Jose Prakash

Jose Prakash (14 April 1925 – 24 March 2012) was an Indian actor and singer who worked in Malayalam cinema. He was a singer turned actor who had appeared in more than 300 films mostly in antagonist roles. He was awarded with the J. C. Daniel Award in 2011, a day before he died aged 86. In a career spanning for around 40 years, he is known for portraying some of the iconic villain characters in the Malayalam film industry. Later, he switched to character roles in the mid 90s.
Personal life
He was the eldest of the eight children of Eliyamma & K.J. Joseph of the Kunnel family on 14 April 1925 at Changanassery, Kottayam. He has four younger brothers and three sisters, among whom the youngest brother, Prem Prakash, is also an actor. He had his primary education from Sacred Heart Public School, Kottayam. He was settled around 30 years in Madras and later moved to Cochin. In 2003 his right leg had to be amputated due to Diabetes. He was married to Chinnamma, who predeceased him. They have 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters: Elsamma Thomas (nee Joseph), Rajan Joseph, Gracy Maliakal, Shaji Joseph, Jasmine Joseph, and Susan Joseph. He lived with his youngest son Shaji Joseph in Cochin till his death on 24 March 2012.
Script writers Bobby-Sanjay and Malayalam movie director Dennis Joseph are his nephews.
Early career
Jose Prakash was in the Indian army before entering the film industry. While in the army he had the rare distinction to serve as the body guard of Mahatma Gandhi during the time of partition. Like other actors of that age he was not a theatre or stage artist. He had served for Indian army for 8 years. He later left army and return to his homeland and start small business. Having interest in cinema and music from childhood he started a small club with his friends called Kottayam Arts Club in which he was the lead singer. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair once saw his performance and called him as a singer for his debut directorial film Sheriyo Thetto. It was Thikkurissy who gave him the name Jose Prakash.
Film career
Singer
Jose Prakash started his early career as a singer who lend his voice for Prem Nazir, Sathyaneshan Nadar etc. Malayalam industry was not professional at early 1950s usually actors sing for themselves. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair introduced him to V. Dakshinamoorthy who liked his voice and lend his voice for the film Sheriyo Thetto in 1953 directed by Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. In this film philosophical number "Paadu pettu paadangalil" sung by Jose Prakash introduced a new trend in Malayan cinema. He also did a small role in the movie. He was not at all a professional singer and does not attend any musical class. In the early 1960s Malayalam film industry became professional and the introduction of talented singers like A. M. Rajah, K. J. Yesudas ended the careers of all non professional singers. Up to the 1960s he had sung around 60 songs for various actors like Prem Nazir etc.
Actor
During his singing career he had done small roles and cameos for films. His first break as an actor was Bhakta Kuchela in 1961. But his major break as a villain was Olavum Theravum in 1969 and he later went on to do many films mostly in villain roles. In 1971, he acted in the first ever investigative sequel C.I.D. Nazir (1971) directed by P. Venu. Later he worked with P. Venu in many of his films. He and K. P. Ummer dominated Malayalam film industry in the role of Antagonist and was a hard target for Heroes. Up to date he had acted for more than 350 films in Malayalam language. He retired from film industry in 2003 due to health reasons. His last film was Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum directed by Sibi Malayil. After a long gap of 8 years he did a small cameo role in Traffic.
Awards
Kerala State Television Awards
1993:Kerala State Television Award For Best Actor - Mikhayelinte Santhathikal
2006 Bahadoor Award
2011 J C Daniel Award
Filmography
As an actor
Traffic 2011
Highway Police 2006 as Father John
Mr. Brahmachari 2003
Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum 2003
Kanalkkireedam 2002
The Gift Of God 2002
Pathram 1999
Vazhunnor 1999 as Bishop
Meenathil Thalikettu 1998
Man of the Match 1996
Thumbolikkadappuram 1995
Agrajan 1995
Highway 1995
Puthran 1994 as michael
Bheesmacharya 1994
Chukkan 1994 as Narayanan
Akashadoothu 1993
Devasuram 1993
Mayaamayooram 1993
Maanthrika Cheppu 1992
Ragam Anuragam 1991
Kadalora Kattu 1991
Indrajaalam 1990
Orukkam 1990 as Father Francis Arakkal
Kadathanadan Ambadi 1990
Veena Meettiya Vilangukal 1990
Kottayam Kunjachan 1990
Ee Kannikoodi 1990
Adikkurippu 1989
Adharvam 1989
Kodugallur Bagavathi 1989
Dhinarathrangal 1988
Loose Loose Arappiri Loose 1988
Vrutham 1987 as Jailor
Aankiliyude Tharattu 1987
Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku 1987
Aalippazhangal 1987 as Sekharan Thampi
Rajavinte Makan 1986
Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku 1986
Sayam Sandhya 1986
Snehamulla Simham 1986
Niramulla Raavukal 1986 as Sudevan
Adukkan Entheluppam 1986
Rajavinte Makan 1986
Aayiram Kannukal 1986
Ente Kanakkuyil 1985
Eeran Sandhya 1985
Akalathe Ambili (1985) as Kurichan
Akkachide Kunjuvava 1985
Upahaaram 1985 as Fernandez
. Sammelanam 1985 as Ananthan Nambiar
Madhuvidhu Theerum Munpe 1985
Ee Sabdam Innathe Sabdam 1985
Aa Neram Alppa Dooram 1985
Nirakkoottu 1985
Parannu Parannu Parannu 1984
Koottinilamkili 1984
Piriyilla Naam 1984
Jeevitham 1984
Pavam Poornima 1984 as Thampi
Thacholi Thankappan 1984 as Guptha
Manithali 1984
Oru Kochu Kadha Arum Parayatha Kadha (1984) as Advocate
Swanthamevide Bandhamevide 1984
Sabadham 1984 as Viswanadhan Thampi
Kurishuyudham (1984) as Father Fernandez
Koodevide 1983
Himam (1983) as Jaykkal
Nadi Muthal Nadi Vare 1983
Passport 1983
Ahankaram 1983
Oru Mukham Pala Mukham 1983
Belt Mathai 1983...Alexander
Kodumkattu 1983
Ankam 1983 as Chacko
Maniyara 1983
Enne Njan Thedunnu 1983 as Doctor Earadi
Koodevide 1983
Sara Varsham 1982
Rakthasakshi 1982
Aarambham 1982 as Sebastian
Aranjaanam 1982 as Colonel
Shila 1982
Ahimsa 1982
Drohi 1982
Chilanti Vala 1982
Paanjajanyam as Madhavan Thampi
Saram 1982
Aasha as Mathew Cheriyan
Dheera 1982
Shaari Alla Sharada 1982
Ithu Njangalude Katha 1982
Kaliyamardhanam 1982
John Jaffer Janardhanan 1982
Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam 1982
Oru Vilippadakale 1982 as Dr Cheriyan
Saahasam 1981
Kilugaatha Changalakal 1981
Nizha Yudham 1981
Choothattam 1981
Aarathi 1981
Thrishna 1981 as K V S Panikkar
Raktham 1981
Ahimsa 1981
Agnisharam 1981
Thadavara 1981 as Kollakkaran
Karimpoocha 1981
Sambhavam 1981
Swarnappakshikal 1981
Adimachangala 1981
Maniyan Pilla Adhava Maniyan Pilla 1981 as Parameshwaran Pilla
Agni Yudham 1981
Prema Geethangal 1981 as P K Panikkar
Ariyappedatha Rahasyam 1981 as Sreedharan thampi (P. Venu)
Love In Singapore 1980
Air Hostess 1980 as Menon
Chandrahasam 1980 as Rathnakaran
Agnikshetram 1980 as Vishwanathan
Manushya Mrugam 1980 as K. G. Menon
Shakthi 1980
Kadalkkattu 1980
Prakadanam 1980 as Damodharan
Anthapuram 1980
Edan Thottam 1980
Avan Oru Ahankari 1980
Ival Ee Vazhi Ithu Vare 1980
Baktha Hanuman 1980
Aagamanam 1980 as Issac
Agniparvatham 1979
Puthiya Velicham 1979
Avano Atho Avalo 1979 as Surendran
Mamangam 1979
Yakshipparu 1979
Irumbazhikal 1979 as Swami
Pichathikuttappan 1979 (P. Venu)
Alavuddinum Albutha Vilakkum 1979
Vijayanum Veeranum 1979 as Surendran Nair
Tharangam 1979 as Gopalan
Indradhanussu 1979 as Rappai
Thuramugham 1979
Kathirmandapam 1979
Ward No.7 1979 (P. Venu)
Sarppam 1979
Vaaleduthavan Valaal 1979
Rakthamillatha Manushyan 1979 as Menon
Vijayam Nammude Senani 1979
Peruvazhiyambalam 1979
Prabhu 1979 as Gauri Sankar Prasad
Eeta 1978
Beena 1978
Aval vishwathayayirunnu 1978 as Psychiatrist
Velluvili 1978 as Minnal Moidu
Yaagaaswam 1978
Amarsham 1978
Itha Oru Manushyan 1978 as Narayanan Thampi
Aalmarattam 1978 (P. Venu)
Lisa 1978
Rajan Paraja Kadha 1978
Ithanente Vazhi 1978
Avakaasham 1978
Kudumbam Nammukku Sreekkovil 1978 as Dharmapalan
Aanakkalari 1978
Rowdy Ramu 1978
Kanalkkattakal 1978 as Vikraman/Prasad
Padmatheertham 1978 as Achutha Kurup
Aval Kanda Lokam 1978
Karimpuli 1978
Ashokavanam 1978
Ee Ganam Marakkumo 1978
Urakkam Varatha Rathrikal 1978 as Balagangadhara Menon
Arum Annyaralla 1978 as Priest
Randu Lokam 1977 as Thamarasheri Gopala Kurup
Aval Oru Devalayam 1977
Sathyavan Saavithri 1977 as Ashwapathi
Nirakudam 1977
Rajaparambara 1977
Aadyapaadam 1977
Sujatha 1977
Madura Swapnam 1977
Parivarthanam 1977
Minimol 1977
Sangamam 1977
Vezhambal 1977
Innale Innu 1977
Sankupushppam 1977 as Dr. Jose
Sukradasa 1977
Shanta Oru Devatha 1977
Abhinivesham 1977 as C. P. Menon
Sreemad Bhagavath Geetha 1977
Muttathe Mulla 1977 as Thampi
Sagakkale Munnottu 1977
Udyanalakshmi 1976
Seemantha Puthran 1976
Agni Pushppam 1976
Paarijatham 1976
Ozhukkinethire 1976
Rajaankanam 1976
Neelasaari 1976
Amba Ambika Ambalika 1976
Themmadi Velappan 1976 as Balakrishnan
Light House 1976
Chirkudukka 1976 as Kumar
Nee Ente Lahari 1976
Amma 1976
Picnic (1975) as Mooppan
Chumaduthaangi 1975
Babumon 1975 as Puli Naanu
Hello Darling 1975 as Krishna Kumar
Omanakunju 1975
Thomasleeha 1975
Pulivalu 1975
Makkal 1975
Raagam 1975
Ullasa Yaathra 1975
. Pravaham 1975 as Bhaskaran
Mattoru Seetha 1975
Love Marriage 1975 as Prakash
Love Letter 1975
Chandanachola 1975
Odakuzhal 1975
Sooryavamsham 1975
Priye Ninakku Vendi 1975
Pancha Thanthram 1974 as Prasad
Sapthaswarangal 1974 as Madhava Das
Honeymoon 1974
College Girl 1974 as Nanu
Shaapamoksham 1974
Poothenaruvi 1974
Pattabhishekam 1974
Ankathattu 1974
Rahasya Raathri 1974
Jesus 1973
Panchavadi 1973 as Shekhar
Padmavyooham 1973 as Mathachan
Ajaathavasam 1973 as Jayaraj
Kaapalika 1973
Panitheeratha Veedu 1973 as Hari's father
Badradeepam 1973 as Venugopal
Thaniniram 1973 as Mathai/Mathew Philip
Police Ariyaruthu 1973 as Alex
Pacha Nottukal 1973 as Mathews Muthalali
Prethagalude Thazvara 1973 (P. Venu)
Swapnam 1973
Maasappadi Mathupilla 1973
Veendum Prabhatham 1973
Rakkuyil 1973
Thekkankattu 1973 as Sebastain
Pushppanjali 1972 as Damu
Sree Guruvayoorappan 1972
Sambhavami Yuge Yuge 1972 as Balaram
Aneshwanam
Taxi Car 1972 as Shivaram
Nirthasaala 1972 as Dayananthan
Aaradi Manninte Janmi 1972 as Dr. Menon
Shakthi 1972
Manthrakodi 1972
Brahmachari 1972
Prathikaram 1972 as Sreedharan Thampi
Avalalppam Vaikipoyi 1971
Jalakanyaka 1971
Makane Ninakku Vendi (1971) ...Pappachan
Thapaswini 1971
Vilakkyu Vaangiya Veena 1971 as K.R.Das
Achante Bharya 1971 as Rajan
Muthassi 1971
Lankadahanam 1971 as Das
C.I.D. Nazir 1971 as Shivaram (P. Venu)
Nilakkatha Chalanagal 1970
Nizhalattam 1970 as Bhaskaran
Abayam 1970
Lottery Ticket 1970
Madhuvidhu 1970 as Sathi's Father
Aranaazhikaneram (1970) as Priest
Ollavum Theeravum 1970
Kattukurangu 1969
Kannur Deluxe 1969 as Gopalakrishnan
Rahasyam 1969 as Karadi Damodharan
Chattambikkavala 1969
Kumara Sambhavam (1969) as Devandran
Velutha Kathreena 1968 as Superintend Manoharan
Love in Kerala 1968
Agniputhri 1967
Subaida 1965
Karutha Kai 1964 as Madhava Menon
Adya Kiranangal 1964 as Damodaran
Kattumaina 1963
Snapaka Yohannan 1963 as Snapaka Yohannan
Ammaye Kaanaan 1963 as Advocate
Bhaktha Kuchela 1961 as Nandagopan
Chathurangam 1959
Mariakutty 1958 as Ponnappachan
Devasundari 1957
Padatha Painkili 1957 as Pothachan
Manthravaadi 1956
Harishchandra 1955
CID 1955
Aniyathi 1955 as Doctor
Harischandra 1955
Balyasakhi 1954
Manasakshi 1954
Sheriyo Thetto 1953 -Debut Film as singer and actor
Alphonsa (1952)
Premalekha (1952)
As a singer
"Om Namashivaaya" - Love in Kerala (1968)
"Oronnoro Chenchorathan" - Avan Varunnu (1954)
"Neelippenne" - Manasakshi (1954)
"Kannuneer Nee Choriyaathe" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
"Paadupettu Paadangalil" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
"Thaarame Thaanuvaru" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
"Vaarmazhaville Va" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
"Pokaam Pokaam" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
"Kelkuka Ha" - Alphonsa (1952)
"Chinthayil Neerunna" - Visappinte Vili (1952)
"Ramanan" - Visappinte Vili (1952)
As a Television actor
Akashadoothu (TV series) (2012)- A teleserial from Surya TV which is the sequel of the hit Malayalam film Akashadoothu
Mikhaelinte Santhathikal - as Mikhael (Doordarshan)
Vava (Asianet)
Avashthantarangal (Kairali TV)
Further reading
Jose Prakash Celebrating his 84th birthday-http://www.ratedesi.com/video/v/XJgxBIs0Hpk/Actor-Jose-Prakash-celebrates-84th-birthday!
References
Sources
External links
1925 births
2012 deaths
J. C. Daniel Award winners
Kerala State Film Award winners
21st-century Indian male actors
Male actors from Kottayam
Male actors in Malayalam cinema
Indian male film actors
20th-century Indian male actors
Indian male television actors
Male actors in Malayalam television
Indian male playback singers
20th-century Indian singers
Singers from Kerala
People from Changanassery
20th-century Indian male singers