Malayalam film industry loses 5 gems in 2016

Some of the most notable artists from the Malayalam film industry have bid adieu to the fans as they left for their heavenly abodes recently. Let’s take a look at the celebrated careers of the stars that once graced the silver screen with their brilliant acting and yet others who have etched a lasting memory in the minds of movie aficionados with their mellifluous music. Let’s take a look at some of their achievements, laurels and why they will be sorely missed by the Malayalee film fans.

Noted actress Kalpana Rajani fondly remembered as Kalpana Chechi known for her comic and thought provoking acting did 300 odd films in South Indian languages. The sister of film actress Urvashi and Kalaranjini, Kalpana started her career as a child artiste in the film Vidarunna Mottukal. After her debut as main stream actor in Pokkuveyil she went on to star in several critically acclaimed films. Some of her memorable films include Kaliveedu, Banglore Days, and Spirit. Excelling across genres Malayalam cinema's first female comedienne leaves behind innumerable moments for her fans to cherish. The demise of this national award winning actress is definitely a huge loss to the Malayalam film Industry.

The Mollywood film Industry bid a tearful farewell to Shan Johnson who was found dead in her Chennai Apartment.The 29-year-old musician had rendered songs for Praise the Lord, Thira and Paravai. She was the music director for the film His Name is John and was also active in the music band Sound Bulb. In February 2012, she had lost her brother Renn Johnson in a motorbike accident. Shan’s father fondly known as Johnson master was a respected name film industry who composed more than 300 songs. Other than being a recipient to a number of state and national awards.

A known name in the field of Malayalam literature ONV Kurup had an influential presence in Kerala’s landscape be it in films, education or politics. He was also a leading lyricist and many of his songs qualify as standalone romantic or lyrical poems. His collaboration with music directors Devarajan, M.B Sreenivasan resulted in the creation of some of the most finest tunes in Malayalam films. The illustrious writer was awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Vibushan and Jnapith awards for his extensive contribution in literature. He was also bestowed an honorary doctorate by the university of Kerala.

Anandakuttan noted cameraman passed away hours after the demise of ONV Kurupp born at Vazhappilli he started his career as camera assistant in Chennai. Some of his films include His Highness Abdulla and the cult classic Manichitrathazu. He set a record of sorts in the early 1990s by wielding the camera for 12 films in a calendar year. He has also worked in the Tamil and Telugu film industry. This ace cinematographer has worked in more than 180 movies. Heis survivedby wife Geetha and three children.

The Malayalam film industry was yet to come in terms of the demise of Anadakuttan and ONV Kurrup comes the death news of another popular figure of Mollywood Rajamani. Son of veteran music director BA Chidambaranath he won the state award for the background music of the movie Aram Thampuran. His contribution in music also extends in the Tamil, Kannada, and Urdu Cinemas He is also a recipient of three international awards for his background score in the movie The Laughing Buddha.