The legendary actor of Malayalam, Madhu alias Madhavan Nair, turned 87 on Wednesday. Madhu who started his film journey with the classical actors of Malayalam—Satyan and Naseer, still continues even with new generation actors like Asif Ali. Madhu has reached in Malayalam Cinema about 56 years ago. Malayalam cinema has gone through many revolutionary changes during this period. In each phase, he felt his presence and marked his position in the industry and that is the reason for his success. He is still active in the industry without the luxury or posh lifestyle of a film star.

With Madhu’s inception in Malayalam Film industry, its history became Madhu’s life history. He acted in over 300 films in 56 years. Madhu’s life was not limited in front of the camera. He is also known as an eminent dramatist, script writer, director, producer, distributor and an oraganiser. Thus Madhu is a man of many names.

Born on September 23, 1933, Madhu left his hallmark in Malayalam film industry with his own in born talent. As a student he was active in drama. Later he halted his drama activities and concentrated in his studies. He did his graduation and masters from Banarus Hindu University and later started his career as a lecturer in Scott Christian College at Nagercoil.

Madhu later joined the School of Drama which he came to know through a newspaper advertisement. He was the only Malayalee who was selected to the 1959 batch of National School of Drama.

His debut film was Ramu Karyat’s ‘Moodupadam’, but his first film to hit theatres was ‘Ninamanninja Kalpadukkal’ made by Shobhana Parameshwaran Nair. His dazzling performance in this movie attained much critical acclaim and after this movie, there was no turning back for him.

It was Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair who gave Madhavan Nair, the new name, “Madhu.” His life changing movie was Chemmen. With the fame of his character in Chemmen—Pareekutty, Madhu was slowly conquering the steps towards the platform for lead actors in Malayalam and he achieved this feet when Satyan and Naseer were ruling Malayalam film industry.

Madhu has also acted in six non-malayalam movies too. Most important among them is ‘Saath Hindustani,’ directed by K A Abbas. This is the first film of Amitabh Bachchan. Madhu never cared about the glamour of his character, he rather focussed on his satisfaction as an actor. That is why, he is still able to survive in the industry at the age of 87. In 2001, he was honoured with J C Daniel Award and in 2013, the nation honoured him with Padma Shri.