Captain Raju facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captain Raju
|
|
|---|---|
Captain Raju at Model Engineering College
|
|
| Born |
Raju Daniel
27 June 1950 Omallur, State of Travancore-Cochin (now in Pathanamthitta, Kerala), India
|
| Died | 17 September 2018 (aged 68) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | |
|
Raju Daniel
|
|
|---|---|
| Allegiance |  India |
| Service/ |
 Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1971 – 1976 |
| Rank |  Captain |
Raju Daniel (born June 27, 1950 – died September 17, 2018), known as Captain Raju, was a famous Indian actor and a former army officer. He appeared in over 600 films in many languages. These included Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and English. He was well-known for playing strong characters and sometimes villains. He also acted in TV shows and commercials. Captain Raju even directed two Malayalam movies. His funny character, Pavanayi, from the movie Nadodikkattu, became very popular and is still remembered today.
Contents
Life and Early Career
Raju Daniel was born in Omallur as the third of seven children. His parents, K. G. Daniel and Annamma, were both teachers. He went to school in Omallur and enjoyed playing volleyball. He studied zoology in college.
After college, at age 21, Raju joined the Indian Army. He became an officer in the Regiment of Artillery and rose to the rank of captain. He trained at the special Officers Training Academy in Chennai. After serving for five years, he left the army. He then worked as a marketing chief for a company in Mumbai. While working there, he started acting in local plays with groups like Prathiba theatres. This led him to a career in movies.
Captain Raju was married to Prameela, and they had a son named Ravi. He was a Christian but respected all religions. He also directed two films: Etha Oru Snehagatha in 1997 and Mr. Pavanayi 99.99 in 2012. In Mr. Pavanayi 99.99, he played his famous character, Pavanayi, again.
Acting in Films
Captain Raju started his film journey with an unreleased Hindi movie in 1980. His first Malayalam film was Raktham in 1981. Another actor, Madhu, was so impressed that he cast Raju as the hero in his own movie, Rathilayam. In this film, Raju played the main role alongside actress Silk Smitha.
He became very popular after his role in the 1984 movie Athiratram. Here, he played a lead role with famous actors Mammootty and Mohanlal. He also became known for playing strong villain characters. For example, in the 1986 movie Aavanazhi, his role as Sathyaraj was highly praised. This movie's success made him a very busy actor.
One of his biggest villain roles was in the 1988 movie August 1. He played a mysterious killer trying to assassinate the Chief Minister of Kerala. This role is still considered one of the best villain performances in Malayalam cinema. He also played a gangster in Samrajyam.
Captain Raju also showed his talent as a character actor. His role as Aringodar in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha helped him move away from only playing villains. He also had a notable role in the 1988 film Oru CBI Diary Kurippu. By the early 1990s, he started choosing different types of roles.
He is also remembered for his funny characters. His short but hilarious role as the assassin Pavanayi in Nadodikkattu made him a household name. This character became a cult favorite in Kerala. Lines like "Pavanayi Shavamayi" (Pavanayi is dead) are still famous. He also played the funny detective Karunan Chandakavala in the 2003 comedy CID Moosa.
Captain Raju played his iconic Pavanayi character again in the movie Mr. Pavanayi 99.99. This movie was released in 2019, a year after his death. His last movie was Masterpiece in 2017, where he appeared after a four-year break due to an accident.
Later Years and Passing
Captain Raju was a strong and fit man, thanks to his army background. However, his health changed after a serious car accident in October 2003 near Thrissur. He was badly hurt and spent a long time in the hospital. He survived, but he lost sight in his left eye and had trouble walking. Despite this, he continued to act in films.
In his later years, Raju faced health issues like diabetes and hypertension. He had a heart attack in 2015. In June 2018, he suffered a major stroke while flying to New York. He was treated in Muscat and then brought back to Kochi.
Captain Raju passed away at his home in Palarivattom, Kochi, on September 17, 2018, at the age of 68. He was buried with full state honors in Puthenpeedika, Pathanamthitta, on September 21.
Filmography
As actor
English
- Cotton Mary (1999) as Inspector Ramiji Raj
Kannada
- Jai Karnataka (1989)
- Nyayakkaagi Naanu (1989)
Telugu
- Balidanam (1982)
- Marana Sasanam (1987)
- Shatruvu (1990)
- Rowdy Alludu (1991)
- Rowdy Inspector (1992)
- Mondi Mogudu Penki Pellam (1992)
- Kondapalli Raja (1993)
- Tholi Muddhu (1993)
- Police Lockup (1993)
- Amma Koduku (1993)
- Jailor Gaari Abbayi (1994) as Bapineedu
- Gandeevam (1994)
- Mondi Mogudu Penki Pellam (1994)
- Maato Pettukoku (1995)
- Pichchodi Chetilo Raayi (1999)
Tamil
- Nalla Naal (1984)
- Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (1987)
- Jallikattu (1987)
- Ullam Kavarntha Kalvan (1987)
- Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988)
- En Jeevan Paduthu (1988)
- Soora Samhaaram (1988)
- Sudhanthira Nattin Adimaigall (1988)
- Dhayam Onnu (1988)
- Jeeva (1988)
- Chinnappadass (1989)
- En Rathathin Rathame (1989)
- Thaai Naadu (1989)
- Naangal (1992)
- Sevagan (1992)
- Sivantha Malar (1992)
- Ulle Veliye (1993)
- Madurai Meenakshi (1993)
- Priyanka (1994)
- Rajakumaran (1994)
- Veluchami (1995)
- Ninaithu Ninaithu Parthen (2007)
- Ponnar Shankar (2011)
Hindi
- Kashmakash (2011)
Malayalam
- Raktham (1981)
- Thadakam (1982)
- Chilathivala (1982) as Aravindan
- Pooviriyum Pulari (1982)
- John Jaffer Janardhanan (1982) as Renji
- Coolie (1983) as Vikraman
- Mortuary (1983) as Raju
- Iniyenkilum (1983) as Prasad
- Passport (1983)
- Nadi Muthal Nadi Vare (1983)
- Aana (1983) as Ranger Narendran
- Rathilayam (1983) as Appukuttan
- Asuran (1983)
- Coolie(1983) as Vikraman
- Ponthooval (1983)
- Changatham (1983) as Prem
- Athirathram (1984) as Rajesh
- Theere Pratheekshikkathe (1984) as Mohan
- Kadamattathachan (1984) as Neeli's lover
- Kurishuyudham (1984) as Magician d'Souza/Lorence
- Sapadham (1984)
- Koodu Thedunna Parava (1984)
- Oru Sumagaliyude Kadha (1984) as SI Vijayan
- Minimol Vathikkanil (1984) as CID Inspector
- Thirakal (1984) as Chandran
- Pavam Krooran(1984) as Dasan
- Unni Vanna Divasam (1984)
- Shabadham (1984) as Prasad
- Premalekhanam (1985) as Babu
- Kiraatham (1985)
- Shantham Bheekaram (1985)
- Sammelanam(1985) as Basheer
- Aazhi (1985)
- Soundarya Pinakkam (1985)
- Ezhu Muthal Onpathu Vare (1985)
- Nayakan (1985) as Rahim
- Janakeeya Kodathi (1985) as Ayyappan
- Ee Sabdam Innathe Sabdam (1985) as Gopinathan
- Karimpin Poovinakkare (1985) as Pappan
- Prathyekam Sradhikkukka (1986) as Shukkoor
- Hello My Dear: Wrong Number (1986) as Fernandez
- Nimishangal (Yamam) (1986) as Khalid
- Aavanazhi (1986) as Sathyaraj
- Kalathinte Shabdham (1987) as Devarajan
- Ivare Sookshikkuka (1987)
- Ithrayum Kaalam (1987)
- Ee noottandile Maharogam (1987)
- Oru Sindoorapottinte Ormakku (1987)
- Theekkattu (1987) as Basheer
- Yaagagni (1987)
- Naalkkavala (1987)
- Aattakadha (1987)
- Neeyallengil Njan (1987) as Balachandran
- Vrutham (1987) as Victor
- Nadodikkattu (1987) as Mr. Pavanayi
- Amritamgamaya (1987) as Suku
- Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku (1987) as C.K. Gupta
- Adimakal Udamakal (1987) as Sathyan
- Simon Peter Ninakku Vendi (1988) as Ramji
- Innaleyude Bakki (1988)
- Vadagagunda (1988)
- Chaaravalayam (1988) as Basheer
- Evidence (1988) as Damu
- Aranyakam (1988) as Police Officer
- Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988) as Dy SP Prabhakara Varma
- August 1(1988) as Nicholas
- Innale (1989) as Circle Inspector of Police
- Anagha (1989) as Nalini's Father
- Mudra (1989)
- Mahaaraajaavu (1989)
- Miss Pamela (1989)
- My Dear Rosy (1989)
- Agnipravesham (1989)
- Kali Kariyamayi: Crime Branch (1989) as Balachandran
- Aazhikkoru Muthu (1989)
- Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989) as Aringodar
- Vyooham (1990) as Khalid
- Saandhram (1990) as Police Officer
- No.20 Madras Mail (1990)
- Nammude Naadu (1990) as SP Devarajan
- Enquiry (1990)
- Nale Ennundekil (1990) as Narendran
- Kadathanadan Ambadi (1990)
- Arhatha (1990) as Shekhu
- Appu (1990) as Suresh
- Samrajyam (1990) as Krishnadas
- Kalamorukkam (1991)
- Chakravarthi (1991) as Ashwani Prasad
- Neelagiri (1991)
- Kankettu (1991) as Peter Lal
- Ragam Anuragam (1991) as A K Menon
- Mahaan (1992)
- Kavacham (1992)
- Advaitham (1992) as Pathrose
- Rajashilpi (1992)
- Uppukandam Brothers (1993)
- Kabuliwala (1994) as Circus Owner
- Gentleman Security (1994) as Rajkumar
- Sankeerthanam (1994)
- Puthukkottayile Puthumanavalan (1995) as Madassery Thampi
- Special Squad (1995)
- Thakshashila (1995)
- Agni Devan (1995) as Pareeth
- Kalyana Sowgandhikam (1996) as Neelakantan Vaidyar
- Sankeerthanam Pole (1997)
- Itha Oru Snehagatha (1997)
- Sooryavanam (1998)
- Mattupetti Machan (1998) as Mattupetti Mahadevan
- Ilavamkodu Desam (1998) as Udayavarmman
- Daya (1998)
- Udayapuram Sulthan (1999) as Abdul Rahman
- Thachiledathu Chundan (1999) as Velupillai
- Pranaya Nilavu (1999) as Hajiyar
- Olymbian Antony Adam (1999)
- Stalin Sivadas (1999) as Narendran
- My Dear Karadi (1999)
- Captain (1999) as Ranger Jayadevan
- The Godman (1999)
- Ezhupunna Tharakan (1999) as Chacko Tharakan
- Aayiram Meni (1999) as Unnithan
- Snehapoorvam Anna (2000) as Father of Lover boy
- Valliettan (2000) as Ilias Mohammad
- Sraavu (2001) as Mohan Roy
- Red Indians (2001)
- Bhadra (2001)
- Rakshasa Rajav (2001) as DGP
- Sharja To Sharja (2001) as Kanaran Kappithan
- Puthooramputhri Unniyarcha(2002) as Kannappa Chekavar
- Swarna Medal (2002) as Ravi Varman
- Punyam (2002)
- Thandavam (2002) as DYSP Rajiv
- C.I.D. Moosa (2003) as Karunan Chanthakkavala
- Soudamini (2003)
- Pattalam (2003) as Colonel
- War & Love (2003) as Brigadier Nair
- Kottaram Vaidyan (2004)
- Wanted (2004) as Police Officer
- Sathyam (2004) as Police Officer
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (2005)
- Deepangal Sakshi (2005)
- Boyy Friennd (2005) as D. J. P.
- Vargam (2006) as Aboobakar Haji
- Kilukkam Kilukilukkam (2006) as Col. Panikkar
- Red Salute (2006)
- Ashwaroodan (2006) as Vishwanathan
- Thuruppu Gulan (2006)
- Aanachandam (2006)
- The Speed Track (2007) as College Principal
- Avan Chandiyude Makan (2007) as Vicar
- Black Cat (2007)
- Goal (2007)
- Nasrani (2007) as John
- Mayakazhcha(2008)
- Kovalam (2008)
- Twenty:20 (2008)
- Pazhassi Raja (2009) as Mancheriyil Unnimootha
- Sanmanasullavan Appukuttan (2009)
- Happy Durbar (2010)
- Yakshiyum Njanum (2010)
- Arjunan Sakshi (2011) ... CM
- China Town (2011) as Vincent Gomez
- Theruvu Nakshatrangal (2012)
- Ezhamathe Varavu (2013) as Chief Archaeologist
- Abhiyum Njanum (2013) as Devanandan
- Mumbai Police (2013)
- Masala Republic (2014)
- Nikkah (2015)
- Aashamsakalode Anna (2015)
- Poyi Maranju Parayaathe (2016)
- Appuram Bengal Ippuram Thiruvithamkoor (2016)
- Masterpiece (2017) as As Himself & Pavanayi
- Stethoscope (2018)
- Mr. Pavanayi 99.99 (2019) as Mr. Pavanayi
- Valiyaperunnal (2019)
- Lessons (2020)
As Director
- Mr. Pavanayi 99.99 (2019)
- Itha Oru Snehagatha (1997)
Television
- Serials
- Nizhalukal (Asianet)
- Crime Branch (Kairali TV)
- Paliyathachan (Doordarshan)
- Pandavapada (Doordarshan)
- Vinodasala (Doordarshan)
- Vikramadithyan (Asianet)
- Alavudeenum albhuthavilakum (Asianet)
- Dracula (Asianet)
- Unniyarcha (Asianet)
- Mahathmagandhi colony (Asianet)
- Sreemahabhagavatham (Asianet)
- Vallarpadathamma (Shalom)
- Pakida Pakida Pambaram
- Makal
- Shows
- Airtel Challenge as Quiz master (Jeevan TV)
