Kochi: Veteran singer Pappukutty Bhagavathar who is better known as ‘Kerala Saigal’ passed away here on Sunday. He was 107.
Born to Michael and Anna in Vaippinkara, Pappukutty proved his talent as an actor, music teacher and singer.
He made his acting debut as a child artist in the drama ‘Vedamani’. Pappukutty became popular after playing the role of Mary Magdalene in the play ‘Misiha Charithram’. Veteran singer Yesudas’ father Agustine Joseph also shared the stage with him in the play.
Later, he acted in over 22 movies including ‘Prasanna’, ‘Muthalali’, ‘Guruvayurappan’, ‘Viruthan Sanku’ and ‘Asuravithu’.
In 1983, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi honoured him with ‘Bahumathi Pathram’. He also won the award for best Carnatic musician in 1991.
Pappukkutty was also honoured with a special award for classical music (1997) and Sangeetha Nataka Akademi fellowship (2004).
At the age of 100, Pappukutty rendered voice for a song in Dileep starrer ‘Marykkundoru Kunjaadu’.
He is survived by wife Baby, son Mohan Jose (film actor), Salma (playback singer), Sabu and Sali.
His funeral will be held at Perumpadappu Santa Cruz church cemetery on Tuesday around 11 am.
