Neyyattinkara Komalam, Prem Nazir’s first film heroine, passes away at 96

One of the early actresses in the Malayalam film industry, Komala Menon, also known by the name Neyyattinkara Komalam, breathed his last on October 17, Thursday. The veteran actress was 96 years old.

According to Manorama Online, Komala Menon was under treatment due to heart-related issues at a hospital in Parassala.

Neyyattinkara Komalam was the heroine of the legend Prem Nazir’s first film ‘Marumakal’ which was released in the year 1952. The movie was directed by MK Chari and the screenplay was penned by Kedamangalam Sadanandan. The film also featured the actors TS Muthaiah, and SJ Dev in pivotal roles. Komalam was only 16 years old when she made her acting debut in ‘Marumakal’.

Neyyattinkara Komalam made her acting debut with the 1951 film ‘Vanamala’ which was directed by G Viswanath. The movie is considered the first ‘Jungle’ film in Malayalam and was hugely inspired by ‘Tarzan’ which was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The movie was a commercial success.

Neyyattinkara Komalam also played a pivotal role in the 1955 film ‘Newspaper Boy’ which was directed by P Ramdas. Komalam played the role of Kalyani Amma in the drama film which is the first neo-realistic film in Mollywood. The story revolves around the life of a common man on the street. Komalam also played a pivotal role in the movie ‘Aathmasanthi’.

Even though Komalam’s film career was short (1951 to 1955), due to the opposition from her family and society, she has left an everlasting mark in the Malayalam film industry.