It might surprise many that Jagadish is on the cusp of turning 70 this year. Born in 1955, the veteran actor has defied time --not just in age but in appearance, energy, and mannerisms.  And he still carries the same charm, wit, and liveliness that defined his iconic roles, whether as Appukuttan in 'Godfather' or Mayinkutty in 'In Harihar Nagar.'

Officially P V Jagadish Kumar, he remains a symbol of youth not just in name, but in spirit as well. A single glimpse of Jagadish on a reality show is enough to feel the energy he exudes through his speech and body language. But there’s no secret to his enthusiasm; he has always embraced life with unshakable passion and zest.

If success is measured by the journey rather than the destination, Jagadish stands in a league of his own. From blink-and-miss roles to supporting parts, from sub-hero status to leading over 30 blockbusters, he is now excelling as a character actor and even as a villains. Over these years, he has journeyed through Malayalam cinema with an effortless charm that knows no bounds.

Always a middle-class man at heart

ghost-house
A scene from 'In Ghost House Inn'. Photo | YouTube

Jagadish has always been clear about one thing: "I think a hundred times before spending even a single rupee. This is because I was born into a middle-class family."

Growing up as the fifth of six children in a family where his father was a teacher and his mother a homemaker, financial prudence was not just a habit but a necessity. Despite acting in hundreds of films and delivering back-to-back hits, Jagadish never indulged in the trappings of luxury. Expensive cars, designer outfits, and extravagant lifestyles never fascinated him.

While we often call many actors "one of us" in a metaphorical sense, Jagadish is perhaps the only one who truly embodies that sentiment. His demeanour -- the unassuming grace of a middle-class man who could easily pass as a government clerk--has been both his strength and his limitation as an actor.

harihar-nagar
A scene from 'In Harihar Nagar'. Photo: Imdb

One cannot imagine Jagadish pulling off high-octane action sequences, yet it is equally impossible to picture anyone else as the sharp-witted 'Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans,' the bumbling yet lovable Appukuttan of 'In Harihar Nagar,' or the unforgettable Mayinkutty in Godfather.

While he has never been hailed as one of Malayalam cinema’s greatest actors, there is an undeniable authenticity to his performances. Many of his roles demand a natural ease that few could replicate. Unlike several of his contemporaries, who were often confined to their signature styles, Jagadish proved time and again that he could bring versatility to the screen with effortless charm. The transformation from Mayinkutty to Thankappan Nair in Leela is indeed a journey that defies measure.

From laughter to legacy: The many shades of Jagadish

ADVERTISEMENT

Jagadish, a rank holder in his postgraduate studies in Commerce, began his career as a bank employee before transitioning into a college lecturer. Yet, his heart was always in cinema. Even while teaching, he relentlessly pursued opportunities in films, and in 1984, he made his debut with the 3D film My Dear Kuttichathan.

Starting with minor and  longer yet supporting roles in films helmed by leading directors, including Priyadarshan, Jagadish’s career took a major turn with In Harihar Nagar, where his portrayal of Appukuttan became an instant sensation. His comedic timing and unique performance style elevated the character, making it one of the most memorable in Malayalam cinema. Soon after, his role as Mayinkutty in Godfather further cemented his popularity.

As his acting career flourished, Jagadish took a long leave from his teaching job to fully dedicate himself to films. At a time when producers found it difficult to get dates from leading actors, they began experimenting with popular comedians like Jagadish and Siddique in lead roles. This shift proved successful when Mimics Parade, starring the duo, ran for 100 days at the box office. Following its success, a series of films with Jagadish in the lead; Kasargod Kadarbhai, Kunukkitta Kozhi, Injakkadan Mathayi and Sons, and Junior Mandrake etc became massive hits, earning him the title of the "minimum guarantee hero" for low-budget films.

While primarily recognised for his comedic roles, Jagadish also proved his versatility with films in different genres, such as Sthreedhanam and Welcome to Kodaikanal. A significant milestone in his career came when the successful Shaji Kailas-Renji Panicker duo, who had catapulted Suresh Gopi to superstardom, cast him in the political thriller 'Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans.' The film, which chronicled the rise of a newspaper boy to the position of Home Minister, became a huge hit, proving that Jagadish could hold his own as a serious lead actor.

Beyond acting, Jagadish’s artistic journey includes notable contributions as a writer. During his student days, he penned radio dramas, and it was his story that inspired Sibi Malayil’s directorial debut, 'Mutharamkunnu P.O.,' which turned out to be a blockbuster. Similarly, 'Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu' by Priyadarshan was based on another of his stories.

Whatever Jagadish touched seemed to turn to success. When director Fazil was searching for someone to write the dialogues for 'Manivathoorile Aayiram Shivarathrikal,' he sought someone who could bring a unique finesse to the script. Though Fazil himself had strong storytelling abilities, he ultimately entrusted the job to Jagadish. Interestingly, many are still unaware of his contribution to the film, but the title card credits: 'Dialogues: Jagadish.'

Even director K Madhu, renowned for his blockbuster investigative thrillers like 'Oru CBI Diary Kurippu,' chose Jagadish to write the screenplay for 'Adhipan,' a Mohanlal-starrer. The film not only became a hit but also developed a cult following for its high repeat-watch value, with many of its scenes still going viral on social media.

However, not every script turned to gold. In 2010, 'April Fool,' directed by Viji Thampi, featured a screenplay by Jagadish, who also played the lead role. The film failed at the box office. Jagadish had also planned to direct a film with Mammootty in the lead, but that project never materialised.

A brief detour into politics

Despite his thriving film career, Jagadish always put his family first. He shared a deep and soulful bond with his late wife, Dr Rema, a forensic surgeon. Her untimely passing after a period of illness remains a sorrow that lingers in his heart. The couple had two daughters, both of whom have pursued careers in healthcare.

ADVERTISEMENT

When it comes to politics, Jagadish has always aligned himself with the political ideology of the Congress party. While many of his contemporaries and colleagues gravitated toward the CPI(M) and BJP, his stance remained steadfast.

In the 2016 Assembly elections, he took the political plunge, contesting from the Pathanapuram constituency as a Congress candidate. What made the battle even more intriguing was that he faced off against fellow actors K B Ganesh Kumar and Bheeman Reghu. This rare showdown, in which three film stars competed for the same seat, did turn heads, with Jagadish’s debut generating the most buzz.

But while he had mastered the art of winning hearts on screen, the political stage proved less forgiving. The sitting MLA, Ganesh Kumar, successfully defended his seat, ending Jagadish’s political ambitions before they could take off. Taking the defeat in his stride, he declared that politics was not his cup of tea and firmly ruled out any future electoral bids.

Remuneration with integrity

Despite acting in over 400 films, Jagadish has yet to receive a state award for any of his performances. However, he has been honoured with several other accolades. What truly sets him apart from his peers, though, is his unique outlook on life that prioritizes simplicity over stardom. Born into a middle-class family in Neyyattinkara, Jagadish never let fame or fortune alter his way of living. He continued to lead a life as unassuming as any ordinary Keralite, treating people with the same warmth and humility he always had. Unlike many actors who dramatically increased their remuneration after delivering a blockbuster, Jagadish remained an exception.

A perfect example of this was after the phenomenal success of Sthreeedhanam, which ran in packed theatres for over 100 days. While most actors would have seized the opportunity to hike their fees, Jagadish chose not to demand an exorbitant pay raise. His affordability as an actor became one of the key reasons for his long-standing success in the industry. Even today, he continues to embrace simplicity --driving a Maruti Wagon R, a car of the common man.

The evergreen star

For many, In Harihar Nagar remains the defining film of Jagadish’s career and it's a success story that continued with its sequels. In 'To Harihar Nagar' which came several years after the first one and 'In Ghost House Inn,' he once again delivered remarkable performances.

Yet, in recent years, Jagadish has proven that he is far more than just a comedian. Stepping into roles with depth and intensity, he has showcased a versatility that few had anticipated. Renjith’s 'Leela' marked a turning point, revealing a more nuanced actor, while his performances in 'Falimy' and 'Kishkindhakandam' introduced audiences to an entirely new Jagadish.

At a time when film roles became less frequent, Jagadish remained a familiar face on television, engaging audiences as a reality show anchor and judge. But just when it seemed like his cinematic journey had slowed, he made a powerful comeback in the New Gen era. And as he reinvents himself time and again, the audience continues to celebrate him.

ADVERTISEMENT

His unwavering desire to stay in the limelight indeed highlights his boundless energy and determination--qualities that define him beyond acting. Even as he approaches 70, he continues to command the stage with the enthusiasm of someone half his age, his signature smile radiating an undiminished charm. Without saying a word, he reassures us that he still has the energy to step into the shoes of Appukuttan or Mayinkutty once again. And when the audience echoes this belief, that is where the true mark of Jagadish’s success as an evergreen actor lies.

 His body language, still brimming with energy, proclaims that Jagadish, who has risen from humble beginnings to script a success story that rivals even the most cinematic narratives, is only just getting started.

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.