Kalabhavan Mani

Kalabhavan Mani was born on New Year's Day 1971 in Chalakudy, Thrissur district, Kerala, to Chenathunad Kunnisseri Veettil Raman and Ammini. He studied at Government L.P. School and Government Boys School in Chalakudy. Before fame, he worked as an auto-rickshaw driver in his hometown — a detail that endeared him forever to ordinary people.

His brother R. L. V. Ramakrishnan is a dancer and actor. Mani married Nimmy on 22 September 1999 and they have a daughter, Sreelakshmi, born in 2000.

Mani started as a mimicry artist with the Kalabhavan drama troupe in Kochi. His film journey began as a junior artist in the Tamil film Captain Prabhakaran, but his Malayalam debut came in Aksharam (1995) as an auto-rickshaw driver — art mirroring life.

The 1996 film Sallapam gave him his first major breakthrough. He quickly became one of Malayalam cinema's most reliable comedians, shining in films like Summer in Bethlehem as the lovable Monayi.

His true dramatic range emerged in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum (1999), where he played Ramu, a blind folk singer. The role won him the National Film Award Special Jury Award and the Kerala State Film Award.

He excelled as villains too — Gunasekharan in Rakshasa Rajavu, the Tamil Filmfare-winning role in Gemini, and the unforgettable Nateshan in Chotta Mumbai (2007), considered one of Malayalam cinema's greatest villain characters.

Other celebrated performances include Kuttan in Karumadikuttan, Chemban Gurukkal in Ananthabhadram, and Looyi Papan in Amen (2013). His last Malayalam film, Poyi Maranju Parayathe, was released posthumously in 2016.

Parallel to his film career, Mani built an entire industry around folk songs. His first album was Kannimanga Prayathil. Most songs were written and composed in collaboration with Arumugan Venkidangu. On stage, he was electrifying — moving into the audience, carrying children while singing, shifting moods from joy to deep melancholy in a single performance.

Mani was known for helping people in need. On an average day, around 20 people from less privileged backgrounds would visit his home seeking assistance. He openly supported leftist politics and was offered an LDF seat in the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election. He contributed to local festivals, schools, and community causes throughout his life.

Kalabhavan Mani passed away on 6 March 2016. His death shocked the film industry and millions of fans across South India. He was cremated with full state honours at his home in Chalakudy, where shopkeepers closed their shops in tribute.

In 2018, director Vinayan's biographical film Chalakkudikkaran Changathi brought his story to the big screen. Today, his folk songs still play in homes and buses across Kerala — a voice that never truly left.