainment television channel operated and owned by Malayala Manorama Television (MMTV), the publisher of the widely circulated ''Malayalam Manorama'' daily, and the Malayalam wom ...

) * 2013- Chattambi Kalyani( Jai hind) * 2014- Avalude Katha ( Surya TV) * 2015- Dhathuputhri (

) * 2015- Spandhanam ( Surya TV) * 2017-2018 : Mamangam (Flowers TV) * Aanineyum Pennineyum Kurichu (DD Malayalam) - telefilm * 2019 -Thamarathumbi - ( Surya TV)

References

External links

*
G. K. Pillai at MSI
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pillai, G. K. 1924 births 2021 deaths Indian male film actors Male actors from Thiruvananthapuram Male actors in Malayalam cinema 20th-century Indian male actors 21st-century Indian male actors Indian male television actors Male actors in Malayalam television