Nedumudi Venu

K. Venu Gopal (born 22 May 1948), known popularly by his stage name Nedumudi Venu (Malayalam: നെടുമുടി വേണു), is a Malayalam film actor from Kerala, India. He has also written screenplays and has directed one film. Venu was born to P. K. Kesavan Pillai and P. Kunjikkuttiyamma in Nedumudi, Alappuzha as one of their five children. He was involved in art and music since his academic period. He was also a member of the Kerala Students Union. After graduating from Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha, he worked as a journalist in Kalakaumudi and as a teacher in a tutorial institute. Venu was living in Thiruvananthapuram when he made friends with the likes of Aravindan, Padmarajan and Bharath Gopi. This ultimately paved way for his film career. Venu started his career in theatre and went on to act in films. He debuted in the film Thambu (1978) by director G. Aravindan. His acting skills were showcased in the Bharathan film Aaravam. Padmarajan's Oridathoru Phayalwan set a milestone for him. It marked his start in karanavar (head of the family) roles, which included most of his memorable performances. Venu also wrote scripts for movies.

Actor