G. K. Pillai (actor)

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 and television.[1][2][3] 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.

G. K. Pillai
Born
G Keshava Pillai

July 1924
Chirayinkeezhu, Kingdom of Travancore, British India
Died31 December 2021 (aged 97)
Edava, Kerala, India
Occupation(s)Film actor, military officer
Years active1954–1988, 2001–2019
SpousePrincess Ulpalakshiyamma (deceased)
Children6

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.[4][5] His debut movie was Snehaseema in 1954.[6] 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. 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.[7][5][8]

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

Television

References
  1. Kumar, P. K. Ajith (31 December 2021). "A towering presence in Malayalam cinema for seven decades". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  2. "Veteran Malayalam actor G K Pillai Passes Away At 97". Outlook (Indian magazine). Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  3. ലേഖകൻ, മാധ്യമം (31 December 2021). "നടൻ ജി.കെ പിള്ള അന്തരിച്ചു". Madhyamam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  4. "നടൻ ജി.കെ പിള്ള അന്തരിച്ചു". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  5. "നടൻ ജി.കെ.പിള്ള അന്തരിച്ചു; മുന്നൂറിലേറെ സിനിമകളിൽ നിറസാന്നിധ്യം". ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  6. "അഭിനയം...അനുഭവം...രാഷ്ട്രീയം..., Interview - Mathrubhumi Movies". Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  7. "Veteran Malayalam actor GK Pilla dies at 97". OnManorama. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  8. "Veteran Malayalam actor G K Pillai dies at 97". Press Trust of India.
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