Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair

Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair (16 October 1916 – 11 March 1997) was a towering figure in Malayalam cinema and literature, celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as an actor, poet, playwright, lyricist, screenwriter, orator, and director. Born in the village of Thikkurissy near Nagercoil, then part of Travancore, he rose to become the first bona fide superstar of the Malayalam screen.

His artistic journey began on the stage, where his plays *Mareechika* and *Kalakaran* earned widespread acclaim. In 1950, he transitioned to film, making his debut with the screen adaptation of his own celebrated play, *Sthree*. Over a prolific career spanning nearly five decades, he appeared in more than 700 films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His influence extended beyond performance; he was also known for crafting the screen names of several legendary actors, including Prem Nazir, Madhu, Bahadoor, and Jose Prakash.

In recognition of his immense contributions, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, one of the nation's highest civilian awards. Thikkurissy passed away on 11 March 1997 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, at the age of 80, due to renal failure. His legacy endures as a pioneer who shaped the golden era of Malayalam cinema.