T. P. Madhavan (7 November 1935 – 9 October 2024) was an Indian actor who worked in Malayalam films. He began acting at age 40 and appeared in over 600 films. Initially known for playing antagonistic roles, he transitioned to comedic roles and to character roles in his later career.
Madhavan briefly joined the Indian Army but left after six months due to a hand injury. He then began working as a journalist for The Indian Express in Bombay, earning a salary of Rs.175 per month. He later moved to Bangalore, where he joined an advertising agency with a higher salary of Rs.400. Eventually, he relocated to Kolkata, which paved the way for his entry into the film industry.[3]
Career
Madhavan made his acting debut at age 40. Initially recognized for playing villainous roles, he later transitioned to comedic parts and eventually to character roles.[4] He was introduced to cinema while working in Kolkata, where he became friends with actor-director Madhu. At the time, Madhu was searching for an actress for his upcoming Malayalam directorial Priya (1970), and Madhavan assisted him in finding one. He later helped Madhu again during the shooting of Kaamam Krodham Moham (1975) and Akkaldaama (1975) in Bangalore. Madhavan made his film debut with small roles in these films. From then on, he began appearing in brief roles in Malayalam films. His first significant role came in Kalika (1980), directed by Balachandra Menon, where he portrayed a handicapped man.[3]
He was married to Girija Menon, but their marriage ended in divorce. They have a son, Raja Krishna Menon and a daughter, Devika. His son is a film director in the Hindi film industry.[6][7] Madhavan served as the first general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AmmA) and was part of the organization for 10 years.[2]
He was residing in Ernakulam before relocating to Thiruvananthapuram, where he developed a urinary disease. Afterward, he went to an ashram in Haridwar but was hospitalized following a collapse.[3][8][9] Since 2015, Madhavan was residing in Gandhibhavan, an old age home in Pathanapuram, following a stroke.[4] In his later years, he suffered from memory loss. He died at a hospital in Kollam on 9 October 2024, at the age of 88.[5]
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