K. Kunju Nair (1889 – 1984) was an Indian actor, singer and music composer in Malayalam cinema. He was the main character in Balan, the first sound film in Malayalam film in history.[1]

K. K. Aroor
Born
K. Kunju Nair

1889
Died1984
Pallai, Sri Lanka
NationalityIndian
OccupationActor
Years active1938–1964

Biography

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After Balan, Aroor changed his name to K. K. Aroor. There were 23 songs in Balan, all of which composed by Ibrahim and K.K.Aroor and written by Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai.[2] He subsequently acted in Jnanambika. He later joined the Harikatha Kalakshepam drama troupe. In 1973, P. A. Thomas gave him a small role in his film Kudumbini, after which he retired from cinema.

He was married to Pankajakshiyamma, with whom he had a son, Vasudevan. Struggling financially, he worked as a server in a tea shop during the last days of his life. He died in 1984 in Pallai.[3]


Filmography

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As an actor

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As a playback singer

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  • Bhaarathathin Ponvilakkaam as Balan (1938)
  • Athisukhamee Jeevitham as Balan (1938)
  • Vishaadam Thingum as Jnaanaambika (1940)

As a music composer

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All songs are from Balan (1938)

  1. Bhaarathathin Ponvilakkaam
  2. Jayajagadeeshwara
  3. Jaathakadoshathaale
  4. Raghukula Nayakane
  5. Ha Sahajasaayoojyame
  6. Durnnaya Jeevithame
  7. Athisukhamee Jeevitham
  8. Aaghoshangalenthu Cheyyaam
  9. Aadayaabharanaadikondu
  10. Lokam Anaswarame
  11. Sree Vaasudeva Parane
  12. Deenadayaaparane
  13. Snehame Slaakhyam
  14. Madanavilolane Naadha
  15. Maanini Maniyothum
  16. Chethoharamaam madyapaanamathe
  17. Parama Guruve
  18. Shock Shock
  19. Kaaminimaar
  20. Maaran Khorasarangal
  21. Enoodidham Kadhikkanadhikaparibhavam
  22. Bhakthaparaayana
  23. Aaha Malsodari

References

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  1. ^ Rajmohan. "History of Malayalam Cinema". cinemaofmalayalam.net. Archived from the original on 30 July 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  2. ^ "Remembering Malayalam's first talkie - The New Indian Express". newindianexpress.com. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  3. ^ Chelangad, Saju (13 July 2014). "From tinsel world to a tea shop - The Hindu". The Hindu. thehindu.com. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  4. ^ Nottani, S., Balan, Modern Theatres Limited, retrieved 8 October 2022
  5. ^ Nottani, S., Jnanambika, retrieved 8 October 2022
  6. ^ Krishnan, V., Kerala Kesari, retrieved 8 October 2022
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