Biography of Kalabhavan Navas
Kalabhavan Navas was a beloved Indian actor, comedian, and mimicry artist who was a prominent figure in the Malayalam entertainment industry for nearly three decades. Kalabhavan Navas passed away suddenly on August 1, 2025, leaving fans heartbroken and the film world in deep shock. Known for his stage performances with the renowned Kalabhavan mimicry troupe, he transitioned to the silver screen, charming audiences with his natural comedic timing. His father was also an actor, which influenced his early interest in the performing arts.
Personal Profile
Early Life & Education
Born in Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, Kerala, Kalabhavan Navas grew up in a family with a connection to the arts. His father, Aboobacker, was a theatre and film actor, which provided an early influence on Navas’s ambitions. Despite the family’s limited financial means, he and his brother Niyas Backer developed a strong passion for mimicry. They would often perform skits for artists at film camps. His formal educational background is not publicly documented, but his talent for mimicry and performance was evident from an early age. He later moved to his mother’s ancestral home in Ernakulam, which became his base for his professional career.
Career Journey
Navas began his performance career with mimicry, eventually making his film debut in 1995. Over the next three decades, he acted in several hit Malayalam films, including:
- Mimics Action 500
- Hitler Brothers
- Junior Mandrake
- Mattupetti Machan
- Chattambinadu
- Chandamama
- Thillana Thillana
- Driving Licence
- ABCD
- Detective Ujjwalan (his final release in May 2025)
He also judged TV comedy shows like Comedy Stars and Thakarppan Comedy, and remained active in stage shows across India and the Gulf countries.
Relationship
Navas married actress Rehna in 2002. The couple had three children Naharin, Rihan, and Ridwan. His brother, Niaz, also a mimicry artist, often performed alongside him. Navas was known for keeping his personal life away from public controversy and was deeply respected for his humility and generosity in the industry.
Family
Relation | Name |
---|---|
Father | Aboobacker |
Mother | Not publicly known |
Brother(s) | Niaz (Kalabhavan Niaz) |
Sister(s) | Not publicly known |
Spouse | Rehna |
Children | Naharin, Rihan, Ridwan![]() |
Death Reason
- Sudden Death (2025): Navas passed away while staying at a hotel during the shoot of the film Prakambanam in Chottanikkara. The initial cause was reported as cardiac arrest.
- Car Accident (Earlier): He had previously survived a major car accident, which he said gave him a new perspective on life. He had fallen asleep at the wheel but escaped unhurt.
Net Worth
The estimated net worth of Kalabhavan Navas was not publicly disclosed. His main sources of income were his work as a film actor, mimicry artist, and stage performer.
Lesser Known Facts
- Began mimicry at local school and temple festivals.
- Voice impersonation skills included actors, politicians, and singers.
- Had a close bond with fellow mimicry legends from Cochin Kalabhavan.
- Often visited Dubai and Muscat for stage shows for the Malayali diaspora.
- Judged talent shows and mentored young artists in Kerala.
- Was known to do charity events without charging a fee.
- Enjoyed light classical music and was an occasional playback singer.
- Taught mimicry at local workshops for aspiring artists.
- Preferred traveling by car over flights for shorter trips.
- Avid cricket enthusiast and often played friendly matches with actors.
Latest Updates
- Navas had completed filming for Detective Ujjwalan, which released in May 2025.
- He was working on Prakambanam, a comedy-thriller, at the time of his passing.
- A state-level tribute and public funeral was held in Aluva, attended by top Malayalam actors, comedians, and fans.
- The Kerala film community continues to pay tribute to his legacy, with TV networks running retrospectives of his most memorable roles.
FAQs
Q1. What was Kalabhavan Navas’s age?
He was 51 years old at the time of his death in August 2025.
Q2. Is Kalabhavan Navas married?
Yes, he was married to actress Rehna since 2002.
Q3. What did Kalabhavan Navas do for a living?
He was a mimicry artist, actor, comedian, and singer in the Malayalam entertainment industry.
Q4. What is Kalabhavan Navas best known for?
He was best known for his mimicry stage shows and comedic roles in Malayalam films.
Q5. What were Kalabhavan Navas’s final projects?
His last completed film was Detective Ujjwalan. He was filming Prakambanam when he passed away.
Q6. Was Kalabhavan Navas involved in any controversies?
No major controversies were associated with him. He was respected for his professionalism and kindness.
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