| Philomina | |
| Birth Place: | Mullurkara, Malabar District, Madras Presidency, British India (present day Thrissur, Kerala, India) |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Death Place: | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Years Active: | 1964–2003 |
| Children: | 1 |
| Awards: | Kerala State Film Awards 1970, 1987 – Best Supporting Artiste (Thurakkathavaathil , Olavum Theeravum), (Thaniyavarthanam) |
Philomina (1926 – 2 January 2006) was an Indian actress, who worked in the Malayalam film industry. She acted in more than 750 films in her career. She played mostly character and comedy roles, besides that of mother and grandmother.[1] She started acting on the stage. This experience stood her in good stead when she was offered her first film role.[2] The character of Anappara Achamma in the 1991 film Godfather, portrayed by her is acknowledged to be one of the most powerful roles ever in Malayalam cinema.[3]
Philomina entered the film industry with eight years of experience in professional drama, she worked with the drama troupe of P. J. Antony. She used to say it was her initial experience with an actor like Antony that helped shape her film career.
Her parents were perturbed when she had to travel to Chennai for the first shoot. It was Moidu Padiyathu who convinced her parents. Her first movie, Kuttikkuppayam (1964), produced by T. E. Vasudevan and directed by M. Krishnan Nair was a big hit. Philomina played the role of Prem Nazir's mother, a Muslim character.
She was born to Devassia and Mariam in 1926 at Mullurkara in Thrissur. She had her primary education from Valapad GVHS School.
Her father died when she was 12. She used to sing at church choir. When her father died she started singing for dramas to make a living. Later she started acting in dramas and then moved to movies.[4]
She married Antony, a theater artist, in 1956, but lost her husband when her only son Joseph was three years old.
Philomina won her first State award, for the best supporting actress, in 1970 for her roles in films Thurakkathavaathil and Olavum Theeravum. In 1987, she received the award for the second time for Thaniyavarthanam.[5]
Somewhere during this time, there was a short break in her career. She came back in the films of Bharathan and Padmarajan. Her roles in films like Chatta, Innale, Njan Gandharvan, Venkalam, Churam, Vietnam Colony, Kudumbapuranam, Godfather, Uppukandam Brothers, Thalayana Manthram and Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal would also be remembered for long time.[6]
It was Sathyan Anthikkad who first cast Philomina in a comic role. The film Madanmaar Londonil, gave this talented actress a new image. Her roles in films like Malayogam, Kireedam, Uncle Bun, Manathe Kottaram, Vrudhanmare Sookshikkuka and In Harihar Nagar.
In a career spanning over four decades Philomina starred in 750 films and numerous television serials. She was last seen in Meerayude Dukhavum Muthuvinte Swapnavum.
Philomina was living in a small, well done-up apartment in Kochi till she moved to her son's place in Chennai a couple of years before her death. She was a chronic diabetic and suffered stroke in 2005. She was getting insulin shots for her diabetic condition. She was bed-ridden for over a month before she died at her son- Joseph's residence in Chennai due to diabetes related problems on 2 January 2006, aged 79.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Kuttikkuppayam | Kunjipathumma | |
| Kalyana Photo | Chechamma | ||
| Ore Bhoomi Ore Raktham | |||
| Aadyakiranangal | Annamma | ||
| 1965 | Thankakudam | Kunjaathumma | |
| Chemmeen | |||
| Subaidha | Raziya | ||
| Kattupookkal | Thaiyamma | ||
| 1966 | Kalithozhan | Venu's mother | |
| Pattuthoovaala | Maali | ||
| Anarkali | Anarkali's mother | ||
| Kalyanarathriyil | Madhaviyamma | ||
| Thilothama | Vasundhara | ||
| Manikyakottaram | |||
| 1967 | Iruttinte Athmavu | Meenakshiyamma | |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Ambalapravu | Kamalam | ||
| Sthree | Dakshayani | |||
| Priya | ||||
| Palunku Pathram | ||||
| Olavum Theeravum | Nabisa's mother | |||
| Aranazhika Neram | Saramma | |||
| Abhayam | Sr. Briggitte | |||
| Vazhve Mayam | Parukutty | |||
| Thurakkatha Vathil | Beevathumma | |||
| 1971 | Thapaswini | |||
| Ummachu | ||||
| Navavadhu | Bharathi | |||
| Thettu | Eali | |||
| Aabhijathyam | Kunjannamma | |||
| Anubhavangal Paalichakal | Parvathi's Mother | |||
| Sindooracheppu | Pithachu | |||
| Inqulab Zindabbad | Narayani | |||
| Kuttyedathi | Narayani | |||
| Muthassi | Madhavikutty | |||
| Makane Ninakku Vendi | Achamma | |||
| Marunnattil Oru Malayali | Kariachan's wife | |||
| 1972 | Devi | |||
| Pulliman | ||||
| Oru Kanyasthriyude Katha | ||||
| Sathi | ||||
| Sakthi | ||||
| Preethi | ||||
| Postmane Kananilla | ||||
| Manthrakodi | Grandmother | |||
| Omana | Eliyamma Koshi | |||
| Snehadeepame Mizhi Thurakku | Savithri Antharjanam | |||
| Theerthayathra | Neighbour's mother | |||
| Aaradimanninte Janmi | Vishalakshi Amma | |||
| Iniyoru Janmam Tharu | Kunjithalla | |||
| Lakshyam | Umma | |||
| Achanum Bappayum | Fathima | |||
| 1973 | Police Ariyaruthe | Witness | ||
| Dharmayudham | Narayani | |||
| Raakuyil | Kunjamma | |||
| Achani | Mariamma | |||
| Panitheeratha Veedu | Jose's mother | |||
| Kaliyugam | Janu's mother | |||
| Udayam | Ikkavamma | |||
| Maram | Ayisha | |||
| Aaradhika | Paaruammayi | |||
| Bhadradeepam | Rajani's Mother | |||
| Ladies Hostel | Annamma | |||
| Kaapalika | Eali | |||
| Padmavyooham | Raheal | |||
| 1974 | Mister Sundari | |||
| Nagaram Sagaram | ||||
| Rahasyarathri | Gouri | |||
| Thacholi Marumakan Chandu | Nanga | |||
| Arakkallan Mukkalkkallan | Valli | |||
| College Girl | Prof. Parukuttiyamma | |||
| Chattakkari | Aunty | |||
| Poonthenaruvi | Achaamma | |||
| 1975 | Sathyathinte Nizhalil | |||
| Palazhi Madanam | ||||
| Pulivalu | ||||
| Aranya Kandam | ||||
| Thaamarathoni | ||||
| Ayodhya | ||||
| Chattambikkalyaani | Pathumma Beegam | |||
| Thiruvonam | Servant | |||
| 1976 | Themmadi Velappan | Aliyar's umma | ||
| 1977 | Sneha Yamuna | |||
| Mohavum Mukthiyum | ||||
| Varadakshina | ||||
| Sneham | ||||
| Chathurvedam | Madhavi | |||
| Nirakudam | Naniyamma | |||
| Yatheem | Amina | |||
| Sankhupushpam | Naaniyamma | |||
| Hridayame Sakshi | Narayanan's mother | |||
| 1978 | Seemanthini | |||
| Lisa | Deviyamma | |||
| Jayikkaanaay Janichavan | Kalyani's aunt | |||
| Ithaanente Vazhi | Beevi Umma | |||
| Ee Manohara Theeram | Amminiyamma | |||
| Kudumbam Namukku Sreekovil | Lakshmiyamma | |||
| Padmatheertham | Amina | |||
| Vayanadan Thamban | Annamma's mother | |||
| 1979 | Kallu Karthyayani | |||
| Aval Niraparadhi | ||||
| Mani Koya Kurup | ||||
| Sugathinu Pinnale | Parvathi | |||
| Pambaram | Thankamma | |||
| Kazhukan | Pimp Vasu's wife | |||
| Puthiya Velicham | Althara Amma | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Oormakale Vida Tharu | ||
| Naayattu | Pathumma | ||
| Pavizha Mutthu | Kaaliyamma | ||
| 1981 | Anyar | ||
| Chaatta | Velu's mother | ||
| Abhinayam | Bharghavi | ||
| 1983 | Sandhya Mayangum Neram | Achankunju's mother | |
| Aa Raathri | Abdu's mother | ||
| Mandanmar Londonil | Narayani | ||
| Sandhya Vandanam | Paru Amma | ||
| Naseema | Naseema's mother | ||
| Pallamkuzhi | Saradha | ||
| Mansoru Maha Samudram | Renuka's mother | ||
| 1984 | Pyasa Shaitan | ||
| Manasariyathe | Sankaran's mother | ||
| Ivide Ingane | Raju's mother | ||
| Mangalam Nerunnu | Meenakshiyamma | ||
| Unaroo | Mamma | ||
| Ethirppukal | Bharathiyamma | ||
| NH 47 | Sudhakaran's mother | ||
| 1985 | Manya Mahajanangale | Ayisha | |
| Njan Piranna Nattil | Naaniyamma | ||
| Janakeeya Kodathi | Gopi's mother | ||
| Ambada Njaane! | Devayani's grandmother | ||
| Ee Lokam Evide Kure Manushyar | Rosi | ||
| Vellarikka Pattanam | Sofiya's aunt | ||
| Kathodu Kathoram | Old woman | ||
| 1986 | Chekkeranoru Chilla | Paru | |
| Ice Cream | Mother | ||
| Rareeram | Sister | ||
| Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil | Gourikutti's mother | ||
| 1987 | Yagagni | ||
| Thaniyavarthanam | Balan's grandmother | ||
| 1988 | Sangham | Rappayi's wife | |
| Dhinarathrangal | Aravindan's mother | ||
| Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal | Old beggar lady | ||
| Kudumbapuranam | Kunjamma | ||
| Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu | Bhaskaran's mother | ||
| Oru Muthassi Katha | Unnili Muthassi | ||
| Pattanapravesham | Prabhakaran Thampi's mother | ||
| 1989 | Jaithra Yathra | Sister | |
| Mahayanam | Janamma | ||
| Artham | House Owner | ||
| Innale | Rahelamma | ||
| Mazhavilkavadi | Velayudhankutty's grandmother | ||
| Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam | Inmate of the old age home | ||
| Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal | Matriarch of Kavumpattu | ||
| Pradeshika Varthakal | Naniyammma | ||
| Kireedam | Muthassi | ||
| Ulsavapittennu | Muthassi | ||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Thalayana Manthram | Paruammayi | |
| Sankarankuttikku Pennu Venam | |||
| Chodyam | |||
| Champion Thomas | |||
| Purappadu | |||
| Innale | Rahelamma | ||
| Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu | Swamini | ||
| Kalikkalam | Janakiyamma | ||
| Dr. Pasupathy | Kunjulakshmi | ||
| Gajakesariyogam | Philipose's mother | ||
| In Harihar Nagar | Maya's grandmother | ||
| Kouthuka Varthakal | Rosemary's grandmother | ||
| Malayogom | Mary | ||
| Orukkam | Paramu's mother | ||
| Sasneham | Eenashu's mother | ||
| Kshanakkathu | Maid | ||
| Pavakkoothu | Nurse | ||
| Vidhyarambam | Madhavi | ||
| 1991 | Aakasha Kottayile Sultan | Pappy's Sister | |
| Innathe Program | Bhargavikutty Amma | ||
| Mimics Parade | Thandamma | ||
| Ezhunnallathu | House owner | ||
| Kankettu | Sridevi's grandmother | ||
| Kalari | Janaki Valiyamma | ||
| Amina Tailors | Khadeeja | ||
| God Father | Anappara Achamma | ||
| Mookilla Rajyathu | Insane Lady | ||
| Sundhari Kakka | Mariya | ||
| Njan Gandharvan | Bhama's grandmother | ||
| Parallel College | Rahelamma | ||
| Pookkalam Varavayi | Akkamma | ||
| Souhrudam | Kathrina | ||
| Ulladakkam | Hospital Attendant | ||
| Uncle Bun | Gloria Therathi | ||
| Ennum Nanmakal | Dr. Aniruddan's mother | ||
| 1992 | Vaalkkandi | ||
| Vietnam Colony | Suhra Bai | ||
| Kasargod Khader Bhai | Thandamma | ||
| Ente Ponnu Thampuran | Meerabhai | ||
| Kunukkitta Kozhi | Indu's grandmother | ||
| My Dear Muthachan | Kunjamma | ||
| Oru Kochu Bhoomikulukkam | Ravi's grandmother | ||
| Ponnaram Thottathe Rajavu | Nani Thalla | ||
| Snehasagaram | Josekutty's mother | ||
| Neelakurukkan | Kunjanamma | ||
| Congratulations Miss Anitha Menon | Kalyaniyamma | ||
| 1993 | Sthreedhanam | Vanaja's grandmother | |
| Vardhakya Puranam | Odanavattom Omana | ||
| Kulapathy | Vellachi | ||
| Koushalam | Mariya | ||
| Bhaagyavaan | Janu | ||
| Pravachakan | Baalu's grandmother | ||
| Venkalam | Grandmother | ||
| O' Faby | Mary | ||
| Uppukandam Brothers | Kunjanamma | ||
| Chenkol | Muthassi | Archive footage from Kireedam | |
| 1994 | Kadalkkaakka | ||
| Vrudhanmare Sookshikkuka | Margerett | ||
| Bharya | Hari's grandmother | ||
| Kadal | Martha | ||
| Manathe Kottaram | Dilip's mother | ||
| Vardhakya Puranam | Othanaavattam Omana | ||
| Chakoram | Amminiyamma | ||
| Kambolam | Alphonsa | ||
| Nandini Oppol | Amminikutty Amma | ||
| Moonnam Loka Pattalam | Muthassi | ||
| Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu | Mariamma | ||
| 1995 | Avittam Thirunaal Aarogya Sriman | Kousalya's mother | |
| Keerthanam | Ammachi | ||
| Thumboli Kadappuram | Chanchamma | ||
| Kalyanji Anandji | Chettathi | ||
| Samudhayam | Annamma | ||
| Kusruthikaatu | Treesa's mother in law | ||
| 1996 | Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum | Rajappan's mother | |
| Kavadam | |||
| April 19 | Jayaprakash's relative | ||
| Aayiram Naavulla Ananthan | |||
| Excuse Me Ehtu Collegilla | Mariamma | ||
| Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmaar | Saramma | ||
| Malayaalamaasam Chingam Onninu | Aunty | ||
| Vanarasena | Narayani | ||
| 1997 | Manthra Mothiram | Jose's mother | |
| Churam | Thalla | ||
| Vamsam | Rahel | ||
| Adukkala Rahasyam Angaadi Paattu | Jose's grandmother | ||
| 1998 | Achaammakkuttiyude Achaayan | Anthony's mother | |
| Kusruthi Kuruppu | Noorjahan's umma | ||
| Amma Ammaayiyamma | Narayani Amma | ||
| 1999 | Mimics Ghost | ||
| James Bond | Aliammachedathi | ||
| American Ammayi | Nani Amma | ||
| Charlie Chaplin | House owner aunty | ||
| Bharya Veettil Paramasukham | Bhargavi | ||
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Mister Butler | Radhika's grandmother | |
| The Warrant | |||
| Ee Mazha Then Mazha | Rekha's grandmother | ||
| Rapid Action Force | |||
| Anamuttathe Aangalamar | Dakshayiniyamma | ||
| 2001 | The Gift of God | ||
| Onnam Ragam | Jackson's mother | ||
| Ladies and Gentlemen | Bar owner | ||
| Korappan The Great | American Achayathi | ||
| 2002 | Grandmother | ||
| 2003 | Meerayude Dukhavum Muthuvinte Swapnavum | Muthu's Grandmother | |
| 2004 | The Journey | ||
| 2007 | Raakilipattu | Cameo | |
| 2008 | Twenty:20 | Cameo (Archive footage) | |
| 2009 | 2 Harihar Nagar | Maya's grandmother | Archive footage |
| 2010 | Again Kasargod Khader Bhai | Thandamma | Archive footage |
| 2011 | Kunjannamma | Archive footage | |
| 2014 | Tharangal | Herself | Photo only |