Kalabhavan Navas Passes Away at 51: A Heartfelt Tribute to the Comedy Legend
Date: August 1, 2025,Kalabhavan Navas
Location: Chottanikkara, Kerala
Kalabhavan Navas
Veteran mimicry artist and Malayalam film actor Kalabhavan Navas has passed away at the age of 51. Known for his comic timing, vibrant stage presence, and soulful mimicry, Navas was found unconscious in a hotel room in Chottanikkara on August 1, shortly after returning from a film shoot. A local hospital declared him deceased.
His sudden demise has left fans and colleagues in shock, as the industry mourns the loss of one of its finest character actors.
Kalabhavan Navas
🎤 From Stage to Silver Screen: The Journey of Kalabhavan Navas
He grew up in a modest household. Inspired by imitators like Jayaram and Zainuddin, Navas began playing with his older brother, Niyas Backer, at local venues.
He later joined the iconic Kalabhavan troupe, where he honed his mimicry skills and adopted the stage name “Kalabhavan Navas.” Together with his brother, he co-founded Cochin Arts, a troupe that brought joy to thousands through stage performances.
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🎬 A Comedic Force in Malayalam Cinema
Navas made his film debut in Chaithanyam (1995) and went on to appear in over 50 Malayalam films. He was particularly known for his roles in:
Mimics Action 500 (1995)
Hitler Brothers (1997)
Junior Mandrake (1997)
Mattupetti Machan (1998)
Chandamama (1999)
Thillana Thillana (2003)
His performances were filled with laughter, charm, and relatable humor — traits that made him a household name across Kerala.
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🎥 Creative Collaborations and Later Works
He created and directed the telefilm Velicham, in which his wife, Rehna Navas, featured. Before returning for the 2025 feature film Izha, the two also starred together in the 2015 short film Mandan Bench.
His final projects included Detective Ujjwalan, Tiki Taka, and Prakambanam, the last of which he completed just days before his death.
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❤️ Personal Life and Family
In 2002, Navas wed fellow actor Rehna. While filming Neelakasham Niraye, the two got to know each other. Together, they established a life in Aluva and brought up three kids: Rihan, Ridwan, and Naharin.
Their daughter Naharin made her own acting debut in the film Confessions of a Cuckoo (2021), continuing the family’s artistic legacy.
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🕊️ A Final Goodbye
On the morning of August 1, Kalabhavan Navas was found unconscious in a hotel following filming. Later, a local Chottanikkara hospital confirmed his death. He was fifty-one.
Tributes have poured in from across the Malayalam film and stage community, with fans remembering his humble beginnings, infectious laughter, and immense contributions to Kerala’s cultural landscape.
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📝 Legacy of Kalabhavan Navas
Not only a movie star or mimic, Kalabhavan Navas was a performer who brought joy to millions of people. He went from the village stages to the Malayalam silver screen, and his life story continues to inspire aspiring artists.
As the curtains fall on his vibrant career, his voice, laughter, and legacy will echo forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
Reviving and Redefining Mimicry in Kerala
Kalabhavan Navas was part of a generation that revived the art of mimicry in Kerala and gave it widespread recognition as a legitimate and celebrated form of performance. In the 90s and early 2000s, when mimicry was often sidelined as “stage filler,” artists like Navas brought a level of craftsmanship, timing, and originality that changed perceptions.
He wasn’t just about voice imitation — he embodied expressions, body language, and accents with such authenticity that even veteran actors appreciated his impressions. His imitations of legends like Mammootty, Mohanlal, and even his father Aboobacker, became iconic. Audiences across the state recall laughing to tears watching Navas perform during college fests, television shows, and mimicry albums.
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