If you were to ask me about actor Jayaram, I would say he's a fine artist who is blessed to speak in Prem Nazir's voice and style! In the 80s, Malayalam cinema witnessed a new refreshing burst of talent from the world of mimicry. Everyone loved the charm with which he speaks like Malayalam cinema's 'Prem Nazir'.
[Source: Jayaram Facebook page]
Jayaram's first movie in Malayalam
With a brilliant debut in Padmarajan's 'Aparan', Jayaram was unstoppable! At a time when mimicry was looked down in the world of entertainment, Jayaram's style of presenting mimicry won the admiration of Malayalis across the globe.
Overnight, video libraries were tackling a challenge of sourcing more copies of his mimicry performance video tape. Simply put, people flocked to watch this refreshing young 'hero' perform on stage!
Jayaram's first mimicry video a huge hit
In the 80s, I remember watching his video in Africa and absolutely loved it. To my mind, Jayaram stood out mainly because he was so full of passion for his craft. The excitement of performing seemed to bubble through his every move and action, infusing a dynamic energy to an already electrifying performance.
In every artist's life, there is a 'turning point' or a 'big break'. A reluctant Padmarajan was convinced by his son's persistence to watch Jayaram's mimicry video tape and he found himself impressed by the young artist. Unexpectedly, he runs into eminent bureaucrat-turned-writer Malayatoor Ramakrishnan, the very same artist's uncle. The uncle asks him to consider Jayaram for one of his movies.
Strange coincidence or destiny in the making?
But that's exactly how stars shine!
[Source: Jayaram Facebook page]
Jayaram, as a star and a shining one, is forever linked and remembered as 'Padmarajan's find'. They worked in several super hits together and it is a known fact that Padmarajan considered Jayaram as his own family, not merely as an actor he worked with.
Teaming up with a legendary actor like Padmarajan for his dream debut, the arrival of Jayaram spelled a refreshing change for Malayalam cinema. His effortless charm, next-door-boy's looks and charismatic personality won hearts. He did many films that won over family audiences.
A finer aspect of Jayaram's signature style films was that he brought in a culture of clean and fun-filled family entertainers. For most Malayali families, going to a theatre involves checking whether it is a movie that can be watched with one's elderly parents and young children of all ages.
A powerhouse talent of comedy, humour and mimicry, Jayaram portrayed many romantic roles that brought him more film makers queuing up at his doorstep.
His on-screen chemistry with the lovely actress Parvathy saw fans go giddy to watch their films together. Most of their films were super hits at the box office.
Let me be honest, I love to binge watch Jayaram-Parvathy movies!
They are the most stunning star couple Malayalam cinema has ever seen, God bless their love!
What I respect about Jayaram is not just his fine performances in the 80s and 90s, but his love for temple festivals, all those small traditional details that Malayalis cherish and his amazing respect and humility when he interacts with yesteryear stars like Sheelamma.
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