Vareed Thekkethala

Biography:

Innocent Vareed Thekkethala, known simply as Innocent, was a versatile Indian actor, film producer, writer, and politician, born on 28 February 1948, and sadly, he passed away on 26 March 2023. His illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he excelled in more than 700 films, predominantly in Malayalam cinema, with notable contributions to Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and English films, often portraying comedic roles.

Beyond his acting prowess, Innocent ventured into politics, serving as the Member of Parliament in the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2019) for the Chalakudy constituency. His political journey began in 1979 when he was elected as the municipal councilor of Irinjalakuda municipality. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he triumphed as an independent candidate supported by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

In addition to his cinematic and political achievements, Innocent held the position of the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) from 2003 to 2018. His indomitable spirit endured personal challenges, including a courageous battle against throat cancer diagnosed in 2012. Innocent made a triumphant return to the screen in 2013, featuring in films like “Geethanjali.”

As a prolific writer, Innocent penned his memoir titled “Cancer Wardile Chiri” (Laughter in the Cancer Ward) during his cancer treatment. He authored seven books, sharing humorous anecdotes from various phases of his life. Notably, he received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Humour in 2020 for his work “Irinjalakudaku Chuttum.”

Innocent’s unique mannerisms and distinctive diction made him an iconic figure in Malayalam cinema, capturing the hearts of audiences. His comedic genius, evident in films like “Ramji Rao Speaking” and “Kilukkam,” established him as a beloved figure. Even in serious and character roles, Innocent showcased his remarkable acting skills.

Tragically, Innocent’s journey came to an end on 26 March 2023, at the age of 75, due to complications from COVID-19. His legacy lives on through his enduring contributions to Indian cinema, literature, and politics.