Jayaram

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Jayaram is a famous Malayalam film actor, mimicry artist and an able chenda percussionist in Kerala, India. Jayaram been active in films since the 1980s. He is quite widely appreciated for his easiness in handling comedy, being the hero of the film. There was some criticism towards him being stereotyped in comic roles. Jayaram despite the criticism has managed to hold on to the top list of Malayalam film actors.

Jayaram born in a family of Tamil Brahmins in Perumbavoor, Kerala,completed his education from Sri Sankara College, Kaladi. When he was studying there, he won several awards in state level for mimicry. That made him to make the decision to make art as his profession.

After college, he joined Kalabhavan, a well known professional mimicry troupe. He was spotted by the noted malayalam film director, Padmarajan who gave Jayaram his launching pad with the 1988 film Aparan. Padmarajan became his mentor in his film career till the former's death in January, 1991.

Within few years since his debut, He acted in several critically acclaimed films like Moonnampakkam (1988),Mazhavilkavadi (1989), Thooval Sparsham (1990), Keli (1991),Thooval Kottaram (1996), Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal(1999) and Sesham (2002). His association with directors Sathyan Anthikkad, Rajasenan created many commercilly successful popular movies.

He forayed into Tamil film industry as well, and was moderately successful there. A pick of Tamil films he did are Gokulam, Purushalakshanam, Priyanka, Kolangal, Murai Mamman and Pathini . His friendship with Kamal Haasan is also famous. His role as Dr. Kailash in Kamal Haasan starrer Thenali was well-appreciated.

He is married to actress Parvathy who is no longer active in films. Their son Kalidas is a child film artist who has won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist in 2003. They also have a daughter, Malavika.

Jayaram lives with his family in Chennai.