Nilambur Balan – Prominent Malayalam stage artist and film actor of parallel cinema

Nilambur Balan was a film and stage actor of Malayalam entertainment industry, who was most active in 1960s – 1980s. He mostly appeared in offbeat movies, and played lead and supporting roles onscreen. He played male lead in Chuvanna Vithukal – a socio-political drama directed by P. A. Backer. Nilumbur Balan Award was instituted in his memory in 1998, and awards are given annually. Olavum Theeravum, Kuttedathi, Asura Vithu, Maram, Chuzhi, Chattambikalyani etc are some of his noted film roles.

Nilambur Balan was born in Nilambur of Kozhikode district. Vatakara is his native village. Since young he was interested in acting and hence joined theatre. Later he married stage actress, Vijayalakshmi in 1957 with whom he worked in theatre. After marriage the couple got actively involved with stage plays, and their chemistry was loved by audience. It was an era when Indian theatre enjoyed glorious years. Murappennu (1965) was his first credited role on Malayalam screen. Yet he never left theatre and was fully active in this field till his death in 1990.

Nilambur Balan – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. He has directed one film titled Anyarude Bhoomi.

2. He acted in more than 50 Malayalam movies.

3. His wife Vijayalakshmi is a recipient of state award for best stage actress, and has played brief roles on screen. She played Manju Warrier’s mother in Aami.

4. Balan, along with his wife and children has done one play – P. K. Antony’s Bhagya Nakshatram.

5. National award winning Nirmalyam is the first movie in which couple worked together. They played the supporting role of a tribal couple.

6. Well-known character artist of Malayalam cinema Pappu was a back stage artist who pulls curtain. He was encouraged to play a role on stage by Balan, and later Pappu became a famous comedian of Malayalam screen. His first stage appearance was received by audience with applause,  which encouraged him to take more roles.