Innocent was a versatile Indian actor, writer, and politician who was prominent in the Malayalam film industry. |
He was well-known for his comedic roles in popular Malayalam films like Ramji Rao Speaking (1989) and Kilukkam (1991). |
In addition to Malayalam, he also worked in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Kannada movies. |
He was elected as the Member of Parliament from Chalakudy in 2014. |
From 2003 to 2018, he served as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). |
Innocent passed away on March 26, 2023, in Kochi, Kerala, due to multi-organ failure and a heart attack. |
He was born in a Catholic family in Irinjalakuda and grew up with seven siblings. |
He moved to Madras (now Chennai) in 1969 to pursue a career in the film industry. |
Despite facing challenges, his ventures like a match-box factory, leather business, and cycle rental business were unsuccessful. |
Encouraged by friends, he won the 1979 municipal elections in Irinjalakuda as an independent candidate. |
He gained recognition for his role in the Malayalam film Ilakkangal (1982) as Devassikutty. |
During his struggling days, his family lived in a humble one-room house. |
To fund the film Vida Parayum Munpe (1981), he used his wife's gold ornaments as collateral. |
In the movie Ramji Rao Speaking (1989), he played the memorable role of Mannar Mathai, the theater owner. |
His Thrissur dialect and unique mannerisms endeared him to Malayalam audiences. |
Apart from comedy, he also portrayed negative characters in Malayalam films and starred in Tamil and Telugu movies. |
Innocent authored five books and received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Humour in 2020. |
He was credited for writing the films Pavam I.A. Ivachan (1994) and Keerthanam (1995). |
Innocent co-produced Malayalam films like Ormakkai (1982) and Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback (1983). |
He also lent his voice to various Malayalam songs as a playback singer. |