"Innocent: A Journey of Perseverance, from Milkman to Actor and Activist "

 

Malayalam actor Innocent is a well-known name in the Indian film industry. He is a versatile actor who has made a significant contribution to the Malayalam film industry. His journey is an inspiring one that showcases the power of perseverance and hard work.

Innocent was born on April 28, 1948, in Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India. He was the youngest of the nine children in his family. After completing his education, he started working as a milkman. Later, he worked in various jobs, including as a conductor in the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.

Innocent's journey in the film industry began in the 1970s when he got an opportunity to work as an assistant director in the film 'Bharyaye Avashyamundu.' He then worked as an assistant director for various other films, including 'Amaram' and 'Ponnaranjanam.'

Innocent's acting career began in 1983 when he got an opportunity to act in the film 'Asthram.' Though it was a small role, it was the beginning of his journey as an actor. He then appeared in various films in supporting roles, including 'Kilukkam,' 'Mannar Mathai Speaking,' and 'Godfather.'

In 1990, Innocent got his breakthrough role in the film 'Mannar Mathai Speaking.' His portrayal of the character 'Pappan' in the film was highly appreciated, and it became one of the most memorable characters in Malayalam cinema. He then appeared in various other films in lead and supporting roles, including 'Kilukkam Kilukilukkam,' 'Ramji Rao Speaking,' and 'Kalyanaraman.'

Apart from his acting career, Innocent is also a politician. He is a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and has served as the Member of Parliament from the Chalakudy constituency in Kerala from 2014 to 2019.

Innocent's journey in the film industry has been a remarkable one. From being a milkman to becoming one of the most popular actors in Malayalam cinema, he has come a long way. He has acted in over 500 films and has won several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1991 for his role in 'Mannar Mathai Speaking.' He was also honored with the Padma Shri award, one of the highest civilian awards in India, in 2018.

Despite his success in the film industry and political activism, Innocent has faced several challenges in his personal life. In 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer, but he fought against the disease and returned to work after undergoing treatment.

Innocent has also been involved in various initiatives to promote the cultural heritage of Kerala. He has been a patron of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, which is the state's academy of music, dance, and drama. He has also been involved in promoting traditional art forms such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

In addition to his work in the film industry, Innocent has also acted in several television shows. He has hosted several programs on Doordarshan, the state-run television channel in India.

Innocent has received several awards for his contributions to the film industry and social activism. In addition to the Kerala State Film Award and Padma Shri, he has also won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor (Malayalam) in 1993 for his role in the film 'Kilukkam.'

In addition to his successful acting career, Innocent has been involved in various social and political causes in Kerala. He has been a prominent member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is one of the leading political parties in the state. In 2014, he contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Chalakudy constituency in Kerala and won with a significant margin.

As an MP, Innocent has been active in addressing various social issues, including the welfare of farmers, fishermen, and other marginalized communities. He has also been vocal about environmental issues, particularly the conservation of the Western Ghats, which is a biodiversity hotspot in Kerala.

In addition to his political activism, Innocent has also been involved in various social initiatives. He is the founder of the Innocent Foundation, which works towards the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of society. The foundation has undertaken several projects in the areas of healthcare, education, and women's empowerment.

One of the most significant initiatives of the Innocent Foundation is the Palliative Care Project, which provides medical and emotional support to patients with life-limiting illnesses. The project has been highly successful and has been implemented in various parts of Kerala.

Innocent's social and political activism is a testament to his commitment to social justice and his desire to make a positive impact on society. His initiatives in the areas of healthcare, education, and environmental conservation have had a significant impact on the lives of people in Kerala. He continues to be an inspiration to many, not just in the film industry but also in the field of social and political activism. Innocent's journey is a testament to the fact that hard work, perseverance, and determination can take you places. He is an inspiration to many aspiring actors and people who want to achieve success in their respective fields. His contribution to the Malayalam film industry will always be remembered, and he will continue to inspire generations to come.

Below are some of his contributions to society.

Political Achievements:

• Innocent joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the early 1990s and gradually became an important member of the party.
• In 2014, he was nominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) as its candidate from the Chalakudy constituency for the Lok Sabha elections. He won the seat with a margin of over 14,000 votes.
• Innocent has been an active parliamentarian and has raised several issues related to the welfare of his constituency, including the plight of fishermen and farmers, and the need for infrastructure development.
• In 2019, Innocent was re-elected from the Chalakudy constituency with an even higher margin of votes, demonstrating the popularity he has gained as a politician.

Film Achievements:

• Innocent started his acting career in 1972 with the film 'Peruvazhiyambalam,' but it was his role in the 1988 film 'Oru CBI Diary Kurippu' that brought him critical acclaim.
• He has acted in over 500 films in a career spanning more than four decades. Some of his notable performances include 'Kilukkam' (1991), 'Mannar Mathai Speaking' (1995), and 'Katha Parayumbol' (2007).
• Innocent has won several awards for his acting, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1989 for the film 'Varthamana Kalam' and the Best Actor Award at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2007 for his performance in 'Achuvinte Amma.'
• Apart from acting, Innocent has also produced films, including the 2001 film 'Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka,' which was a critical and commercial success.
• In 2013, Innocent was elected as the President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), which is a leading organization representing actors in the Malayalam film industry. He served as the President for two terms.

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