G. Keshava Pillai (July 1924 – 31 December 2021) was an Indian actor and army and naval officer known for his work in

Malayalam cinema Malayalam cinema, also referred to as Mollywood, is a segment of Cinema of India, Indian cinema dedicated to producing films in the Malayalam, Malayalam language, primarily spoken in Kerala and the Lakshadweep islands. It encompasses both th ...

. He was active for 65 years, acting in more than 325 Malayalam films, and is known for revolutionising the role of the

antagonist An antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the main enemy or rival of the protagonist and is often depicted as a villain.Indian cinema The cinema of India, consisting of motion pictures made by the Indian film industry, has had a large effect on world cinema since the second half of the 20th century. Indian cinema is made up of various film industries, each focused on p ...

and

television Television (TV) is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. Additionally, the term can refer to a physical television set rather than the medium of transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertising, ...

. 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 Chirayinkeezhu is a town in the Thiruvananthapuram district in the Indian state of Kerala. It was also the hometown of famous Malayalam film actor Prem Nazir. It is the seat of Chirayinkeezhu taluk. Anjengo Fort The well known Anjengo Fort ( ...

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 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 free-to-air television channel owned by PTC Network via holding company G-Next Media Pvt Ltd . It is headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram. It was launched on 17 August 2000. Hist ...

. He later appeared in many TV serials. His portrayal in the serial '

Kumkumapoovu ''Kumkumapoovu'' () was an Indian Malayalam-language soap opera that aired on Asianet from 2011 to 2014. It ran for 785 episodes. The cast included Asha Sharath, Sajan Surya, Shelly Kishore, Shanavas Shanu, Aswathy, G.K Pillai and Rindhya. ...

' 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

)- 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

* Snehaseema (1954) as Pooppally Thomas * Manthravaadi (1956) * Deva Sundari (1957) * Achanum Makanum (1957) * Minnunnathellam Ponnalla (1957) * Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu (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 ''Rajamalli'' is a 1965 Indian Malayalam film, directed and produced by R. S. Prabhu. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sharada, Sukumari and Kottayam Santha in the lead roles. The film had musical score by BA Chidambaranath. Cast *Prem Nazir * Sh ...

(1965) *

Kavyamela ''Kavyamela'' () is a 1965 Indian Malayalam-language film written by S. L. Puram Sadanandan and directed by M. Krishnan Nair, starring Prem Nazir and Sheela in the lead roles. The film is best known for the performance by Prem Nazir and songs by ...

(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 ''Ashwamedham'' is a 1967 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by A. Vincent and written by Thoppil Bhasi. It is based on Thoppil Bhasi's play of the same name. The film stars Sathyan, Sheela and Prem Nazir in lead roles along with Madhu ...

(1967) as Mohanan's Father *

Bhagyamudra ''Bhagyamudra'' is a 1967 Indian Malayalam-language film written by S. L. Puram Sadanandan and directed by M. A. V. Rajendran. It stars Prem Nazeer, Meenakumari, Adoor Bhasi, Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai, Manavalan Joseph, Kottayam Shantha, Kala ...

(1967) *

Ollathu Mathi ''Ollathumathi'' is a 1967 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan, produced by M. P. Chandrasekhara Pillai, starring Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Madhu and Sheela. The film has a musical score by L. P. R. Varma. Cast *Prem N ...

(1967) * Pooja (1967) *

Chithramela ''Chithramela'' is a 1967 Indian Malayalam-language anthology film directed and produced by T. S. Muthaiah. It was Malayalam cinema's first anthology film.B. Vijayakumar. (19 June 2011)"CHITRAMELA 1967" ''The Hindu''. Retrieved 11 July 2011. The ...

(1967) * Paathira Pattu (1967) * Kottayam Kolacase (1967) * Cochin Express (1967) * Kanaatha Veshangal (1967) *

Inspector Inspector, also police inspector or inspector of police, is a police rank. The rank or position varies in seniority depending on the organization that uses it. Australia The rank of Inspector is present in all Australian police forces excep ...

(1968) * Punnapra Vayalar (1968) as SI Rajan *

Lakshaprabhu ''Lakshaprabhu'' is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by P. Bhaskaran and produced by Raveendranathan Nair. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sheela, Sukumari and Adoor Bhasi. The film had musical score by M. S. Baburaj. Plot Cast ...

(1968) * Kaayalkkarayil (1968) * Anchusundarikal (1968) *

Padunna Puzha ''Padunna Puzha'' () is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by M. Krishnan Nair and produced by T. E. Vasudevan. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sheela, Jayabharathi and Adoor Bhasi. The film had musical score by V. Dakshinamoorthy. Th ...

(1968) as Govinda Pilla *

Agnipareeksha ''Agni Pareeksha'' () is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by M. Krishnan Nair and produced by M. Krishnan Nair. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela and Sharada. Cast *Prem Nazir as Ramesh * Sathyan as Dr. Mohan *Sheel ...

(1968) as Krishna Kuruppu * Danger Biscuit (1969) as K.J.Pillai * Kannoor Deluxe (1969) as K B Pilla * Moodalmanju (1970) as Chandrasekharan Nair * Naazhikakkallu (1970) * Ezhuthaatha Kadha (1970) * Othenente Makan (1970) as Kunkan *

Lottery Ticket A lottery (or lotto) is a form of gambling that involves the drawing of numbers at random for a prize. Some governments outlaw lotteries, while others endorse it to the extent of organizing a national or state lottery. It is common to find som ...

(1970) * Mindaapennu (1970) as Kunjikelu Menon * Kaakkathampuraatti (1970) *

Vimochanasamaram ''Vimochanasamaram'' is a 1971 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Mohan Gandhiraman. The film stars Sathyan, Sheela, Maya and T. R. Omana in the lead roles. The film had musical score by M. B. Sreenivasan. Cast * Sathyan *Sheela *Maya * T. R ...

(1971) * Agnimrigam (1971) *

Yogamullaval ''Yogamullaval'' is a 1971 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by C. V. Shankar and produced by U. Parvathibhai. The film stars Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai, Shobha, Baby and C. V. Shankar. The film had musical score by R. K. Shekhar. Cast ...

(1971) * Panchavan Kaadu (1971) as Thanu Pilla * Aromalunni (1972) * Nrithasaala (1972) as Vamban Velayudan * Maaya (1972) as Panki Pilla *

Jesus Jesus (AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and many Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament, other names and titles, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the Jesus in Chris ...

(1973) * Thenaruvi (1973) * Football Champion (1973) as John Stephen * Ponnapuram Kotta (1973) * Thumbolarcha (1974) as Udayappa Chekavar *

Durga Durga (, ) 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 combating evils and demonic ...

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

Choola ''Choola'' is a 1979 Indian 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 Raveendran, who debuted through this fil ...

(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 Natural satellite, moon onto its surface. Lava may be erupted at a volcano or through a Fissure vent, fractu ...

(1980) as Police officer *

Paalaattu Kunjikkannan ''Paalattu Kunjikannan'' is a 1980 Indian Malayalam-language swashbuckler 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 Kunjikan ...

(1980) * Chora Chuvanna Chora (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 sc ...

(1980) * Sanchari (1981) as Keshavan * Avathaaram (1981) as Parameshwaran Pilla *

Valarthumrigangal ''Valarthumrugangal'' () is a 1981 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Hariharan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair based on his own 1954 short story of the same name. It stars Ratheesh, Sukumaran, Madhavi and Thikkurissy Sukumar ...

(1981) * Manassinte Theerthayaathra (1981) * Orikkalkkoodi (1981) *

Ankuram ''Ankuram'' () is a 1993 Telugu-language drama film written and directed by C. Umamaheswara Rao. It stars Revathi, Sarath Babu and Om Puri. The film is about an inspiring journey of a middle-class woman to return an abandoned child to his fathe ...

(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 s ...

(1982) as Joshi John * Padayottam (1982) *

Vidhichathum Kothichathum ''Vidhichathum Kothichathum'' is a 1982 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed and produced by T. S. Mohan. The film stars Vincent, Vijayan, Mammootty, Adoor Bhasi, Jose and Krishnachandran . The film has musical score by Raveendran. Cast *V ...

(1982) * Jambulingam (1982) * Rathilayam (1983) * Iniyenkilum (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 u ...

(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 Surya TV is an Indian Malayalam language Indian general entertainment pay television channel owned by Sun TV Network. which is headquartered at Kochi. Surya TV HD became the third Malayalam language high-definition channel. Current broadcas ...

) * 2005 - Kadamattathu Kathanar (TV series) (

Asianet Asianet may refer to: JioStar channels * JioStar, is an Indian media conglomerate wholly owned by Disney India. ** Asianet, a Malayalam language general entertainment channel ** Asianet Plus, a Malayalam language general entertainment channel ** As ...

) * 2004 - Megham (

) * 2006 - Ammamanassu (

) *2009-2010- Ente Manasaputhri (

) *2009-Pakalmazha (

Amrita TV Amrita TV is an Indian Malayalam-language free-to-air Free-to-air (FTA) services are television (TV) and radio services broadcast in unencrypted form, allowing any person with the appropriate receiving equipment to receive the signal an ...

) * 2010 - Autograph (

) * 2010- Mattoruval (

) * 2011- 2014 -

(

) * 2011- Ividam Swargamanu (

) * 2011- Veera Marthanda Varma (

) * 2012- Manasaveena (

Mazhavil Manorama Mazhavil Manorama is an Indian Malayalam language general entertainment Free-to-air television channel owned by Malayala Manorama. The channel’s headquarters is at Aroor, Alappuzha in Kerala, India. History The channel has been on air sin ...

) * 2013- Chattambi Kalyani( Jai hind) * 2014- Avalude Katha (

) * 2015-

Dhathuputhri ''Dhathuputhri'' (transl: Adoptive Daughter) is a Malayalam language soap opera which premiered on Mazhavil Manorama channel, starring '' Swasika Vijay'' as the main protagonist. Plot summary The story of Dathuputhri revolves around a village ...

(

) * 2015- Spandhanam (

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

)

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