Mumbai: As part of Onam celebrations this month, the People’s Arts Centre, a 44-year-old charitable organisation, has announced the Kalabhavan Mani Commemorative Awards, to be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Sivaswami Auditorium near Chembur, Mumbai. The awards will be presented to them by Dr C V Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal.
The event is an initiative to honour the profound and enduring legacy of the late actor Kalabhavan Mani, one of Kerala’s most beloved and versatile artists. The awards ceremony, a testament to the impact of his work, aims to recognise exceptional talent in acting, music, and mimicry—areas where Mani himself left an indelible mark.
Kalabhavan Mani, who passed away in 2016, was a celebrated actor, singer and mimicry artist whose contributions to Indian cinema and culture continue to resonate. Known for his powerful performances in over 200 films, Mani was a true artist of the people, and his unique blend of charisma, talent, and humility inspired generations.
This year, the inaugural Kalabhavan Mani Commemorative Awards will be presented to artists with outstanding talent in acting on the big and mini-screens. A particular focus will be on those who have contributed significantly to Malayalam cinema, the industry that Mani cherished very profoundly.
People’s Arts Centre has always been at the forefront of instituting innovative awards for national integration and mélange of arts and culture. It was started by Gopkumar Pillai, a stalwart in the field of events and awards for the past four decades. He has copious experience in recognising talent and rewarding them for their dedication and performance.
For the Awards’ inaugural year, the People’s Arts Centre, with its panel of judges, has selected awardees who are among the best in Malayalam cinema, music, and performing arts.
The star-studded event will also feature a Grand Malayalam Comedy Nite by the award-winning artists and a special folk music performance by an artist, Rejeesh Mulavukadu, winner of the Kerala state folklore academy award, who Mani influenced.
Kalabhavan Mani was not just an artist but a cultural phenomenon that brought joy to millions. Through these awards, we at People’s Arts Centre aim to keep his spirit alive and inspire a new generation of artists to follow in his footsteps.
Awardees recognised for their contribution to the creative field
Mr Lal: He started as a mimicry artist with the famous Kochi Kalabhavan, where he honed his entertainment skills and became popularly known by his stage name. Lal has carved a niche as an actor, director, scriptwriter, and producer. His versatility, dedication and significant contributions to Malayalam cinema are highly acclaimed.
Suneesh Varanad: He is a screenwriter working in the Malayalam film industry. He is a writer, journalist, screenplay writer, actor, stand-up comedian and television presenter.
Unniraj: He is widely known as Marmayam Unni. He is a popular comedian who has performed comic roles on Malayalam TV and in the cinema for more than two decades. He began his acting Journey with amateur theatre in his childhood.
Kollam Siraj: A Malayalam mimicry artist and actor from Kollam, he gained popularity for his unique ability to mimic a wide range of Malayalam film actors, politicians, and prominent personalities.
Devrajan Kozhikode: He wears many hats. He is an actor, mimicry artist, mono-act mimicry artist, dubbing artist, and skit trainer.
Donor passes will be available daily from 10th September, 10 am to 6 pm at the Hall. For more information, please get in touch with Gopkumar Pillai at 95617 95704
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