Jose Prakash

Jose Prakash (14 April 1925 – 24 March 2012) was an Indian actor and singer who worked in Malayalam cinema. He was a singer turned actor who had appeared in more than 300 films mostly in antagonist roles. He was awarded with the J. C. Daniel Award for 2011 a day before he died aged 87.

He dominated the Malayalam film industry in the role of villain for around 40 years. Later, he switched to character roles in the mid 90s.

Personal life
He was the eldest of the eight children of Kunnel K.J. Joseph & Eliyamma Joseph on 14 April 1925 at Changanassery, Kottayam. He has four younger brothers and three sisters, among whom the youngest brother, Prem Prakash, is also an actor. He had his primary education from Sacred Heart Public School, Kottayam. He was settled around 30 years in Madras and later moved to Cochin. In 2003 his right leg had to be amputated due to Diabetes. He was married to Chinnamma, who predeceased him. They have 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters: Elsamma Joseph, Rajan Joseph, Gracy Maliakal, Shaji Joseph, Jasmine Joseph, and Susan Joseph. He lived with his youngest son Shaji Joseph in Cochin till his death on 24 March 2012.

Script writers Bobby-Sanjay and Malayalam movie director Dennis Joseph are his nephews.

Early career
Jose Prakash was in the Indian army before entering the film industry. While in the army he had the rare distinction to serve as the body guard of Mahatma Gandhi during the time of partition. Like other actors of that age he was not a theatre or stage artist. He had served for Indian army for 8 years. He later left army and return to his homeland and start small business. Having interest in cinema and music from childhood he started a small club with his friends called Kottayam Arts Club in which he was the lead singer. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair once saw his performance and called him as a singer for his debut directorial film Sheriyo Thetto. It was Thikkurissy who gave him the name Jose Prakash.

Singer
Jose Prakash started his early career as a singer who lend his voice for Prem Nazir, Sathyaneshan Nadar etc. Malayalam industry was not professional at early 1950s usually actors sing for themselves. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair introduced him to V. Dakshinamoorthy who liked his voice and lend his voice for the film Sheriyo Thetto in 1953 directed by  Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. In this film philosophical number "Paadu pettu paadangalil" sung by Jose Prakash introduced a new trend in Malayan cinema. He also did a small role in the movie. He was not at all a professional singer and does not attend any musical class. In the early 1960s Malayalam film industry became professional and the introduction of talented singers like A. M. Rajah, K. J. Yesudas ended the careers of all non professional singers. Up to the 1960s he had sung around 60 songs for various actors like Prem Nazir etc.

Actor
During his singing career he had done small roles and cameos for films. His first break as an actor was Bhakta Kuchela in 1961. But his major break as a villain was Olavum Theravum in 1969 and he later went on to do many films mostly in villain roles. In 1971, he acted in the first ever investigative sequel C.I.D. Nazir (1971) directed by P. Venu. Later he worked with P. Venu in many of his films. He and K. P. Ummer dominated Malayalam film industry in the role of Antagonist and was a hard target for Heroes. Up to date he had acted for more than 350 films in Malayalam language. He retired from film industry in 2003 due to health reasons. His last film was Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum directed by Sibi Malayil. After a long gap of 8 years he did a small cameo role in Traffic.

Awards

 * Kerala State Television Awards
 * 1993:Kerala State Television Award For Best Actor - Mikhayelinte Santhathikal


 * 2006 Bahadoor Award


 * 2011 J C Daniel Award

As an actor

 * Traffic    2011
 * Highway Police      2006 as Father John
 * Mr. Brahmachari      2003
 * Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum 	2003
 * Kanalkkireedam     2002
 * The Gift Of God 2002
 * Pathram 	           1999
 * Vazhunnor 	           1999 as Bishop
 * Meenathil Thalikettu 	1998
 * Man of the Match 	1996
 * Thumbolikkadappuram     1995
 * Agrajan     1995
 * Highway     1995
 * Puthran     1994 as michael
 * Bheesmacharya 	1994
 * Chukkan 	1994 as Narayanan
 * Akashadoothu 	1993
 * Devasuram 	1993
 * Mayaamayooram     1993
 * Maanthrika Cheppu 	1992
 * Ragam Anuragam 1991
 * Kadalora Kattu 1991
 * Indrajaalam 	1990
 * Orukkam 	1990 as Father Francis Arakkal
 * Kadathanadan Ambadi     1990
 * Veena Meettiya Vilangukal 	1990
 * Kottayam Kunjachan	1990
 * Ee Kannikoodi 	1990
 * Adikkurippu 	1989
 * Adharvam 	1989
 * Kodugallur Bagavathi     1989
 * Dhinarathrangal 	1988
 * Loose Loose Arappiri Loose 	1988
 * Vrutham	1987 as Jailor
 * Aankiliyude Tharattu 	1987
 * Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku 	1987
 * Aalippazhangal     1987 as Sekharan Thampi
 * Rajavinte Makan	1986
 * Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku 	1986
 * Sayam Sandhya          1986
 * Snehamulla Simham 	1986
 * Niramulla Raavukal 1986 as Sudevan
 * Adukkan Entheluppam 	1986
 * Rajavinte Makan     1986
 * Aayiram Kannukal     1986
 * Ente Kanakkuyil 	1985
 * Eeran Sandhya 	1985
 * Akalathe Ambili (1985) as Kurichan
 * Akkachide Kunjuvava     1985
 * Upahaaram     1985 as Fernandez
 * . Sammelanam 1985 as Ananthan Nambiar
 * Madhuvidhu Theerum Munpe     1985
 * Ee Sabdam Innathe Sabdam 	1985
 * Aa Neram Alppa Dooram 	1985
 * Nirakkoottu 	1985
 * Parannu Parannu Parannu 	1984
 * Koottinilamkili 	1984
 * Piriyilla Naam 	1984
 * Jeevitham     1984
 * Pavam Poornima 1984 as Thampi
 * Thacholi Thankappan     1984 as Guptha
 * Manithali     1984
 * Oru Kochu Kadha Arum Parayatha Kadha (1984) as Advocate
 * Swanthamevide Bandhamevide 	1984
 * Sabadham 1984 as Viswanadhan Thampi
 * Kurishuyudham (1984) as Father Fernandez
 * Koodevide     1983
 * Himam (1983) as Jaykkal
 * Nadi Muthal Nadi Vare     1983
 * Passport     1983
 * Ahankaram     1983
 * Oru Mukham Pala Mukham 	1983
 * Belt Mathai 	1983...Alexander
 * Kodumkattu     1983
 * Ankam     1983 as Chacko
 * Maniyara    1983
 * Enne Njan Thedunnu     1983 as Doctor Earadi
 * Koodevide	1983
 * Sara Varsham 	1982
 * Rakthasakshi     1982
 * Aarambham    1982 as Sebastian
 * Aranjaanam 1982 as Colonel
 * Shila    1982
 * Ahimsa     1982
 * Drohi     1982
 * Chilanti Vala     1982
 * Panchajanyam as Madhavan Thampi
 * Saram     1982
 * Aasha as Mathew Cheriyan
 * Dheera     1982
 * Shaari Alla Sharada    1982
 * Ithu Njangalude Katha 	1982
 * Kaliyamardhanam     1982
 * John Jaffer Janardhanan 	1982
 * Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam 	1982
 * Oru Vilippadakale 1982 as Dr Cheriyan
 * Saahasam     1981
 * Kilugaatha Changalakal     1981
 * Nizha Yudham     1981
 * Choothattam     1981
 * Aarathi 	1981
 * Thrishna 	1981 as K V S Panikkar
 * Raktham 	1981
 * Ahimsa 	1981
 * Agnisharam     1981
 * Thadavara    1981 as Kollakkaran
 * Karimpoocha     1981
 * Sambhavam     1981
 * Swarnappakshikal     1981
 * Adimachangala     1981
 * Maniyan Pilla Adhava Maniyan Pilla 1981 as Parameshwaran Pilla
 * Agni Yudham     1981
 * Prema Geethangal 1981 as P K Panikkar
 * Ariyappedatha Rahasyam 1981 as Sreedharan thampi (P. Venu)
 * Love In Singapore 	1980
 * Air Hostess 1980 as Menon
 * Chandrahasam 1980 as Rathnakaran
 * Agnikshetram 1980 as Vishwanathan
 * Manushya Mrugam 	1980 as K. G. Menon
 * Shakthi 	1980
 * Kadalkkattu     1980
 * Prakadanam     1980 as Damodharan
 * Anthapuram     1980
 * Edan Thottam     1980
 * Avan Oru Ahankari     1980
 * Ival Ee Vazhi Ithu Vare     1980
 * Baktha Hanuman     1980
 * Aagamanam 1980 as Issac
 * Agniparvatham     1979
 * Puthiya Velicham 	1979
 * Avano Atho Avalo 	1979 as Surendran
 * Mamangam 	1979
 * Yakshipparu     1979
 * Irumbazhikal 1979 as Swami
 * Pichathikuttappan  1979  (P. Venu)
 * Alavuddinum Albutha Vilakkum     1979
 * Vijayanum Veeranum     1979 as Surendran Nair
 * Tharangam    1979 as Gopalan
 * Thuramugham     1979
 * Kathirmandapam     1979
 * Ward No.7  1979  (P. Venu)
 * Sarppam     1979
 * Vaaleduthavan Valaal     1979
 * Rakthamillatha Manushyan 1979 as Menon
 * Vijayam Nammude Senani     1979
 * Peruvazhiyambalam     1979
 * Prabhu 1979 as Gauri Sankar Prasad
 * Eeta 	1978
 * Beena 	1978
 * Aval vishwathayayirunnu 	1978 as Psychiatrist
 * Velluvili    1978 as Minnal Moidu
 * Yaagaaswam     1978
 * Amarsham     1978
 * Itha Oru Manushyan     1978 as Narayanan Thampi
 * Aalmarattam  1978  (P. Venu)
 * Lisa 	1978
 * Rajan Paraja Kadha     1978
 * Ithanente Vazhi     1978
 * Avakaasham     1978
 * Kudumbam Nammukku Sreekkovil     1978 as Dharmapalan
 * Aanakkalari     1978
 * Rowdy Ramu     1978
 * Kanalkkattakal     1978 as Vikraman/Prasad
 * Padmatheertham     1978 as Achutha Kurup
 * Aval Kanda Lokam     1978
 * Karimpuli 1978
 * Ashokavanam     1978
 * Ee Ganam Marakkumo     1978
 * Urakkam Varatha Rathrikal 1978 as Balagangadhara Menon
 * Arum Annyaralla     1978 as Priest
 * Randu Lokam 1977 as Thamarasheri Gopala Kurup
 * Aval Oru Devalayam     1977
 * Sathyavan Saavithri 1977 as Ashwapathi
 * Nirakudam     1977
 * Rajaparambara     1977
 * Aadyapaadam     1977
 * Sujatha     1977
 * Madura Swapnam     1977
 * Parivarthanam     1977
 * Minimol     1977
 * Sangamam     1977
 * Vezhambal     1977
 * Innale Innu     1977
 * Sankupushppam     1977 as Dr. Jose
 * Sukradasa     1977
 * Shanta Oru Devatha     1977
 * Abhinivesham     1977 as C. P. Menon
 * Sreemad Bhagavath Geetha     1977
 * Muttathe Mulla     1977 as Thampi
 * Sagakkale Munnottu     1977
 * Udyanalakshmi     1976
 * Seemantha Puthran     1976
 * Agni Pushppam     1976
 * Paarijatham     1976
 * Ozhukkinethire     1976
 * Rajaankanam     1976
 * Neelasaari     1976
 * Amba Ambika Ambalika     1976
 * Themmadi Velappan     1976 as Balakrishnan
 * Light House     1976
 * Chirkudukka     1976 as Kumar
 * Nee Ente Lahari   1976
 * Amma     1976
 * Picnic (1975) as Mooppan
 * Chumaduthaangi 1975
 * Babumon     1975 as Puli Naanu
 * Hello Darling    1975 as Krishna Kumar
 * Omanakunju     1975
 * Thomasleeha     1975
 * Pulivalu    1975
 * Makkal     1975
 * Raagam     1975
 * Ullasa Yaathra     1975
 * . Pravaham 1975 as Bhaskaran
 * Mattoru Seetha     1975
 * Love Marriage    1975 as Prakash
 * Love Letter     1975
 * Chandanachola     1975
 * Odakuzhal     1975
 * Sooryavamsham     1975
 * Priye Ninakku Vendi     1975
 * Pancha Thanthram 	1974 as Prasad
 * Sapthaswarangal  1974 as Madhava Das
 * Honeymoon  1974
 * College Girl 1974 as Nanu
 * Shaapamoksham 1974
 * Poothenaruvi 1974
 * Pattabhishekam   1974
 * Ankathattu  1974
 * Rahasya Raathri  1974
 * Jesus 	1973
 * Panchavadi    1973 as Shekhar
 * Padmavyooham   1973 as Mathachan
 * Ajaathavasam   1973 as Jayaraj
 * Kaapalika    1973
 * Panitheeratha Veedu 1973 as Hari's father
 * Badradeepam  1973 as Venugopal
 * Thaniniram  1973 as Mathai/Mathew Philip
 * Police Ariyaruthu 1973 as Alex
 * Pacha Nottukal  1973 as Mathews Muthalali
 * Prethagalude Thazvara 1973 (P. Venu)
 * Swapnam    1973
 * Maasappadi Mathupilla  1973
 * Veendum Prabhatham  1973
 * Rakkuyil  1973
 * Thekkankattu 1973 as Sebastain
 * Pushppanjali    1972 as Damu
 * Sree Guruvayoorappan  1972
 * Sambhavami Yuge Yuge  1972 as Balaram
 * Aneshwanam
 * Taxi Car  1972 as Shivaram
 * Nirthasaala  1972 as Dayananthan
 * Aaradi Manninte Janmi  1972 as Dr. Menon
 * Shakthi  1972
 * Manthrakodi 1972
 * Brahmachari   1972
 * Prathikaram 1972 as Sreedharan Thampi
 * Avalalppam Vaikipoyi  1971
 * Jalakanyaka  1971
 * Makane Ninakku Vendi (1971) ...Pappachan
 * Thapaswini   1971
 * Vilakkyu Vaangiya Veena    1971 as K.R.Das
 * Achante Bharya   1971 as Rajan
 * Muthassi   1971
 * Lankadahanam   1971 as Das
 * C.I.D. Nazir 1971 as Shivaram (P. Venu)
 * Nilakkatha Chalanagal 1970
 * Nizhalattam 1970 as Bhaskaran
 * Abayam  1970
 * Lottery Ticket  1970
 * Madhuvidhu    1970 as Sathi's Father
 * Aranaazhikaneram (1970) as Priest
 * Ollavum Theeravum 	1970
 * Kattukurangu   1969
 * Kannur Deluxe   1969 as Gopalakrishnan
 * Rahasyam    1969 as Karadi Damodharan
 * Chattambikkavala  1969
 * Kumara Sambhavam (1969) as Devandran
 * Velutha Kathreena  1968 as Superintend Manoharan
 * Love in Kerala  1968
 * Agniputhri     1967
 * Subaida   1965
 * Karutha Kai 1964 as Madhava Menon
 * Adya Kiranangal 1964 as Damodaran
 * Kattumaina 1963
 * Snapaka Yohannan 1963 as Snapaka Yohannan
 * Ammaye Kaanaan 1963 as Advocate
 * Bhaktha Kuchela 	1961 as Nandagopan
 * Chathurangam 1959
 * Mariakutty 1958 as Ponnappachan
 * Devasundari 1957
 * Padatha Painkili 1957 as Pothachan
 * Manthravaadi 1956
 * Harishchandra 1955
 * CID 1955
 * Aniyathi 1955 as Doctor
 * Harischandra 1955
 * Balyasakhi 1954
 * Manasakshi 1954
 * Sheriyo Thetto    1953  -Debut Film as singer and actor
 * Alphonsa (1952)
 * Premalekha (1952)

As a singer

 * "Om Namashivaaya" - Love in Kerala (1968)
 * "Oronnoro Chenchorathan" - Avan Varunnu (1954)
 * "Neelippenne" - Manasakshi (1954)
 * "Kannuneer Nee Choriyaathe" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
 * "Paadupettu Paadangalil" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
 * "Thaarame Thaanuvaru" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
 * "Vaarmazhaville Va" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
 * "Pokaam Pokaam" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
 * "Kelkuka Ha" - Alphonsa (1952)
 * "Chinthayil Neerunna" - Visappinte Vili (1952)
 * "Ramanan" - Visappinte Vili (1952)

As a Television actor

 * Akashadoothu (TV series) (2012)- A teleserial from Surya TV which is the sequel of the hit Malayalam film Akashadoothu
 * Mikhaelinte Santhathikal - as Mikhael (Doordarshan)
 * Vava (Asianet)
 * Avashthantarangal (Kairali TV)