Consummate actor
SREEVARAHOM BALAKRISHNAN
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O. Madhavan enlivened the stage and the political arena with his work as a theatre person.
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O. MADHAVAN: Celebrity with the `common touch.'
O. Madhavan, who passed away recently at the age of 81, was an outstanding actor, who enlivened Malayalam theatre for more than five decades by the `tenor' and `tempo' of his histrionic skill. He had appeared in a few films as well, albeit in cameo roles, but the role he did at the fag end of his career - that of the main protagonist in `Sayahnam' (2000) - fetched him the State Film Award for the best actor of the year.
An activist of Students' Federation, Madhavan spearheaded a series of agitations at S.N. College, Kollam, and was remanded and beaten up by the police. Soon, he took the plunge into the Communist movement that was gaining momentum in Kerala in the `turbulent forties.' He was all set to emerge as a potential leader when he had his tryst with theatre. "I rather blundered into the arena of make-believe from the rough-and-tumble of real politics," he had said in an interview.
Debut in KPAC
However, it was as an extension of `party work' that he embarked on an acting career, making his debut in KPAC's maiden venture, `Ente Makananu Sheri.' In the next, Thoppil Bhasi's `Ningalenne Communistakki,' Madhavan donned the part of Pappu, a farm labourer and loyal aide of Paramu Pillai, enacted by veteran thespian, Kambisseri Karunakaran. Epochal in its impact, the evocative play still holds the record for the maximum number of performances.
Subsequently, he switched over to the role of Parama Pillai with equal felicity, and there was no turning back for him.
Soon followed a string of plays, all vintage Thoppil Bhasi - `Mudiyanaya Puthran,' `Sarvekkallu' and `Puthiya Akasham Puthiya Bhoomi' - that were runaway hits by virtue of their strong socio-political content and powerful treatment. Madhavan was at his emotive best in the role of Rajan, the pivotal character in `Mudiyanaya Puthran.' His portrayal of the rash and wanton prodigal son was widely acclaimed as poignant and near perfect. He had also been the secretary of KPAC for eight years.
He parted company with the troupe in 1960, and launched Kalidasa Kalakendram in Kollam. Penned by Vaikom Chandrasekharan Nair, its first play, `Doctor,' focussed on the conflict between two generations. Thanks to the enchanting music provided by the ONV-Devarajan pair, ensemble acting by a talented team headed by Madhavan and high production values, it fared quite well with the audience.
Proving his multiple-prowess as actor, director and organiser, Madhavan piloted Kalidasa Kalakendram in its triumphant march, presenting nearly 40 plays in the process. The better known among them include `Janani Janmabhoomi,' `Thanneerpanthal,' Kadannaikoodu' (written by Vaikom) `Althaara' (Ponkunnam Varkey) and `Kadalpaalam' (K.T. Muhammed). The Kendram is at present all set to produce its latest piece, `Snehanilaavu.'
Wide variety of roles
Madhavan had essayed a wide variety of roles, ranging from a chivalrous lover to a cold-blooded villain, and diehard rebel to down-to-earth do-gooder. Rough and reckless characters were his forte; but he was equally at ease with soft and sentimental ones. Whatever the role, he rendered it with sensitivity and conviction. As he had observed succinctly, "acting is not an act of impersonation, but an art of re-creation; not blatant imitation, but intricate interpretation.
"... You have to observe the body language and behavioural pattern of everyone you come across; their gait, gestures and gesticulations. Then only you can absorb the subtle nuances of a character, any character for that matter. What is paramount to an actor is flawless articulation, the profundity of expression."
He seldom lost the `common touch' even after attaining celebrity status. Little wonder, he was a popular president of Vadakkevila Panchayat for 18 years. Modest to a fault, he never put on airs, and was always committed to society.
The role of the sad and self-effacing leader he portrayed in `Sayahnam,' suited him. And he underscored it with a soulful sort of subdued acting.
Madhavan had been honoured with several accolades, which include the Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the State Drama Award for direction (`Rainbow'), and the Senior Fellowship of Human Resources Department, Government of India.
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