Balachandran Chullikkad

Balachandran Chullikkad (born 30 July 1957) is an Indian poet, orator, lyricist and actor in Malayalam-language media.

Balachandran Chullikkad
Balachandran Chullikkad
Born
S. Balachandran

(1957-07-30) 30 July 1957 (age 67)
Paravoor, Kerala, India
Occupations
  • Poet
  • actor
  • lyricist
  • screenwriter
SpouseVijayalakshmi
Children1

Early life

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Balachandran was born in Paravur, Ernakulam, Kerala, India.[1] He completed his graduation in English literature from the Union Christian College, Aluva (first two years) and Maharajas College, Ernakulam.[2]

Career

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His collection of poems published includes Pathinettu Kavithakal, Amaavaasi, Ghazal, Maanasaantharam, Dracula etc.[3] Another collection of his previously published poems, Balachandran Chullikkadinte Kavithakal (The Poems of Balachandran Chullikkad), was published in 2000.[3] He has also published a book of his memoirs, Chidambarasmarana (2001).[4]

He has participated in many national literary seminars organised by the Central Academy of Letters, India. He was one among the ten members of a cultural delegation of India to Sweden in 1997 invited by Nobel Academy and Swedish Writers Union.[5] He represented Indian poetry in the international bookfair in Gothenburg, Sweden in November 1997.[6]

Chullikkad is also an actor in Malayalam films and serials.[7][8] As an actor, he is best known for G. Aravindan's Pokkuveyil (1981) in which he played a young artist who lives with his father, a radical friend and a music-loving young woman. The film is about how his world collapses when his father dies, the radical friend leaves him and her family takes the woman away to another city.[9]

In 2018, he criticised the state education department for their incompetency in teaching Malayalam language. He urged it to remove his poems from curricula in schools, colleges and universities. Chullikkadu alleged that marks were being given in abundance for papers containing mistakes without proper evaluation, and the appointment of Malayalam teachers are not on the basis of qualifications, but caste, religion, political influence and nepotism. He said research work on Malayalam literature lack quality and that doctoral degrees were conferred on even those works which contain mistakes.[10][11]

Personal life

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Chullikkad is married to Vijayalakshmi, a known Malayalam poet and they have a son named Appu.[12][3]

In 2000, he took Buddhism as his religion.[13] He says that this cannot be called a conversion from Hinduism because he was never a follower of that religion. "I have not converted because I have not been a believer though I was a Hindu. I have now embraced Buddhism, not converted to Buddhism. The problem with Hinduism is that it is a religion of social status and set-ups. Your value in Hinduism depends on the family in which you were born," he says.[14]

Political views

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In a 2000 interview, Chullikkad revealed that he was a sympathiser of the Naxalite movement during his teenage years. He then continued as a Marxist for some years. But after the fall of the Soviet Union and "the Eastern European experience", he rethought his conviction about Marxism and reorganised his intellectual life on a different path. "I found that Marxism is outdated and irrelevant. Now I am not a Marxist, but a social and political democrat. Soviet experience proved that individual freedom without the base of socialism and socialism without sanctioning individual freedom is a failure. Communism practised all over the world is some kind of socialism without sanctioning individual freedom. Communism without approving individual freedom is social fascism", he said.[15]

Awards

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In 1990, he refused the Sanskriti Award for the best young writer in India and declared that he would not accept any award for his literary works.[16] In 2001, his work Balachandran Chullikkadinte Kavithakal was selected for the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry,[17] but Chullikkad did not accept the award.[16] In 2003, he received the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Narration / Voice Over (Non Feature Film Category) for The 18 Elephants – 3 Monologues.[18]

Bibliography

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Poetry

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  • Pathinettu Kavithakal (Trichur: Rasana, 1980)
  • Amavasi (Kottayam: S.P.C.S., 1982)
  • Ghazal (Kottayam: DC Books, 1987)
  • Ente Sachidanandan Kavithakal (Calicut: Bodhi, 1993)
  • Manasantharam (Trichur: Current, 1994)
  • Dracula (Kottayam: DC Books, 1998)
  • Balachandran Chullikkadinte Kavithakal (Kottayam: DC Books, 2000)
  • Prathinayakan (Kottayam: DC Books, 2013)
  • Balachandran Chullikkadinte Kavitha Paribhashakal (Kottayam: DC Books, 2013)[note 1]
  • Rakthakinnaram (Kottayam: DC Books, 2017)
  • Alakal (Calicut: Mathrubhumi, 2021)[19]
  • Ulkkakal (Kozhikode: Mathrubhumi, 2024)[20]

Others

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Filmography

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Films

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Actor

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Year Title Role Notes
1982 Pokkuveyil
1987 Ezhuthapurangal Balan
Theertham Shivan
1988 Marikkunnilla Njaan
1994 Pradakshinam
Sraadham
2005 Rappakal Deva Narayanan
Maanikyan Himself Cameo
The Tiger Dr. Bharathan Kumar
Nerariyan CBI Thirumeni
Bharathchandran I.P.S. Mudoor Sidhan
2006 Chinthamani Kolacase Sathyan Master
Aanachandam Vishwanathan
Vaasthavam
2007 Ali Bhai Collector Sukumaran Nair
Abraham & Lincoln
Nasrani Adv. Mathews
2008 One Way Ticket Balan Master
Parunthu Abraham
Oridathoru Puzhayundu Comrade Dasettan
Minnaminnikoottam Appukuttan Maashu
Pakal Nakshatrangal
Roudram Doctor Surendran
2009 Kali
Evidam Swargamanu Elias
Vellathooval
Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded
Samastha Keralam PO Balagangadharan
Patham Nilayile Theevandi Board member
Chattambinadu Kattappilly Cheriya Kuruppu
Madhya Venal
Vairam: Fight for Justice
Ivar Vivahitharayal
2010 Drona 2010 Nelloor Karanavar
Pokkiri Raja
Amma Nilaavu
Sadgamaya
Bodyguard
Elsamma Enna Aankutty Dr. Stephen Tharakan
Sakudumbam Shyamala
Pranchiyettan & the Saint Ajay Nambiar
2011 Ithu Nammude Katha Advocate
Three Kings Shankaran Unni Raja's father
August 15 Vasudevan
Collector
Bombay March 12
2012 Orkut Oru Ormakoot
Naughty Professor
Ayalum Njanum Thammil Murali
Mayamohini Shankaradi Melpathoor
Thattathin Marayathu
Last Bench Vinyan
916 Narayanan
2013 Sound Thoma Dr. George Joseph
Bharya Athra Pora Rajendran
August Club
White Paper
Lokpal Ashraf
Immanuel Madhavettan
Proprietors: Kammath & Kammath Sathyaneshan
Namboothiri Yuvavu @ 43
Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty Shamsu
Nadodimannan KRP
Omega.exe
Silence
Pigman
Kaattum Mazhayum Unreleased
2014 Cousins Varkey Master
The Dolphins
Pranayakadha
Kootathil Oral
Manja Abhayaraj's friend
Mr. Fraud
On The Way
Thomson Villa
Parayan Baaki Vechathu
Ringmaster
Onnum Mindathe
2015 Kumbasaram
Mashithandu
Oru New Generation Pani
Onnam Loka Mahayudham
Tharakangale Sakshi
Ellam Chettante Ishtam Pole
32aam Adhyayam 23aam Vaakyam Noaha
Two Countries Kanaran Master
2016 Action Hero Biju Paulachan
Kolamass
Pachakallam
King Liar Paraparambil Narayanan Nair
Welcome to Central Jail Khader
2017 Hello Dubaikkaran
Sathya
Aakashamittayee
Kaaliyan
Role Models College Principal
Vishwa Vikhyatharaya Payyanmar Govindan Master
2018 Marubhoomiyile Mazhathullikal
Aami Himself
Ottakoru Kaamukan Older Dominic
Neeli
Mohanlal Hari
Ira Judge
Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha Rohith Shetty
Thanaha
2019 Janaadhipan Swamy
Madhura Raja Adv. Mohandas
Children's Park Rishi's father
Thrissur Pooram Adv. Jayamohan
2021 Ice Orathi
Bheeshma Parvam Girija Achari
2022 Naradan Vijayan [21]
2023 Sesham Mike-il Fathima Himself
Composer
  • "Amme Pinvili Vilikkaathe" ... Pokkuveyil 1982
  • "Oru Ormmathan" ... Pokkuveyil 1982
  • "Paampu Kadicha" ... Ezhuthaappurangal 1987
Lyricist
  • Amme Pinvili Vilikkaathe ... Pokkuveyil 1982
  • Oru Ormmathan ... Pokkuveyil 1982
  • Nimishamaam ... Sruthi 1987
  • Leelaaravindam ... Sruthi 1987
  • Cheekithirukiya ... Sruthi 1987
  • Onam Vannu (Bit) ... Sruthi 1987
  • Ganapathiye Nin Achan ... Theertham 1987
  • Aathintho ... Theertham 1987
  • Bas More Nainan ... Theertham 1987
  • Paampu Kadicha ... Ezhuthaappurangal 1987
  • Kaanaamarayathu ... Pradakshinam 1994
  • Kaavalam Kiliye ... Saamoohya Paadam 1996
  • Kaavalam Kiliye ... Saamoohya Paadam 1996
  • Indrasabha ... Abraham & Lincoln 2007
  • Thakkida Tharikida ... Abraham & Lincoln 2007
  • Swapnamaraalike ... Abraham & Lincoln 2007
  • Kezhamaankannaale ... Abraham & Lincoln 2007
  • uduraajamukhi ... Abraham & Lincoln 2007
  • Raagam Shokam ... Thaniye 2007 G Venugopal
Playback singer
  • Poothappaattu ... Chillu 1982
  • Amme Pinvili Vilikkaathe ... Pokkuveyil 1982
  • Oru Ormmathan ... Pokkuveyil 1982
  • Paampu Kadicha ... Ezhuthaappurangal 1987
  • Idavamaasa perumazha ... Makalkku 2005
Story
  • Jaalakam (1987)
  • Idanaazhiyil Oru Kaalocha (1987)
  • Oozham (1988)
  • Orukkam (1990)
Dialogue
  • Jaalakam (1987)
  • Idanaazhiyil Oru Kaalocha (1987)
Screenplay

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2024-Present Snehapoorvam Shyama Zee Keralam
2023–2024 Anuraga Ganam Pole Zee Keralam
2022–2023 Amma Makal Zee Keralam
Thoovalsparsham (TV series) Asianet
2020–2023 Thinkalkalamaan Surya TV
2019–2020 Chackoyum Maryyum Mazhavil Manorama
2019–2021 Sumangali Bhava Zee Keralam
2018–2020 Bhagyajathakam Mazhavil Manorama
2018 Gauri Surya TV
2017 Seetha Flowers TV
2017–2018 Ammuvinte Amma Mazhavil Manorama
2016–2017 Pokkuveyil Flowers TV
2016 Mayamohini Mazhavil Manorama
2015 Karuthamuthu Asianet
2015 Ganga Doordarshan
2014 Balamani Mazhavil Manorama
2013 Eran Nilav Doordarshan
2011 Chila Nerangalil Chila Manushyar Amrita TV
2011–2012 Kathayile Rajakumari Mazhavil Manorama
2010 Indhraneelam Surya TV
Devimahathmyam Asianet
2009–2010 Vadakaikkoru Hridayam Amrita TV
2009 Pookalam Surya TV title song lyrics
2008–2009 Priyamanasi Surya TV
2008 Thulabharam Surya TV
Meera Asianet
2007 Makalude Amma Surya TV
Mizhi Thurakkumbol Surya TV
Venalmazha Surya TV
Parvanendu
Swapnagale Kaaval Kairali TV
Mizhi Thurakkumo Doordarshan

Web series

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Year Title Role Notes
2024 Jai Mahendran TBA [22]

Notes

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  1. ^ Translation of poems by Pablo Neruda, Charles Baudelaire, Rabindranath Tagore, Tennyson etc.
  2. ^ First published in 1977 in Veekshanam Varshikapathippu

References

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  1. ^ "ബാലചന്ദ്രന് അറുപത്". Mathrubhumi. 30 July 2017. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  2. ^ "Manorama Online : Breaking News, Kerala news, latest news, India, Kerala politics, sports, movies, celebrities, lifestyle, E-paper, Photos & Videos". Malayala Manorama. Archived from the original on 19 March 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  3. ^ a b c "ചുള്ളിക്കാടിന് ഒരു പിറന്നാള്‍ കൂടി..". Madhyamam (in Malayalam). 31 July 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  4. ^ Litty Pious (2019). "ചിദംബരസ്മരണ—ഒരു പഠനം". Chengazhi. Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  5. ^ "Cultural Exchange Programmes and Festivals of India Abroad" Archived 25 January 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Sahitya Akademi. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  6. ^ "ജന്മദിന ആഘോഷങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നകന്ന് ബുദ്ധവിഹാരത്തിൽ ബാലചന്ദ്രൻ ചുളളിക്കാട്". Indian Express (in Malayalam). 30 July 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  7. ^ "Balachandran Chullikkad". www.malayalachalachithram.com. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  8. ^ "Friday Review Thiruvananthapuram / TV Serials : Talkies". The Hindu. 28 March 2008. Archived from the original on 23 May 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2009.
  9. ^ Sashi Kumar (2–15 January 2010). "Aravindan's art". Frontline. Archived from the original on 20 October 2010. Retrieved 10 June 2013.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ^ "Poet requests that his poems not be made part of curricula - Times of India". The Times of India. 20 March 2018.
  11. ^ "Malayalam poet Balachandran Chullikkadu wants to withdraw his poems from school, universities syllabus". Archived from the original on 23 October 2019. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  12. ^ Ashitha (26 July 2018). "എന്റെ കവയിത്രി". Indian Express (in Malayalam). Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  13. ^ Malayalam poet embraces Buddhism Rediff – 24 January 2000
  14. ^ George Iype (4 April 2000). "Hindu gods never forgive. They only punish". Rediff.com. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  15. ^ Iype, George. "George Iype investigates the sudden craze for conversions in Kerala". Rediff.com. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  16. ^ a b "ബാലചന്ദ്രന്‍ ചുള്ളിക്കാട് തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത ചങ്ങമ്പുഴക്കവിതകള്‍". Daily Indian Herald (in Malayalam). 14 August 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  17. ^ "Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry". Kerala Sahitya Akademi. 6 April 2019. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  18. ^ "51st National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 130. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
  19. ^ "127 കുഞ്ഞുകവിതകളില്‍ വാക്കുകളുടെ വിരുന്നൊരുക്കി വീണ്ടും ചുള്ളിക്കാട് | അലകള്‍ |കിതാബ്". Mathrubhumi. 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  20. ^ ബാലചന്ദ്രന്‍ ചുള്ളിക്കാടിന്റെ പുതിയ കവിതാസമാഹാരം പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ചു. Mathrubhumi. 3 June 2024 Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  21. ^ "Naradhan review: Tovino Thomas is terrific in one of Aashiq Abu's weakest films". News9live. 5 March 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  22. ^ "Saiju Kurup's Sony LIV series Jai Mahendran gets a release date". Cinema Express. 7 January 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
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