Author

Sebastian Kunjukunju Bhagavathar is remembered not only for his acting legacy but also for his contributions to the literary world. He found the  time and took the effort to write down his experiences on stage and silver screen and also about his fellow artists. Most of these writings were published in the newspapers and magazines. Later he compiled and  penned down his memoirs and experiences and published three books which undoubtedly hold a special place in Malayalam literature. 

“ Oru Nadante Aatmakadha” ( An Actor’s Autobiography)

Dedicated to his beloved wife, Marykutty, his autobiography “ Oru Nadante Aatmakadha”, portrays his journey through life not only  as a singer, stage artist and cine artist, but also as a son, sibling, spouse, father, grandfather and a friend. In this book, he narrates his experiences and the lessons he has learned from his life and from the lives of his colleagues and close friends. Simple yet impressive language touched with  emotions and humorous anecdotes capture the attention of the reader from the beginning to the last page of the book. The book clearly shows the irresistible allure drama had in his life. More than that, taking a walk with him through his autobiography is like falling into steps with the growth of Malayalam theatre. 

The book was published in September,1964 by Sahithyapravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham and 2000 copies of the book were printed and sold. Bhagavathar wanted to publish its new version and was clearly working on it but unfortunately his untimely death jeopardised his effort. 

“ Kalavediyil” ( On Stage)

“Kalavediyil” was a very informative and fascinating book where Bhagavathar had included factual chapters on topics like  ‘Malayalam silver screen completing 25 years’, ‘ Film producers and Production Houses’, ‘a comparative study of silver screen and stage’ and ‘heroes and heroines’. This book was a valuable guideline for drama lovers because it  explained in detail the aspects of presenting a drama on stage,  in an era when no such thing was available. In this particular book he had painstakingly described everything including the nuances of organising a drama committee, casting, songs and music direction, rehearsal, light and sound, background score, makeup, advertisement etc. The book also stressed on the responsibilities of an artist to himself,  his family and the society. The book was published by Assisi Publications on 15th August 1967. 

“Nadakasmaranakal” ( Recollections of Stage Plays)

A comprehensive historical depiction of  professional Stage Plays in Kerala is the highlight of this significant and eloquent book. He aligns all the play writers, artists, organisers, producers, harmonists and percussionists in his book “Nadakasmaranakal”. It can be distinguished as a souvenir for three generations of male and female artists and pilgrims of stage play. The book is divided into three sections. The first section deals mainly with drama committees, playwrights, experiences, the second section portrays hundreds of stage artists and their life stories  and the last section gives information about fifteen drama committees or ‘nadaka samithikal’. This book was published posthumously by Kerala Sangeethanadaka Academy in January 1986.