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Babu Narayanan

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(1959 – 29 June 2019)

Indian Film Director | Malayalam Cinema

Babu Narayanan, also known as Babu Pisharody, was a prominent Indian film director who left an indelible mark on the Malayalam film industry. Known for his active years in the 1990s, Babu directed more than 25 films and gained recognition for his successful partnership with fellow director P. Anil. Together, they formed the well-known director duo Anil-Babu, which contributed significantly to Malayalam cinema during the 1990s and early 2000s.


Career Overview

Babu Narayanan made his directorial debut with Anagha in 1989. He then directed a few solo projects before teaming up with P. Anil. The duo created several box-office successes, known for their entertaining family dramas and comedy films.

Some of the most popular films by Anil-Babu include:

  • Manthrikacheppu (1992)
  • Sthreedhanam (1994)
  • Kudumba Vishesham (1994)
  • Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum (1996)
  • Kaliyoonjal (1997)
  • Pattabhishekam (1999)

Their last film together was Parayam (2004), after which Babu took a break from the industry.

He made a comeback in 2013 with the film To Noora with Love, a solo directorial venture. He also worked as Associate Director with legendary filmmaker Hariharan, and was Co-director of the epic historical film Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja.


Filmography

Solo Director

YearFilm
1989Anagha
1990Ponnaranjanam
2013To Noora with Love

As Part of the Anil-Babu Duo

YearFilms
1992Ponnaramthottathe Raajaavu, Manthrikacheppu, Welcome to Kodaikanal
1993Injakkadan Mathai & Sons, Sakshal Sreeman Chathunni
1994Sthreedhanam, Kudumba Vishesham
1995Achan Kombathu Amma Varampathu, Radholsavam, Street
1996Harbour, Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum
1997Mannadiar Penninu Chenkotta Checkan, Kaliyoonjal
1998Mayilpeelikkavu
1999Pattabhishekam
2000Ingane Oru Nilapakshi
2001Uthaman, Kumarasambhavam
2002Pakalppooram, Valkannadi
2003Njan Salperu Ramankutty
2004Kusruthi, Parayam

As Story Writer

  • Om Gurubhyo Nama (2002) Documentary of K P Narayana Pisharody which won award

As Dialogue Writer

  • Ponnaranjanam (1990)

Personal Life

Babu Narayanan was born in Kozhikode, Kerala, to Narayana Pisharody and Devaki Pisharasiar. He was married to Jyothi, and the couple had two children:

  • Darsh Pisharody – an ad filmmaker and associate director.
  • Sravana T. N. – debuted as an actress in the Malayalam film Thattumpurath Achuthan (2018).

Death

Babu Narayanan passed away on 29 June 2019, at the age of 60. He had been battling cancer.

Dr. Ramadas Pisharody

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Dr. Ramadas Pisharody was a distinguished medical professional, academic, and visionary leader in Kerala’s healthcare sector. He served as the Principal of Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram from 2008 to 2015, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s infrastructure and academic excellence.

After completing his MBBS from Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, he pursued higher studies at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where he earned his MD and DM degrees in Nephrology. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Design, Measurement, and Evaluation from McMaster University, Canada, reflecting his deep interest in academic quality and medical education methodologies.

Dr. Pisharody served as Head of the Department of Nephrology in Government Medical Colleges at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Kozhikode, and was also the Director of CERTC (Comprehensive Epilepsy and Rehabilitation Training Centre) at Thiruvananthapuram.

He was an elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, both in England and Glasgow, and was honoured with the Kerala Government’s award for the Best Doctor in the state, recognizing his clinical excellence and public service.

Among his notable contributions, he was the driving force behind the establishment of the modern Super Specialty Block at Medical College Hospital (MCH), Thiruvananthapuram, and played a crucial role in the implementation of the State Government’s deceased donor organ donation programme, “Mrithasanjeevani”, which continues to save countless lives.

Dr. Ramadas Pisharody passed away on 29th March 2017 at the age of 62.


Personal Details:

  • Father: Chowwara Pisharath Krishnan Kutty Pisharody
  • Mother: Mulangunnathu Kavu Padinjaroot Pisharath Kamakshi Pisharasiar
  • Wife: Dr. Jayasree Ramadas
  • Daughters: Vinitha Pravin & Sangeetha Arjun

Kongad Vijayan

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(1955 – 2006)

Kongad Vijayan was an exceptional and self-made genius in the realm of Panchavadyam, particularly renowned for his mastery of the Thimala. Despite not being born into a traditional musical lineage, Vijayan carved a distinct identity for himself through sheer dedication, discipline, and a deep-rooted passion for the art form.

Born to Mundayil Pisharath Madhavikutty Pisharassiar and Thiruvegappura Illathu Narayanan Embrandiri, Vijayan’s journey in music began under the guidance of Pulappatta Raman Marar. He later refined his skills under two of the most revered gurus in the field — Thiruvilwamala Appunny Poduval and Annamanada Valia Parameswara Marar.

Vijayan’s association with the legendary Pallavur Brothers and his role in their Panchavadyam ensemble brought him statewide acclaim. His performances became a regular and celebrated feature in major festivals and Poorams, including the illustrious Thrissur Pooram. Over time, he became a household name among Kerala’s Panchavadyam enthusiasts.

A dedicated teacher, Kongad Vijayan mentored many promising young artists, thus ensuring the continuity and richness of the Panchavadyam tradition.

A biography titled “Thimalayile Vijayagatha”, authored by N. P. Vijayakrishnan, documents his life and contributions in detail.

Tragically, this prodigious artist passed away on 4th May 2006, at the young age of 51. He is survived by his wife, Rugmini Pisharassiar, and their children — Harikumar, Biju, Raju, and Sreedevi.

K P K Pisharody

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K. P. K. Pisharody was a distinguished journalist, best known as the former editor of the Malayala Manorama daily and the chief editor of the women’s magazine Vanitha.

Born in 1914 to Kannanur Pisharath Ittichiri Pisharasiar and Edamana Parameswaran Namboodiri, he pursued his early Sanskrit education under the renowned scholar Punnasseri Neelakandhan Sharma. His career in journalism began in 1933, when he joined Malayala Manorama as a sub-editor under Mamman Mappila.

He played a significant role in community leadership as well — he was instrumental in the formation of the Kerala Pisharody Samajam and served as its first President.

Family

  • Wife: Late Ponnamma Pisharasiar (Vaikom Mevellur Nandavanath Pisharath family)
  • Children:
    • Late Haridas
    • Nirmala Ramachandran
    • Ashokan
    • Narayanan
    • Sujatha Ramachandran
    • Lathika
    • Geetha

K. P. K. Pisharody passed away on April 25, 1985.

Artist K N Pisharody

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Kattoor Narayana Pisharody (1908–1983)

Artist K. N. Pisharody, born in October 1908, was a distinguished artist and educator from Kerala. He was the son of Kattoor Pisharath Kunjikkavu Pisharassiar and Anayathu Pisharath Chakrapani Pisharody.

After completing his schooling at the Government School in Thrissur, he earned his B.A. from St. Thomas College and later obtained a B.T. degree from Madras University. He also pursued a diploma course in Art and Painting in Madras, which laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for visual arts.

K. N. Pisharody dedicated over three decades to the teaching profession, eventually retiring in 1963 as the Headmaster of Cheruthuruthy Government School. Alongside his career in education, he nurtured a deep passion for drawing and painting. He excelled in pencil sketches, watercolors, oil paintings, and especially portraiture. One of his early achievements was a color portrait of the King of the Cochin Province, which earned him a gold medal from the impressed monarch.

In addition to school teaching, he served for two decades as a teacher at the Teachers’ Training College. Many of the illustrations in school textbooks during that era were his contributions. His legacy lives on through the murals and paintings that still grace the walls of the B.T. College. He was also a sculptor, working with plaster of Paris to create statues of prominent figures, including a much-appreciated sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi.

Unfortunately, most of his renowned works have not survived, with the exception of his painting of Guruvayoorappan, which was printed and preserved.

After retirement, K. N. Pisharody dedicated himself entirely to the promotion of art. He was instrumental in founding the Kerala Chitrakala Parishath, serving as its first President. He was also closely associated with the Kerala Fine Arts Academy and the Kerala Kalamandalam Committee, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the state.

Some of his notable portrait works include those of Vallathol Narayana Menon, Aattoor Krishna Pisharody, E. V. Krishna Pillai, and Punnasseri Nambi. Portraits of his uncles and other relatives, drawn by him, still decorate the walls of his residence “Chitrasala”, standing as a tribute to his artistic legacy.

His wife was Thiruvathra Pisharath Devaki Pisharassiar. He is survived by his sons: Mr. T. Achuthanandan, Dr. T. Sreekumar, and (Late) Mr. T. Harinarayanan.

This illustrious artist and visionary passed away in 1983, leaving behind a lasting imprint on Kerala’s art and education.

Eranellore Bharatha Pisharody

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Eranellore Bharatha Pisharody, born in 1918 to Edakalathur Bharatha Pisharody and Anayath Puthukulangara Ittichiri Pisharassiar, was a renowned scholar and passionate propagator of the Sanskrit language.

After receiving a traditional formal education in Sanskrit, he became closely associated with Thapovanaswamigal of Hrishikesh. He began his career in 1943 as a Sanskrit Professor but was summarily dismissed from service on the grounds that promoting Sanskrit was against the service rules at the time.

After some years, he was appointed as a teacher at the school run by FACT (Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore), through the initiative of its then-director, Shri M.K. Nair. Later, he also acquired proficiency in the English language.

Eminent personalities such as Ranganatha Swamigal, Swami Chinmayananda, and Dr. C.R. Swaminathan praised Bharatha Pisharody for his relentless efforts in propagating Sanskrit. Despite serving the government for 27 years, he was initially denied the retirement benefits entitled to him. However, after a prolonged legal battle, the government was compelled to restore all the benefits due to him.

He conceived and initiated the Kamadhenu Project, aimed at teaching and popularizing the Sanskrit language. Among his students was the legendary singer Ganagandharvan K.J. Yesudas. He also disseminated the Bhagavad Gita abroad through audio cassettes.

Bharatha Pisharody was one of the creators of the nomenclature and emblem of the Pisharody Samajam Magazine. He served on the editorial board of Thulaseedalam since its inception and later became its editor.

He passed away in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to Sanskrit and cultural heritage.

Manganam Rama Pisharody

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Manganam Rama Pisharody: A Humble Pillar of Kathakali

In the Kaliyarangu – Kottayam Anniversary function of 1980, a moment of crisis turned into a shining example of dedication and talent. The legendary musical maestro Hyderali was scheduled to perform a grand musical concert. But just as the event was about to begin, it was discovered that the second singer — responsible for playing the elathaalam (a pair of cymbals) — had not arrived. What could have been a major embarrassment for the organisers transformed into an unforgettable performance, thanks to the timely intervention of a young artist.

That young man was none other than Manganam Rama Pisharody, affectionately known as Ramanashaan. Known for his exceptional portrayal of female characters in Kathakali, Rama Pisharody rose to the occasion. He not only played the elathaalam with mastery but also supported Hyderali as a co-singer, ensuring the program’s success and leaving the audience awestruck.

Rama Pisharody began his journey in the world of Kathakali at a very young age under the tutelage of Manganam Krishna Pillai, through the traditional Gurukula Vidyabhyasam. His versatility allowed him to perform a wide range of roles in Kathakali, but it was in female characters that his talent truly shone.

In addition to acting, he was an accomplished percussionist, proficient in instruments like the Chenda and Maddalam. His dedication to the arts led him to establish the Manganam Sreekalanilayam, an institution devoted to training the next generation in classical arts.

He shared the stage with legendary Kathakali veterans such as Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Kalamandalam Karunakaran, and Kuttan Marar. His leadership qualities and deep knowledge of the art eventually saw him become the head of Kaliyarangu Kottayam.

This towering figure in Kerala’s cultural scene left us in 1987, but his legacy continues to inspire.

In memory of his contributions, Kottayam Kaliyarangu has been conferring the “Manganam Rama Pisharody Award” for over 25 years, honouring outstanding artists who carry forward the flame of classical tradition.

Adding to his artistic lineage, his daughter, the renowned Malayalam poetess Rema Prasanna Pisharody, continues to enrich Kerala’s literary tradition.

Panditharathnam K P Achutha Pisharody

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(1911 – 2019)

Panditharathnam K P Achutha Pisharody was a revered Sanskrit scholar and teacher who dedicated over eight decades of his life to the propagation and teaching of the Sanskrit language.

Born on 5th April 1911 (Thiruvathira star in Meenam month, Kollavarsham 1086) to Kodikkunnath Thrikkovil Pisharath Narayanikkutti Pisharasiar and Pudusseri Manackal Pasupathi Namboothiri, Achutha Pisharody was deeply rooted in the traditional scholarly heritage of Kerala. He was the younger brother of the legendary Panditharathnam K. P. Narayana Pisharody, who lived for 108 years and was also a highly esteemed Sanskrit scholar.

Achutha Pisharody began his Sanskrit education under the tutelage of his elder brother and later became a disciple of Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanda Sarma at the Saraswadodyothini Sanskrit Pathasala. There, he earned the title of “Sahithya Shiromani” for his scholarly accomplishments.

In 1939, he began his formal teaching career as a Sanskrit teacher at Peringottukara School, Thriprayar. Over the years, he served in multiple educational institutions across Kerala and retired from Devdhar High School, Thanur (Malappuram District) in 1970. However, retirement did not mark the end of his teaching journey — he continued to impart Sanskrit education from his home until 2019, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to his life’s mission.

Honours and Recognitions

Achutha Pisharody’s lifelong contributions to Sanskrit and education were recognized through numerous awards and titles:

  • Kodikunnu Devipuraskaram by Samoothiri Raja (2011)
  • Panditharatnam Title by Vishwa Sanskrit Prathishtan (2012)
  • Deviprasadam Award by OMC Trust (Olappamanna)
  • Revathi Pattathanam Award by Samoothiri Raja
  • Vachaspathi Award by Kadavalloor Anyonya Parishad
  • Acharya Puraskaram from Aluva Thanthra Vidya Peeth
  • Akshara Vandana Puraskaram by Alungal Mahadeva Temple
  • Prof. Subbraraya Pattar Endowment Award

In addition to these accolades, he served as the Kulapathi (Head) of the Pisharody Samajam until his demise, earning respect and reverence from scholars, students, and the broader cultural community.

Arangot Shekhara Pisharody

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(A.S. Pisharody, 1911 – 1996)

Arangot Shekhara Pisharody, popularly known as A.S. Pisharody, was a respected teacher, scholar, editor, and cultural figure within the Pisharody community. He was born in 1911 to Arangot Parukutty Pisharassiar and Karuvambarath Vazhangamburath Achutha Pisharody.

A dedicated educator, he served as a teacher in various high schools across the Malabar region. During this time, he successfully passed the Malayalam Vidwaan examination and was later appointed as a teacher at Perinthalmanna Board High School. His passion for arts and culture led him to nurture and encourage the hidden talents of his students. He was also deeply knowledgeable in Sanskrit, in addition to being proficient in English and Hindi.

Apart from his teaching career, A.S. Pisharody was associated with the renowned Kottakkal PSV Natyasangham, showcasing his versatility as an artist and cultural contributor.

He was first married to Cherukara Subhadra Pisharassiar, and after her untimely demise, he later married Sreedevi Pisharassiar. He is the father of Dr. C.K. Unni, former President of the Pisharody Samajam.

A.S. Pisharody held key roles in several community initiatives. He was actively involved in the Vaishnava Samajam and served on the editorial board of the magazine Yuvachaitanyam.

In 1990, at a critical time when the Pisharody Samajam’s in-house magazine Thulaseedalam was on the brink of closure, A.S. Pisharody took up the challenge of reviving it. With tireless dedication, he rejuvenated the publication, laying the foundation for the magazine’s continued relevance and success. He went on to become a member of Editorial Board of Thulaseedalam and remained a guiding force behind it.

A recognized authority on ancient traditions and rituals, he played a key role in the compilation and publication of the Chadangu Grantham, a comprehensive reference guide on the customs and practices of the Pisharody community.

A.S. Pisharody passed away on 8th May 1996, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship, cultural preservation, and service to the community.

N. N. Pisharody

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N. N. Pisharody – A Literary and Cinematic Luminary

N. N. Pisharody (1926–2008) was a legendary director and prolific writer in the Malayalam film and literary world. He was born in 1926 into the ‘Kallil’ Pisharam family in Methala, near Perumbavoor, Kerala, to parents Kallil Kunchi Pisharasiar and Narayana Pisharody.

After completing his schooling in Paravoor, he graduated with a degree in Economics from Serampore, Bengal. A passionate reader from an early age, Pisharody developed a deep appreciation for literature. His literary journey began in high school when his short story “Kurudante Makal” (The Blind Man’s Daughter) was published in the Prasanna Keralam weekly from Kottayam. From then on, his stories frequently appeared in various Malayalam weeklies.

Encouraged by the late K. Balakrishnan, editor of Kaumudi, Pisharody ventured into novel writing. His debut novel, Kure Swapnangal Kure Vanambadigal (Many Dreams, Many Nightingales), was serialized in Kaumudi Weekly. Over the years, his works were featured in notable publications such as Janayugam, Navayugam, Keralashabdam, Chithrapournnami, Express Weekly, and Mathrubhoomi Weekly. He authored 17 novels, eight of which were published as standalone books. One of his novels, Vellam (Water), inspired a Malayalam film of the same name.

Pisharody later transitioned to the film industry, where he spent over 30 years as a storyteller in a new medium. He began his film career as an assistant director for Tamil and Telugu movies at Newton Studios. He soon established himself as a director, producer, and scriptwriter.

His directorial debut, Ninamaninja Kalpadukal (Blood-stained Footprints), which portrayed the emotional aftermath of the Indo-China war, won four major awards, including the President’s Silver Medal for Best Regional Film and the award for Best Director.

In total, he directed six films, including:

  • Muthu
  • Raging
  • Mulkkireedam
  • Ammu
  • Ninamaninja Kalppadukal

He also produced two films (Mulkkireedam and Vellam) and wrote the screenplay for numerous productions. For Doordarshan, he directed four episodes of Aithihyamala and a telefilm titled Kudajadri.

In his later years, Pisharody returned to writing. His story Aandal Puram Pogum Vazhi (Enroute to Aandal Puram) was published in Mathrubhoomi Weekly and later released as a book by Shree Books, Aluva.

Pisharody was also active in the radio and theatre space. He wrote around 40 radio plays for Akashavani Thrissur, and crafted screenplays for dramatic productions such as:

  • Hiranya Garbham
  • Sarppa Sathram
  • Ivideyo Naalathe Sooryodayam
  • Vishathan Kaavilinnarattu

These works were performed by various art groups across Kerala.

N. N. Pisharody passed away on August 30, 2008, at the age of 82. His legacy continues through his enduring contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema.