Brilliant actor-director and doting father: Keya remembers dad Prathap Pothen | Onmanorama Exclusive

Two years after his passing, Prathap Pothen’s legacy endures through the films he directed and acted in, as well as through his daughter Keya. The young independent musician, who made her singing debut in Malayalam cinema with 'Appavum Veenjum', a film starring her father, opens up to Onmanorama about her father's passion for music and the arts. She hopes people remember him as a 'beautiful, intelligent, kind, loving, and funny human being.'

Excerpts from the interview:
Did your father introduce you to music?
Music has always been integral to my family and our lives. Both my mother and father introduced me to artists and bands I still love today. My father knew the lyrics to every Beatles song ever written. He showed me how music could provide strength and solace. When I was young, 'Let it Be' by the Beatles became my song of strength, while 'Que Sera Sera' was my go-to when I felt anxious about uncontrollable things. Although my talent likely comes from both my parents, I found singing on my own.
Do you have other fond memories of your dad?
My father gifted me a handycam on my birthday after years of my persistent requests. I used it to film myself singing karaoke to YouTube, dressed up in my bedroom with the handycam propped on books—luckily, I had plenty of those because I've always been an avid reader, a habit my parents instilled in me.

What are some of your favourite films featuring your dad, either as an actor or director?
I particularly love 'Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai' and 'Seevalaperi Pandi', both directed by him. As an actor, I admired his performance in the Malayalam film 'Once Upon a Time There Was a Kallan', which won him a Kerala State award despite never being released. It's akin to reading a beautiful book. It was actually his 100th film.

You made your Malayalam cinema debut singing in 'Appavum Veenjum', which starred your father. How did that project come about?
Ousepachan sir wanted someone to write and sing in English for the film. My father recommended me and shared some of my work with him. Ousepachan sir liked it and reached out to me. It was a fantastic experience, and we managed to create it all in just a day because of his mastery.
You haven't sung in many films since then. Was that a conscious decision, given your focus on your music band?
I have a distinct voice that suits specific types of songs, which limits my opportunities in mainstream cinema. However, I'm always open to new opportunities. As an artist, my goal has always been to write my own music and establish myself independently. It serves as a catharsis for my life experiences.

Your visibility increased after your father's passing. How do you perceive this change in attention?
It's important to me to keep his memory alive through my work. Through me, he will never be forgotten. I want people to know him as the wonderful, intelligent, kind, loving, and funny human being who was also my best friend.

Could you speak a bit about the songs you are part of?
I work with a close friend Sharan Jayan and together we create our magic through our project -- So Fire X Keya Pothen. I write and we compose the music together while he produces it. When I write, it is a form of catharsis. My music stems from real life emotions. I find it the most organic way to express myself. I have three songs out now. Our debut single called 'Urges" was released on February 15, my father’s birthday. He had a chance to hear it in its conception stage and loved it and was so excited for its release. Unfortunately, he passed away before we could release it. We released it on his birthday that came just after he passed. The music video is releasing soon, written, directed and edited by me and shot by a very close friend. I am very proud of it. I'm sure my dad would have been too. I feel sad that I can't share it with him and take his input like I would have done in the past. I miss him.