N.N. Pillai

N. N. Pillai (Narayana Pillai Narayana Pillai) was an Indian playwright, actor, theatre director, orator, screenplay writer, lyricist and an I.N.A Freedom fighter. (Served as Commanding Officer of Field Propaganda Unit under (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose): in INA - Indian National Army) He has reigned the Malayalam theatre over four decades and has been entrusted the title “Nadakacharyan” – The Numero Uno Maestro / Doyen of Malayalam Theatre. Mr Pillai undoubtedly crowns the appellation through his remarkable contributions to theater as a playwright, director, actor and a producer. His two studies on theatre 'Nadakadarpanam' and 'Curtain' are considered a bible and handbook for all theater aspirants. He started his drama troupe “ Viswa Kerala Kala Samithi” in 1952. This Intellectual and brave mind have produced 23 full-length plays, 40 one act plays, 2 theatrical studies and his much acclaimed and daring autobiography “Njan” meaning “I”. His most popular plays are Kapalika, Cross Belt, Prethalokam, Dam, Vishamavritham, Easwarn Arrestil, Guerilla, Supreme Court and Njan Swargathil. He along with his family members have acted in most of his plays. His plays questioned the socio political injustice, hypocrisy and corruptions prevalent in the society. The satire and sharp dialogues he used in his plays have sent shockwaves across the state. Through the themes and dialogues used, he aimed to bring forth the wretched inequalities and injustice in the society and purify them by strong ridicule. Mr.Pillai was never an advocate of any political party or ideology. The only ideology he has upheld was humanity which reflects in all his dramas and articles.

Born: December 23, 1918 in Vaikom, Travancore, British India

Died: November 14, 1995 (Age 76)