Showing all artists born at Chalakudy

Kalabhavan Mani is a South Indian actor and singer. He began his career in Malayalam film industry, later he became a busy artist in Tamil and Telugu industry, especially in villain roles. 

Although he began his career as a comedian, Mani proved his versatility roles such as serious actor, heroic and villain. He has acted in a number of Malayalam and Tamil films. He proved his acting talent in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, in which he plays a blind street singer. He has won National film awards and Kerala state film award in 1999 for Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum

Mani was born in Chalakudy, Kerala. He started his career as a mimicry artist in Kalabhavan, Kochi. He started his acting career in the Malayalam film Aksharam as an auto rickshaw driver. Since then, he has acted in several movies as a comedian. His first serious role was in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum. He has acted in more than 80 films in Malayalam and more than 20 in Tamil.

He is also a professional playback singer and a singer of Nadan Paattu (folk songs). His first album was Kannimanga Prayathil. Mani has since established a parallel industry of 'Nadan Pattukal', selling a record number of releases. He has released a few religious songs and Mappila Pattukal.

Mani's career started portraying comedic roles primarily in Malayalam films; he later shifted to serious roles. Eventually he became popular all across South India portraying negative characters in an unusual style. Despite all the popularity, Mani is known for his down-to-earth personality and for providing humanitarian aid to people in need.