P. M. Taj
Puthiyara Maliyakkal Taj () (3 January 1956 – 29 July 1990), popularly known as P. M. Taj, was an Indian creative writer, actor, screenwriter, and director in Malayalam theatre. He was a prominent cultural figure in Kozhikode. Taj wrote many plays during his short span of life and won several awards including the "Sakthi Award", instituted in memory of the progressive Malayalam writer Cherukad, and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award twice. Early life. P. M. Taj was born in a typical middle-class family in Kozhikode, Kerala as the eldest son of P. M. Alikoya, a businessman, and  K. T. Asiya. He has three siblings; Iqbal, Jabeen, and Yasmin. He was also a nephew of the dramatist K. T. Muhammed. Taj's education was mostly in Kozhikode. He attended the "Sri Gujarathi Vidyala" for his primary education and then studied at Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College for his higher education. During his school and college days, Taj won several awards in various cultural events. He also had an active participation in college politics. After graduation he worked as an editor for two years in "Yuvadhara", a magazine published by DYFI. His debut drama was "Perumbara", published in 1977. He  married Bichu in 1986 and they have of two sons – Sonal Taj and Vishal Taj. Selected works. His most famous plays include: "Kudukka Athava Vishakkunnavante Vedantam", "Kanallattom", "Ravvunni", "Pavathan Nadu", "Perumbara", "Mary Lawrence", "Thalasthanathuninn Oru Vaarthayumilla", "Kurukan Kunjaammante Vaal", "Perumkallan", "Priyapetta Avivahidhan", "Chakram", "Aalmarattam", Ambalakaalla", "Uthram Thirunallinte Kalpana Pole, Ennum Ennum Priyapetta Amma, and Agraharam". Myths and folklore had an influence on Taj, but he used them to send a different message in a modern context. Some of his characters like, "Ravunni", become part of a sad and bitter tale about globalisation.