Sankaradi

Sankaradi, born on July 14, 1924, in North Paravur back when it was still the Kingdom of Cochin, was basically a legend in Malayalam cinema. Kind of wild to think how many decades he kept the spotlight, popping up everywhere and just absolutely owning any role thrown his way. People knew him for his work in classics like Vazhve Mayam (1970), Ezhuthatha Katha (1970), and Ithrayum Kalam (1987)—but honestly, that’s just scratching the surface. He carved out this unique space for himself, whether he was playing the lovable uncle, the sly businessman, or just about any character that needed a dash of realism. His knack for comedy? Unmatched. But he could just as easily flip a switch and get all serious and dramatic. You never really knew what to expect, except that Sankaradi would make you believe every second of it. He saw Malayalam cinema transform, too—literally went from black-and-white era to the glossier films of the late ‘80s and ‘90s, and he didn’t miss a beat. Off-screen, he was known to be super approachable, always ready with a story or a joke. He passed away on October 9, 2001, in Cherayi, Kerala, leaving behind this insane legacy—hundreds of movies, loads of iconic moments, and just a whole vibe that nobody’s really managed to replicate. If you ask anyone who grew up on Malayalam films, Sankaradi’s name will always pop up, because, well, the guy was everywhere, and he was unforgettable.