Thiruvananthapuram:  Madhu, one of Malayalam cinema’s greatest actors, is all set to become a nonagenarian. The actor who has spent six decades in Malayalam cinema, playing various roles both in front of and behind the camera turned 90 on Saturday. He is an actor, director and producer.

This birthday is sans celebrations for Madhu as he prefers to spend a leisurely, relaxed life at his residence at Kannanmoola. The actor said that many people come to visit him regularly.

Madhu was born on September 23, 1933 to former Thiruvananthapuram mayor R Parameswaran Pillai and Thankamma Pillai. His birth name, R Madhavan Nair was shortened to Madhu for the silver screen. 

He began his career as a teacher at Hindu College in Nagercoil but later left to study drama at the Delhi School of Drama. He made his debut with the film ‘Ninmaninja Kalpadukal’ and went on to portray over 500 characters throughout his professional stint.

Even during the times when Sathyan and Prem Nazir reigned over the silver screen, Madhu was able to capture a niche for himself. He has directed 12 films. The nation showed its reverence to Madhu by awarding him with a Padma Shri and the state also gave him JC Daniel award. 

Madhu’s wife, Jayalakshmi passed away in 2014. Uma Nair is his only daughter.