Menon was born in Angadipuram, Malappuram District, Kerala on 10 July 1942. His mother was M.P. Narayanikutty Menon, and father was V.P.K. Nair. He was the grandnephew of the famous freedom fighter and Malabar rebellion leader, M.P. Narayana Menon. Being a member of the matrilineal Nair society, his family name was taken from his mother's side of the family.