Malayalam actor felicitated, recalls impoverished past

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 9 (IANS) Veteran Malayalam actor and ace comedy artiste Innocent was awarded the Satyan Award for his services to the Malayalam film industry here Friday and he recalled his three-decade journey as a film artiste.

'Three decades back when I began my journey into the Malayalam film industry, getting rid of hunger was my prime concern and never ever did I think that films would be giving me so much,' Innocent told reporters.

Innocent, who has worked in over 500 films, began his career with a remuneration of Rs.15 and is currently the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes for the ninth year in succession.

'I somehow manage to keep all the issues within the industry under the carpet through my handling of issues in a light manner. This is my third continuous term and now I feel that others should come up to relieve me. If not, I am going to make my son the president,' said Innocent in a lighter vein.

His portfolio includes all-time hits like 'Ramoji Rao Speaking', 'Cabooliwallah', 'Kilukam', 'GodFather' and 'Mazhavilkavadi'.

His name made rounds as a candidate of the Left Front from his hometown in Iranjalakuda in Thrissur district, in the 2006 assembly polls, but nothing came out of it.

'Even though a friend of mine tried to trap me, I escaped and made it clear that I do not have the mindset of a politician,' said Innocent.

Asked what his family feels when he does all the comic roles said: 'Just as a thief's family respects the thief, my family also respects me for what I am.'