Kalabhavan Navas: Difference between revisions

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{{BLP sources|date=September 2018}}
{{Short description|Indian actor and comedian (1974–2025)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
<!-- Note: The following pages were redirects to [[Kalabhavan_Navas]] before draftification:
*[[Draft:Kalabhavan Navas]]
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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Kalabhavan Navas
| name               = Kalabhavan Navas
| image = Kalabhavan ansar.jpg
| image             = Kalabhavan ansar (cropped).jpg
| caption = Navas
| caption           = Navas in 2010
| birth_date =  
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1974|4|27|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Kerala]]
| birth_place       = [[Wadakkancherry, Thrissur|Wadakkancherry]], [[Thrissur district|Thrissur]], [[Kerala]], India
| nationality = Indian
| death_date        = {{death date and given age|df=yes|2025|8|1|51}}
| residence =  
| death_place        = [[Chottanikkara]], Kerala, India
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor • Comedian • [[Impressionist (entertainment)|Mimicry artist]] • Singer-songwriter}}
| alma mater        =  
| years_active = 1995–present
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actor|comedian|[[Impressionist (entertainment)|mimic]]|singer}}
| years_active       = 1992–2025
| spouse            = {{marriage|Rehna Navas|27 October 2002}}
| children          = 3
| father            = Aboobacker
| relatives          = [[Niyas Backer]] (brother)
}}
}}


'''Kalabhavan Navas''' is an Indian stage, television, and film actor, singer, comedian, and mimicry artist. He is known for his roles in television and films.  such as ''[[Hitler Brothers]]'' (1997), ''[[Junior Mandrake]]'' (1997), ''[[Mattupetti Machan]]'' (1998), ''[[Chandamama (1999 film)|Chandamama]]'' (1999) and ''[[Thillana Thillana]]'' (2003).
'''Navas Backer''' (27 April 1974 – 1 August 2025), better known by his stage name  as '''Kalabhavan Navas''', was an Indian actor, comedian and [[Impressionist (entertainment)|mimic]]. He began his career performing mimicry in stage shows and gained prominence after joining the [[Kalabhavan]] troupe, from which he adopted his professional moniker. He subsequently performed with the Cochin Arts troupe along with his brother, [[Niyas Backer]]. He was also a singer.
 
Navas made his film debut in ''Chaithanyam'' (1995) and appeared in approximately 50 Malayalam films, primarily in comedic roles. He is best known for his roles in ''[[Mimics Action 500]]'' (1995), ''[[Hitler Brothers]]'' (1997), ''[[Junior Mandrake]]'' (1997), ''[[Mattupetti Machan]]'' (1998), ''[[Chandamama (1999 film)|Chandamama]]'' (1999) and ''[[Thillana Thillana]]'' (2003).
 
==Early life==
Navas was born in a village at [[Wadakkancherry, Thrissur]], in 27 April 1974. His father, Aboobacker, was a theatre and film actor who had appeared in several [[Malayalam film]]s, while his mother, originally from [[Ernakulam]], was a homemaker. Navas grew up with two siblings&nbsp;— an elder brother, Niyas, and a younger brother, Nisam.<ref name="MM_interview">{{cite news |author1=Ajith |title=ചിരി നിറയുന്ന മൺവീട്; കലാഭവൻ നവാസിന്റെ വീട്ടുവിശേഷങ്ങൾ |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/homestyle/spot-light/2019/11/11/kalabhavan-navas-mud-house-aluva-memories.html |access-date=1 August 2025 |work=[[Malayala Manorama]]|language=ml}}</ref> The family were practising [[Muslims]]. Though his father worked as an actor, his earnings were meagre, and the family lived within limited means during Navas's childhood.<ref name="Mathrubhumi_interview1">{{cite news |last1=കാസിം |first1=സിറാജ് |title=സിനിമാക്കാലത്തെ പെരുന്നാൾ, മസാലദോശയും തരിക്കഞ്ഞിയും; വിശേഷങ്ങളുമായി നവാസും രഹ്നയും |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/lifestyle/features/kalabhavan-navas-rehana-sharing-perunnal-memories-1.7482579 |access-date=1 August 2025 |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |date=2 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
 
After beginning his career as an artist, he moved to his mother's ancestral home in Ernakulam and lived there for twenty years. His brother, Niyas Backer, also went on to become a comic actor in film and television.<ref name="MM_interview"/> His other brother Nisam (Nisamuddin) became a journalist.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nakul |first1=V. G. |title=പ്രായത്തിൽ ‘മറിമായ’മില്ല, എനിക്ക് 46, മോൾക്ക് 21! സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയയുടെ സംശയങ്ങൾക്ക് നിയാസ് ബക്കർ മറുപടി പറയുന്നു |url=https://www.vanitha.in/celluloid/movies/2019/03/07/niyas-backer-actor-interview-special.html |access-date=2 August 2025 |work=[[Vanitha (magazine)|Vanitha]] |date=7 March 2019 |language=ml}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==


He used to do many mimicry stage shows. He was in [[Kalabhavan]] mimicry troop. Later he started doing many mimicry shows along with his brother, [[Niyas Backer]], under the banner Cochin Arts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/070217/hard-work-and-patience-pay-niyas-backer.html|title=Hard work and patience pay'-Niyas Backer|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> He debuted as an actor in the feature film ''[[Chaithanyam]]'' in 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/kalabhavan-navas/1062629|title=Kalabhavan Navas|publisher=BookMyShow.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/kalabhavan-navas.html#filmography|title=Kalabhavan Navas|publisher=filmibeat.com}}</ref> He has mostly played comic roles in films.
Navas and his brother Niyas Backer used to visit the filming location of ''[[Venkalam]]'', directed by [[Bharathan]]&nbsp;— who was also from Wadakkanchery&nbsp;— and would perform skits at the artists' camp.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/070217/hard-work-and-patience-pay-niyas-backer.html|title=Hard work and patience pay'-Niyas Backer|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Inspired by mimicry artists of the time such as [[Jayaram]] and [[Zainuddin (actor)|Zainuddin]], the brothers developed a keen interest in [[Impressionist (entertainment)|mimicry]] and began performing on stage. Navas later joined [[Kalabhavan]], where he started doing professional mimicry shows. Eventually, he became independent and, together with his brother Niyas, founded Cochin Arts, under which they continued performing mimicry.<ref>{{cite news |last1=M. |first1=Athira |title='Comedy should be natural' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/comedy-should-be-natural/article7374752.ece |access-date=1 August 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2 July 2015}}</ref> Navas used to imitate his father's role in ''[[Vatsalyam]]'' on stage.<ref name="MM2"/>
 
Navas debuted as an actor in the feature film ''Mr and Mrs'' in 1992 as Newspaper Boy. He mostly played comic roles in films. He is best known for his roles in ''[[Mimics Action 500]]'' (1995), ''[[Hitler Brothers]]'' (1997), ''[[Junior Mandrake]]'' (1997), ''[[Mattupetti Machan]]'' (1998), ''[[Chandamama (1999 film)|Chandamama]]'' (1999) and ''[[Thillana Thillana]]'' (2003).<ref name="GN">{{cite news |last1=Pavithran |first1=Lekshmy |title=‘Gone too soon’: Celebs and fans mourn actor Kalabhavan Navas |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/celebs-fans-mourn-kalabhavan-navas-sudden-death-stuns-malayalam-film-industry-1.500220337 |access-date=2 August 2025 |work=[[Gulf News]] |date=2 August 2025}}</ref> Sometime after his marriage, Navas wrote and directed the telefilm ''Velicham'', which also featured his wife Rehna. The couple also appeared together in the short film ''Mandan Bench'' in 2015.<ref name="MM2">{{cite news |last1=ദയാബ്ജി |first1=രൂപാ |title=ആ ചിത്രം കണ്ടാൽ അന്ന് വീട്ടിൽ കരച്ചിലും ബഹളവുമാണ് |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/women/interviews/interview-with-navas-and-rahna.html |access-date=2 August 2025 |work=[[Manorama Online]] |date=16 January 2016}}</ref> The couple once again played leading roles in the 2025 film ''Izha'', which also marked Rehna's return to feature films.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Zee Malayalam News Desk |title=Izha Movie: 20 വർഷത്തിന് ശേഷം നടി രഹന തിരിച്ചെത്തുന്നു; റിലീസിന് തയ്യാറായി 'ഇഴ' |url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/navas-kalabhavan-rahna-movie-izha-teaser-released-movie-will-be-released-soon-219401 |access-date=2 August 2025 |work=[[Zee News Malayalam]] |date=15 January 2025 |language=ml}}</ref> His final release before death was ''[[Detective Ujjwalan]]'' (2025).<ref name="GN"/> That same year, he acted in ''Tiki Taka'' and ''Prakambanam''. He died shortly after completing the latter.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Filmfare |title=Kalabhavan Navas Passes Away at 51: Malayalam Cinema Mourns a Comic Talent Gone Too Soon|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/kalabhavan-navas-passes-away-at-51-malayalam-cinema-mourns-a-comic-talent-gone-too-soon-76295.html |publisher=Filmfare |access-date=2 August 2025 |date=2 August 2025}}</ref>
 
==Personal life and death==
Navas was married to Rehna, who had acted in a few films and television serials. Their marriage was arranged while they were both acting in the film ''Neelakasham Niraye'' (2002).<ref name="MM2"/> The couple had three children&nbsp;— Naharin, Rihan and Ridwan. After their marriage, Navas built a house in Choondy, [[Aluva]], where they lived for several years. Eventually, they moved to a new home he constructed at Nalam Mile, Aluva. Later on, Rehna repurposed their former residence, converting the upper floor into a [[boutique]] and the ground floor into a nursery school.<ref name="MM_interview"/> She is originally from [[Palluruthy]].<ref name="Mathrubhumi_interview1"/> Their daughter Naharin debuted in the film ''[[Confessions of a Cuckoo]]'' (2021).<ref>{{cite news |title=കലാഭവൻ നവാസിന്റേയും രഹ്നയുടേയും മകൾ നഹറിൻ അഭിനയരം ഗത്തേക്ക് |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/kalabhavan-navas-and-actress-rehna-daughter-naharin-debut-in-malayalam-cinema-1.5325603 |access-date=1 August 2025 |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |date=2 January 2021 |language=ml}}</ref>


==Family==
On 1 August 2025, Navas was found unconscious at a hotel in [[Chottanikkara]], after having returned to his room after a film's shooting. His death was confirmed at the nearest hospital due to [[cardiac arrest]]. He was 51.<ref>{{cite web |title=Actor Kalabhavan Navas passes away; found dead in hotel room in Kochi |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1583122&u= |website=Keralakaumudi Daily |access-date=1 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="death-article">{{cite web |title=നടൻ കലാഭവൻ നവാസ് അന്തരിച്ചു |url=https://www.mediaoneonline.com/kerala/actor-kalabhavan-navas-passed-away-296085 |website=www.mediaoneonline.com |access-date=1 August 2025 |language=ml |date=1 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 August 2025 |title=Malayalam Actor Kalabhavan Navas Found Dead In Kochi Hotel Room, Police Suspect Cardiac Arrest |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/malayalam/malayalam-actor-kalabhavan-navas-found-dead-in-kochi-hotel-room-police-suspect-cardiac-arrest-article-152393480 |access-date=2 August 2025 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Actor Kalabhavan Navas passes away">{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=Actor Kalabhavan Navas passes away |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/actor-kalabhavan-navas-found-dead/article69884575.ece |access-date=4 August 2025 |publisher=The Hindu |date=1 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804040815/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/actor-kalabhavan-navas-found-dead/article69884575.ece |archive-date=4 August 2025 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
His late father, Aboobacker was also an actor and theatre artist who is known for his roles in films such as ''[[Keli (film)|Keli]]'' (1991), and ''[[Vatsalyam]]'' (1993). His brother, [[Niyas Backer]], is also a well-known actor and comedian.
He married actress Rehana Navas in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nettv4u.com/celebrity/malayalam/movie-actor/kalabhavan-navas|title=Kalabhavan Navas|publisher=nettv4u.com}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
===Films===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|1992 ||''Mr and Mrs'' || Newspaper Boy || (Debut cameo)
|-
|1993 ||''[[Venkalam]]'' ||  || Cameo
|-
| rowspan=5 | 1995 || ''Chaithanyam'' || || playback singer
|-
|| ''[[Ezharakoottam]]'' || ||
|-
|| ''[[Mimics Action 500]]'' || Babykutty ||
|-
|| ''[[Kalamasseriyil Kalyanayogam]]'' || Navas ||
|-
|| ''[[Kidilol Kidilam]]'' || Krishnankutty ||
|-
| rowspan=2 | 1996 || ''Mimics Super 1000'' || ||
|-
|| ''Ishtamanu Nooruvattom'' ||  ||
|-
| rowspan=3 | 1997 || ''[[Hitler Brothers]]'' || Thankappan ||
|-
|| ''Siamese Irattakal'' ||  ||
|-
|| ''[[Junior Mandrake]]'' || Sandeep Nambiar ||
|-
| rowspan=5 | 1998 || ''Mayajalam'' || Pappan ||
|-
|| ''[[Amma Ammaayiyamma]]'' ||Sharath ||
|-
|| ''[[Meenakshi Kalyanam]]'' || Unnikrishnan ||
|-
|| ''[[Mattupetti Machan]]'' || Unnikrishnan ||
|-
|| ''Aagosham'' ||  ||
|-
| rowspan=3 | 1999 || ''[[Chandamama (1999 film)|Chandamama]]'' || Pullepadi Monayi ||
|-
|| ''[[My Dear Karadi]]'' || Appukuttan ||
|-
|| ''Auto Brothers'' ||  ||
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2001 || ''[[One Man Show (film)|One Man Show]]'' || Shajahan ||
|-
|| ''House Owner''|| ||
|-
|| ''[[Korappan The Great]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2002 || ''Neelakasham Niraye'' || ||
|-
|| ''Desam'' || ||
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Thillana Thillana]]'' || Govindan ||
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Vettam]]'' || Prince ||
|-
| 2005 || ''Thamburankunnu'' || ||
|-
| rowspan=2  | 2006 || ''[[Chakkara Muthu]]'' || Santhosh ||
|-
|-
! Year
|| ''Anuvadhamillathe'' || ||
! Film
! Role
! Director
|-
|-
|rowspan=3|1995
| rowspan=2 | 2009 || ''[[Chattambinadu]]'' || Manikandan||
| '''''[[Chaithanyam]]'''''
|
|Jayan Adiyattu
|-
|-
| '''''[[Ezharakoottam]]'''''
|| ''[[Boomi Malayalam]]'' || ||
|
| Kareem
|-
|-
| '''''[[Mimics Action 500]]'''''
| rowspan=3 | 2010 || ''[[Senior Mandrake]]'' || Sandeep Nambiar ||
|Babykutty
| [[Balu Kiriyath]]
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|1997
|| ''[[Valiyangadi (film)|Valiyangadi]]'' || Pariyakutty ||
| '''''[[Hitler Brothers]]'''''
| Thankappan
| [[Sandhya Mohan]]
|-
|-
| '''''[[Junior Mandrake]]'''''
|| ''[[Kaaryasthan]]'' || Himself || Cameo
| Sandeep Nambiar
| [[Ali Akbar (director)|Ali Akbar]]
|-
|-
|rowspan=4|1998
| 2011 || ''[[Veeraputhran]]'' || ||
| '''''[[Mayajalam]]'''''
| Pappan
| [[Balu Kiriyath]]
|-
|-
| '''''[[Amma Ammaayiyamma]]'''''
| rowspan=2 | 2012 || ''[[Cobra (2012 film)|Cobra]]'' || ||Also Playback Singer
| ''(cameo)''
| Sandhya Mohan
|-
|-
| '''''[[Meenakshi Kalyanam]]'''''
|| ''[[Thalsamayam Oru Penkutty]]'' || Gymman ||
| Unnikrishnan
| [[Jose Thomas]]
|-
|-
| '''''[[Mattupetti Machan]]'''''
| rowspan=2 | 2013 || ''[[ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi (2013 film)|ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi]]'' || Saji ||
| Unnikrishnan
| [[Jose Thomas]]
|-
|-
| 1999
|| ''The Factory'' || || Single Character Film
| '''''[[Chandamama (1999 film)|Chandamama]]'''''
| Pullepadi Monayi
| Murali Krishnan
|-
|-
| 2001
| 2014 || ''[[Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu]]'' || Khadar ||
| '''''[[One Man Show (film)|One Man Show]]'''''
| Shajahan
| [[Shafi (director)|Shafi]]
|-
|-
| 2002
| rowspan=3 | 2015 || ''[[John Honai]]'' || Jaffer ||
| ''Neelakasham Niraye''
|
| A.R.Kasim
|-
|-
| 2003
|| ''[[Ormakalil Oru Manjukaalam]]'' || ||
| '''''[[Thillana Thillana]]'''''
| Govindan
| T.S.Saji
|-
|-
| 2004
|| ''3 Wicketinu 365 Runs'' || ||
| '''''[[Vettam]]'''''
| Prince
| [[Priyadarshan]]
|-
|-
| 2006
| 2016 || ''Iyer in Pakistan'' || ||
| '''''[[Chakkara Muthu]]'''''
|Santhosh
| [[A. K. Lohithadas]]
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2009
| rowspan=2 | 2017 || ''Pretham Undu Sookshikkuka'' || ||
| '''''[[Chattambinadu]]'''''
|
| [[Shafi (director)|Shafi]]
|-
|-
| '''''[[Boomi Malayalam|Bhoomi Malayalam]]'''''
|| ''[[Achayans]]'' || Fr. Jose Kireekadan's Assistant ||
|  
|-
| [[T. V. Chandran]]
| rowspan=2 | 2018 || ''Priyapettavar'' || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2010
|| ''Prashnaparihara Shala'' || ||
| '''''[[Senior Mandrake]]'''''
| Sandeep Nambiar
| [[Ali Akbar (director)|Ali Akbar]]
|-
|-
|'''''[[Valiyangadi (film)|Valiyangadi]]'''''
| rowspan=4 | 2019 || ''Thanka Bhasma Kuriyitta Thamburatti'' || SI Rajan ||
| Pariyakutty
| [[Salim Baba]]
|-
|-
| 2011
|| ''Visudha Pusthakam'' || ||
| '''''[[Veeraputhran]]'''''
|  
| [[P. T. Kunju Muhammed]]
|-
|-
| 2012
|| ''[[Mera Naam Shaji]]'' || Marunnu Johny ||
| '''''[[Cobra (2012 film)|Cobra]]'''''
|
| [[Lal (actor)|Lal]]
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2013
|| ''[[Driving License (film)|Driving License]]'' || Menon || <ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.msidb.org/movies.php?tag=Search&actor=Kalabhavan%20Navas&limit=9&alimit=4&sortorder=3&sorttype=1|title=Kalabhavan Navas Filmography}}</ref>
| '''''[[ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi]]'''''
| Saji
| [[Martin Prakkat]]
|-
|-
| ''The Factory''
| 2021 || ''Louis'' || ||
|
| Majo Mathew
|-
|-
| 2014
|rowspan=3|2023 || ''Vanita'' || ||
| '''''[[Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu]]'''''
|Khadar
| Benny P. Thomas
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2015
| [[A Ranjith Cinema]]||Yousaf||
| ''John Honai''
|
| T. A Thaufeek
|-
|-
| '''''[[Ormakalil Oru Manjukaalam]]'''''
|| ''KrishnaKripa Sagaram'' || ||
|
| Antony Abraham
|-
|-
| 2016
| rowspan=3 | 2024 || ''Aaro'' || ||<ref>{{Cite web |last=Features |first=C. E. |date=25 April 2024 |title=Joju George and Anumol's Aaro gets a release date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2024/Apr/25/joju-george-and-anumols-aaro-gets-a-release-date |access-date=25 April 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>
| ''Iyer in Pakistan''  
|
|  
|-
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Oru Anweshanathinte Thudakkam]]'' || Rajeev|| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/oru-anweshanathinte-thudakkam-movie-getting-good-response-running-successfully-in-theatres-212421|title=Oru Anweshanathinte Thudakkam: ത്രില്ലടിപ്പിച്ച അന്വേഷണം, മികവ് പുലർത്തി अभिनേതാക്കളും; ഗംഭീര പ്രതികരണം നേടി 'ഒരു അന്വേഷണത്തിന്റെ തുടക്കം'|date=9 November 2024|website=Zee News Malayalam}}</ref>
| ''Pretham Undu Sookshikkuka''  
|
| Shafeer Khan & Mohammed Ali
|-
|-
| 2019
|| ''Izha'' || Shoukath||
| '''''[[Driving License (film)|Driving License]]'''''
|-
|Menon
|rowspan=3| 2025 || ''[[Detective Ujjwalan]]'' || Ashokan||<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mullappilly |first=Sreejith |date=14 April 2025 |title=Dhyan Sreenivasan's Detective Ujjwalan gets release date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2025/Apr/14/dhyan-sreenivasans-detective-ujjwalan-gets-release-date |access-date=16 April 2025 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>
| Lal.Jr <ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.msidb.org/movies.php?tag=Search&actor=Kalabhavan%20Navas&limit=9&alimit=4&sortorder=3&sorttype=1|title=Kalabhavan Navas Filmography}}</ref>
|-
| ''Tikki Taka'' || Philip || Posthumous release
|-
| ''[[Prakambanam]]'' || || Posthumous release
|}
|}


==Television==
===Television===
;As Host
;As Host
*''[[Badai Bungalow]]''  
*''[[Badai Bungalow]]''  
*Rani Maharani
*''Rani Maharani''
;As Judge
;As Judge
*''Comedy Masters''  
*''Comedy Masters''  
*Comedy Stars Season 2
*''Comedy Stars Season 2''
*''[[Thakarppan Comedy]]''
*''Thakarppan Comedy ''
*''Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumber Chiri Season 2 ''
 
;Himself as Guest
;Himself as Guest
*Cinema Chirima
*''Cinema Chirima''
*[[Onnum Onnum Moonu]]
*''[[Onnum Onnum Moonu]]''
*Manam Pole Mangalyam
*''Manam Pole Mangalyam''
*Komedy Circus
*''Komedy Circus''
*Star Ragging
*''Star Ragging''
*Idavelayil
*''Idavelayil''
;TV serials
;TV serials
*Veedu
*''Veedu''
*Bhagyanakshatram
*''Bhagyanakshatram''


== References ==
== References ==
Line 199: Line 201:


{{DEFAULTSORT:Navas, Kalabhavan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Navas, Kalabhavan}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:2025 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Kerala]]
[[Category:People from Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Indian male singers]]
[[Category:Indian male singers]]
[[Category:Indian male comedians]]
[[Category:Indian male comedians]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Date of birth missing]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:People from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Male actors from Thrissur]]

Latest revision as of 23:52, 10 February 2026


Kalabhavan Navas
Navas in 2010
Born(1974-04-27)27 April 1974
Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Died (aged 51)
Chottanikkara, Kerala, India
Occupation
Years active1992–2025
Spouse(s)
Rehna Navas
(
m. 2002)
Children3
Parent(s)
  • Aboobacker (father)
RelativesNiyas Backer (brother)

Navas Backer (27 April 1974 – 1 August 2025), better known by his stage name as Kalabhavan Navas, was an Indian actor, comedian and mimic. He began his career performing mimicry in stage shows and gained prominence after joining the Kalabhavan troupe, from which he adopted his professional moniker. He subsequently performed with the Cochin Arts troupe along with his brother, Niyas Backer. He was also a singer.

Navas made his film debut in Chaithanyam (1995) and appeared in approximately 50 Malayalam films, primarily in comedic roles. He is best known for his roles in Mimics Action 500 (1995), Hitler Brothers (1997), Junior Mandrake (1997), Mattupetti Machan (1998), Chandamama (1999) and Thillana Thillana (2003).

Early life[edit | edit source]

Navas was born in a village at Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, in 27 April 1974. His father, Aboobacker, was a theatre and film actor who had appeared in several Malayalam films, while his mother, originally from Ernakulam, was a homemaker. Navas grew up with two siblings — an elder brother, Niyas, and a younger brother, Nisam.[1] The family were practising Muslims. Though his father worked as an actor, his earnings were meagre, and the family lived within limited means during Navas's childhood.[2]

After beginning his career as an artist, he moved to his mother's ancestral home in Ernakulam and lived there for twenty years. His brother, Niyas Backer, also went on to become a comic actor in film and television.[1] His other brother Nisam (Nisamuddin) became a journalist.[3]

Career[edit | edit source]

Navas and his brother Niyas Backer used to visit the filming location of Venkalam, directed by Bharathan — who was also from Wadakkanchery — and would perform skits at the artists' camp.[4] Inspired by mimicry artists of the time such as Jayaram and Zainuddin, the brothers developed a keen interest in mimicry and began performing on stage. Navas later joined Kalabhavan, where he started doing professional mimicry shows. Eventually, he became independent and, together with his brother Niyas, founded Cochin Arts, under which they continued performing mimicry.[5] Navas used to imitate his father's role in Vatsalyam on stage.[6]

Navas debuted as an actor in the feature film Mr and Mrs in 1992 as Newspaper Boy. He mostly played comic roles in films. He is best known for his roles in Mimics Action 500 (1995), Hitler Brothers (1997), Junior Mandrake (1997), Mattupetti Machan (1998), Chandamama (1999) and Thillana Thillana (2003).[7] Sometime after his marriage, Navas wrote and directed the telefilm Velicham, which also featured his wife Rehna. The couple also appeared together in the short film Mandan Bench in 2015.[6] The couple once again played leading roles in the 2025 film Izha, which also marked Rehna's return to feature films.[8] His final release before death was Detective Ujjwalan (2025).[7] That same year, he acted in Tiki Taka and Prakambanam. He died shortly after completing the latter.[9]

Personal life and death[edit | edit source]

Navas was married to Rehna, who had acted in a few films and television serials. Their marriage was arranged while they were both acting in the film Neelakasham Niraye (2002).[6] The couple had three children — Naharin, Rihan and Ridwan. After their marriage, Navas built a house in Choondy, Aluva, where they lived for several years. Eventually, they moved to a new home he constructed at Nalam Mile, Aluva. Later on, Rehna repurposed their former residence, converting the upper floor into a boutique and the ground floor into a nursery school.[1] She is originally from Palluruthy.[2] Their daughter Naharin debuted in the film Confessions of a Cuckoo (2021).[10]

On 1 August 2025, Navas was found unconscious at a hotel in Chottanikkara, after having returned to his room after a film's shooting. His death was confirmed at the nearest hospital due to cardiac arrest. He was 51.[11][12][13][14]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Films[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Notes
1992 Mr and Mrs Newspaper Boy (Debut cameo)
1993 Venkalam Cameo
1995 Chaithanyam playback singer
Ezharakoottam
Mimics Action 500 Babykutty
Kalamasseriyil Kalyanayogam Navas
Kidilol Kidilam Krishnankutty
1996 Mimics Super 1000
Ishtamanu Nooruvattom
1997 Hitler Brothers Thankappan
Siamese Irattakal
Junior Mandrake Sandeep Nambiar
1998 Mayajalam Pappan
Amma Ammaayiyamma Sharath
Meenakshi Kalyanam Unnikrishnan
Mattupetti Machan Unnikrishnan
Aagosham
1999 Chandamama Pullepadi Monayi
My Dear Karadi Appukuttan
Auto Brothers
2001 One Man Show Shajahan
House Owner
Korappan The Great
2002 Neelakasham Niraye
Desam
2003 Thillana Thillana Govindan
2004 Vettam Prince
2005 Thamburankunnu
2006 Chakkara Muthu Santhosh
Anuvadhamillathe
2009 Chattambinadu Manikandan
Boomi Malayalam
2010 Senior Mandrake Sandeep Nambiar
Valiyangadi Pariyakutty
Kaaryasthan Himself Cameo
2011 Veeraputhran
2012 Cobra Also Playback Singer
Thalsamayam Oru Penkutty Gymman
2013 ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi Saji
The Factory Single Character Film
2014 Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu Khadar
2015 John Honai Jaffer
Ormakalil Oru Manjukaalam
3 Wicketinu 365 Runs
2016 Iyer in Pakistan
2017 Pretham Undu Sookshikkuka
Achayans Fr. Jose Kireekadan's Assistant
2018 Priyapettavar
Prashnaparihara Shala
2019 Thanka Bhasma Kuriyitta Thamburatti SI Rajan
Visudha Pusthakam
Mera Naam Shaji Marunnu Johny
Driving License Menon [15]
2021 Louis
2023 Vanita
A Ranjith Cinema Yousaf
KrishnaKripa Sagaram
2024 Aaro [16]
Oru Anweshanathinte Thudakkam Rajeev [17]
Izha Shoukath
2025 Detective Ujjwalan Ashokan [18]
Tikki Taka Philip Posthumous release
Prakambanam Posthumous release

Television[edit | edit source]

As Host
As Judge
  • Comedy Masters
  • Comedy Stars Season 2
  • Thakarppan Comedy
  • Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumber Chiri Season 2
Himself as Guest
  • Cinema Chirima
  • Onnum Onnum Moonu
  • Manam Pole Mangalyam
  • Komedy Circus
  • Star Ragging
  • Idavelayil
TV serials
  • Veedu
  • Bhagyanakshatram

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Ajith. "ചിരി നിറയുന്ന മൺവീട്; കലാഭവൻ നവാസിന്റെ വീട്ടുവിശേഷങ്ങൾ". Malayala Manorama (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 കാസിം, സിറാജ് (2 May 2022). "സിനിമാക്കാലത്തെ പെരുന്നാൾ, മസാലദോശയും തരിക്കഞ്ഞിയും; വിശേഷങ്ങളുമായി നവാസും രഹ്നയും". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  3. ↑ Nakul, V. G. (7 March 2019). "പ്രായത്തിൽ 'മറിമായ'മില്ല, എനിക്ക് 46, മോൾക്ക് 21! സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയയുടെ സംശയങ്ങൾക്ക് നിയാസ് ബക്കർ മറുപടി പറയുന്നു". Vanitha (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  4. ↑ "Hard work and patience pay'-Niyas Backer". Deccan Chronicle.
  5. ↑ M., Athira (2 July 2015). "'Comedy should be natural'". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 ദയാബ്ജി, രൂപാ (16 January 2016). "ആ ചിത്രം കണ്ടാൽ അന്ന് വീട്ടിൽ കരച്ചിലും ബഹളവുമാണ്". Manorama Online. Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Pavithran, Lekshmy (2 August 2025). "'Gone too soon': Celebs and fans mourn actor Kalabhavan Navas". Gulf News. Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  8. ↑ Zee Malayalam News Desk (15 January 2025). "Izha Movie: 20 വർഷത്തിന് ശേഷം നടി രഹന തിരിച്ചെത്തുന്നു; റിലീസിന് തയ്യാറായി 'ഇഴ'". Zee News Malayalam (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  9. ↑ Filmfare (2 August 2025). "Kalabhavan Navas Passes Away at 51: Malayalam Cinema Mourns a Comic Talent Gone Too Soon". Filmfare. Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  10. ↑ "കലാഭവൻ നവാസിന്റേയും രഹ്നയുടേയും മകൾ നഹറിൻ അഭിനയരം ഗത്തേക്ക്". Mathrubhumi (in മലയാളം). 2 January 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  11. ↑ "Actor Kalabhavan Navas passes away; found dead in hotel room in Kochi". Keralakaumudi Daily. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  12. ↑ "നടൻ കലാഭവൻ നവാസ് അന്തരിച്ചു". www.mediaoneonline.com (in മലയാളം). 1 August 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  13. ↑ "Malayalam Actor Kalabhavan Navas Found Dead In Kochi Hotel Room, Police Suspect Cardiac Arrest". Times Now. 2 August 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  14. ↑ "Actor Kalabhavan Navas passes away". The Hindu. 1 August 2025. Archived from the original on 4 August 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  15. ↑ "Kalabhavan Navas Filmography".
  16. ↑ Features, C. E. (25 April 2024). "Joju George and Anumol's Aaro gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  17. ↑ "Oru Anweshanathinte Thudakkam: ത്രില്ലടിപ്പിച്ച അന്വേഷണം, മികവ് പുലർത്തി अभिनേതാക്കളും; ഗംഭീര പ്രതികരണം നേടി 'ഒരു അന്വേഷണത്തിന്റെ തുടക്കം'". Zee News Malayalam. 9 November 2024.
  18. ↑ Mullappilly, Sreejith (14 April 2025). "Dhyan Sreenivasan's Detective Ujjwalan gets release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 16 April 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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