{{short description|None}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}} This is a list of notable members of the Nair community of southern India. {{Dynamic list}}
== Dynasties ==
* Kingdom of Travancore<ref>{{Cite book|last=Velupillai TK|url=http://archive.org/details/pli.kerala.rare.46799|title=Travancore State Manual. Vol. 2|date=1940|publisher=Government of Travancore, Trivandrum|others=Kerala State Library}}</ref> * Zamorin of Calicut<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xu-O9eNmQXMC&pg=PT162 |title=Land of seven rivers: History of India's Geography |author=Sanjeev Sanyal |website=Books.google.com |year=2012}}</ref> * Thekkumkur Kingdom<sup>[[Thekkumkur#cite note-32|[32]]]</sup> * Vadakkumkur Kingdom<ref name=":1" /> * Chirakkal Raja<ref name="google2">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hkbJ6xA1_jEC&pg=PA140 |title=History of Tipu Sultan |author=Mohibbul Hasan |page=140 |year= }}</ref> * Porlathiri * Kingdom of Venad<ref name="gough">{{Cite book|title=Matrilineal Kinship|editor1-first=David Murray |editor1-last=Schneider |editor2-first=Kathleen |editor2-last=Gough |last=Gough|first=Kathleen |authorlink=Kathleen Gough |chapter=Central Kerala|publisher=University of California Press|year=1962|isbn=978-1111665906|pages=303–304}}</ref> * Valluvanad<ref name="gough" /> * Ernād<ref name="gough" /> * Palakkad<ref name="gough" /> * Kingdom of Kolathunadu<ref name="gough" /> * Kavalappara Moopil Nayar * Paliam Swaroopam
==Spiritual leaders== [[File:Chattampi Swamikal 2014 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|180px|Chattampi Swamikal, Hindu sage]] * Chattampi Swamikal<ref name="Nangelimalil1996">{{cite book|author=Jacob Nangelimalil|title=The Relationship Between the Eucharistic Liturgy, the Interior Life and the Social Witness of the Church According to Joseph Cardinal Parecattil|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mnM-Oiul2KcC&pg=PA45|date=1 January 1996|publisher=Gregorian Biblical BookShop|isbn=978-88-7652-695-4|pages=45–}}</ref> – Hindu Sage and Social Reformer * Swami Chinmayananda<ref name=emir98>{{cite book | last = Emir | first = Rudite | title = Swami Chinmayananda: A Life of Inspiration and Service | publisher = Central Chinmaya Mission Trust | year = 1998 | isbn = 1-880687-32-1}}</ref> – Spiritual leader and founding father of Vishwa Hindu Parishad. * Tapovan Maharaj,<ref>{{cite book |last=Chinmayananda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LVFgGKeAzFUC&q=Journey+Of+A+Master |title=Journey of a Master |year=1989 |isbn=9788175973053 |page=79}}</ref> a Hindu sage and Vedanta Scholar. * Brahmananda Swami Sivayogi, Founder of Anantha Mahasabha. * Devasahayam Pillai<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 June 2021 |title=18th century Keralite 'martyr' to be beatified by church |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/18th-century-keralite-martyr-to-be-beatified-by-church-523797.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625112530/https://www.news18.com/news/india/18th-century-keralite-martyr-to-be-beatified-by-church-523797.html |archive-date=25 June 2021 |access-date=25 June 2021}}</ref> – Roman Catholic Saint canonized by the Church.
== Film and media == ===Actresses=== [[File:Jayabharathi kollam.png|thumb|180px|Jayabharathi, famous Indian actress]] [[File:Lakshmi Menon at 60th South Filmfare Awards 2013.jpg|thumb|180px|Lakshmi Menon (actress), Lakshmi Menon at 60th South Filmfare Awards 2013]] * Shobhana Chandrakumar Pillai,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sai |first=Veejay |date=18 July 2016 |title=The Travancore Trio: Sisters who conquered the silver screen |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/features/travancore-trio-sisters-who-conquered-silver-screen-46694 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> Indian actress and bharatanatyam dancer * Jayabharathi,<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=Jayan’s birth anniversary: Looking back at his spectacular life |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jayans-birth-anniversary-looking-back-at-his-spectacular-life/photostory/84723697.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress, two-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for best actress * Urvashi,<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 June 2023 |title=Has veteran actress Urvashi joined Instagram? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/has-veteran-actress-urvashi-joined-instagram/articleshow/100776044.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Prominent lead actress of the 1980s and 1990s * Kalaranjini,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=28 January 2016 |title=A tribute to actress Kalpana |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Hard-act-to-follow/article14024585.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actress * Parvathy Jayaram,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Actress Parvathy remembers younger sister Deepti in a heart touching social media post |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/05/28/parvathy-jayaram-remembering-sister-deepti.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actress * Ragini,<ref name=":0" /> Indian actress and dancer * Padmini,<ref name=":0" /> Indian actress and trained bharatanatyam dancer * Lalitha,<ref name=":0" /> Indian actress and dancer * Ambika,<ref name=":0" /> Indian actress * Revathi,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Happy Birthday Revathi: Interesting facts about the actress |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/happy-birthday-revathi-interesting-facts-about-the-actress/photostory/84225724.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Seema,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biography of Eminent Nairs |url=https://www.nairs.in/bio_s.htm |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=www.nairs.in }}{{Dead link|date=May 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> Indian actress * Kalpana,<ref name=":1" /> Indian actress * Sithara,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Actress Sithara reveals why she decided not to get married |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2020/05/12/sithara-nair-reveals-reason-for-not-getting-married-and-remaining-single.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref> Indian actress * Suchitra Pillai,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Happy to get back to my Malayali roots: Suchitra Pillai on 'Cold Case' |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2021/06/29/suchitra-pillai-on-cold-case-malayalam-movie.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actress who mainly appear in Bollywood films * Renuka Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Renuka Menon: Latest News, Videos and Photos of Renuka Menon {{!}} Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/renuka-menon |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Indian actress * Shwetha Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swetha Menon owns up to marriage blunder |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2018/11/04/swetha-menon-about-first-marriage-with-bobby.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actress * Divya Pillai,<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 March 2021 |title=Picture of Mr & Mrs judges Govind Padmasoorya and Divya Pillai in wedding attire sparks rumours about their secret marriage |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/picture-of-mr-mrs-judges-govind-padmasoorya-and-divya-pillai-in-wedding-attire-sparks-rumours-about-their-secret-marriage/articleshow/81584346.cms |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Sukumari,<ref name=":0" /> Indian actress * K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Indian actress * Mallika Sukumaran,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Prithviraj Sukumaran On Directing "Greatest Ever Mom" Mallika And "All-Time Great Actor" Mohanlal In Bro Daddy |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/prithviraj-sukumaran-on-directing-greatest-ever-mom-mallika-and-all-time-great-actor-mohanlal-in-bro-daddy-2525807 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=16 October 2022 |title=When Prithviraj shut down trolls who criticized him for adding Menon in his daughter's name: '...is JUST a name' |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/when-prithviraj-shut-down-trolls-who-criticized-him-for-adding-menon-in-his-daughters-name-is-just-a-name-bollywood-news-entertainment-news-article-94901244 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=TimesNow |language=en}}</ref> Indian actress and businesswomen * Bhavana,<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2018 |title=Happy birthday Bhavana! Celebs wish star |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2018/06/06/bhavana-birthday-celebs-wish.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actress who mainly appear in South-Indian Films * Aranmula Ponnamma,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malayalam cinema's mother, Aranmula Ponnamma passes away |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/malayalam-cinemas-mother-aranmula-ponnamma-passes-away-618604 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Indian actress * Bhama,<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 January 2022 |title=Bhama quashes rumours says, 'Me and my family, we are in great health and spirits |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/bhama-quashes-rumours-says-me-and-my-family-we-are-in-great-health-and-spirits/articleshow/88897386.cms |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Ananya,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malayalam actress Ananya to call off wedding? |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/malayalam-actress-ananya-to-call-off-wedding-623479 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Indian actress * Anusree,<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 April 2018 |title=Anusree: I am no 'Sangi' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/anusree-i-am-no-sangi/articleshow/63593219.cms |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress and model * Samyuktha,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vaathi actress Samyuktha reveals why she dropped Menon from her surname |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vaathi-actress-samyuktha-reveals-why-she-dropped-menon-from-her-surname-2332342-2023-02-09 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Indian actress * Jyothirmayi,<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 April 2015 |title=Amal Neerad and Jyothirmayi get married! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/amal-neerad-and-jyothirmayi-get-married/articleshow/46805326.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Shobha Mohan,<ref name=":5" /> Indian actress * Jalaja,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nagarajan |first=Saraswathy |date=20 May 2022 |title=Thamp actor Jalaja to walk the red carpet at Cannes on Saturday |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/thamp-actor-jalaja-to-walk-the-red-carpet-at-cannes-on-saturday/article65439128.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actress who received Kerala State Film Award for best actress in 1981 * Bindu Panicker,<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 2022 |title=Bindu Panicker and Sai Kumar pay a surprise visit to their daughter in London |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/bindu-panicker-and-sai-kumar-pay-a-surprise-visit-to-their-daughter-in-london/articleshow/96397530.cms |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Niranjana Anoop,<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2021 |title=മലയാളത്തിലെ അനശ്വര നായകനെയും നായികയെയും സമ്മാനിച്ച ദമ്പതികൾ; അവരുടെ ചിത്രവുമായി കൊച്ചുമകൾ |url=https://malayalam.news18.com/photogallery/film/niranjana-anoop-shared-some-pics-of-her-grandparents-who-inspired-devasuram-mm-444717.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=News18 Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> Indian actress and model * Neeta Pillai,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neeta Pillai thrilled to have played a young IPS officer in ‘Pappan’ |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/08/07/neeta-pillai-thrilled-have-young-ips-officer-pappan.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actress and model * Ambili Devi,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ambili Devi makes shocking revelations on life with Adithyan Jayan, says she was cheated |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/04/21/ambili-devi-shocking-reveations-about-adithyan-jayan-family-life.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian television actress * Aarsha Chandini Baiju,<ref>{{Cite web |last=vipinvk |title=ഗ്ലാമറസായി ആര്ഷ ബൈജു; എന്തൊരു മാറ്റമെന്ന് ആരാധകര് – വീഡിയോ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/spice-entertainment/arsha-baiju-glamorous-photoshoot-gone-viral-on-social-media-video-vvk-s38iug |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml}}</ref> Indian actress and model * Iswarya Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 May 2023 |title=Iswarya Menon Birthday: From Namo Boothatma to Veera, Top 5 Movies of the Actress |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/iswarya-menon-birthday-from-namo-boothatma-to-veera-top-5-movies-of-the-actress-7739503.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Indian actress and model * Kumari Thankam, lead actress during the late 1950s and 1960s * Aparna Balamurali,<ref>{{Cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=28 October 2022 |title=K.P. Kesava Menon award for Aparna Balamurali |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kp-kesava-menon-award-for-aparna-balamurali/article66066712.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actress * Praveena,<ref>{{Cite news |title=From Praveena to Viji Chandrasekar, a look at the cute pics of these actresses with their daughters |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/from-praveena-to-viji-chandrasekar-a-look-at-the-cute-pics-of-these-actresses-with-their-daughters/photostory/90640519.cms?from=mdr |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Asha Sharath,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Actress Asha Sharath's daughter Uthara ties the knot. See wedding video |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/03/18/actress-asha-sharath-daughter-uthara-gets-married-aditya-menon.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actress and dancer * Keerthy Suresh,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The money man |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2013/may/15/the-money-man-477617.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Indian actress who mainly appear in Tamil films * Sshivada,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arul |title='Nedunchalai' actress Shivada Nair weds Murali Krishnan – Photos |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/photos/nedunchalai-actress-shivada-nair-weds-murali-krishnan-5119-slide-35323 |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=IBTimes India |language=en}}</ref> Indian actress * Navya Nair, Indian actress * Mahima Nambiar,<ref>{{Cite news |last=S |first=Srivatsan |date=7 September 2019 |title=Mahima Nambiar: ‘I’m a puppet to my directors’ |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mahima-nambiar-im-a-puppet-to-my-directors/article29361831.ece |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actress and model * Sangita Madhavan,<ref>{{Cite web |title='Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala' still the same? Sangita Madhavan returns to silver screen with 'Chaver' |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/24/sangita-madhavan-chinthavishtayaya-shyamala-actress-returns-chaver.html |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actress * Gauthami Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 May 2019 |title=Gauthami Nair on Annie's Kitchen |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/gauthami-nair-on-annies-kitchen/articleshow/69387833.cms |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Priyanka Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 March 2021 |title=Priyanka Nair: A trek to Agasthyakoodam is a chance to analyse ourselves |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/priyanka-nair-a-trek-to-agasthyakoodam-is-a-chance-to-analyse-ourselves/articleshow/81607602.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Rajasree, Indian actress * Lakshmi Menon,<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2013 |title=Student of the year! |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/student-of-the-year/article5251357.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actress who mainly appear in Tamil films * Nithya Menen,<ref>{{Cite news |title=HBD Nithya Menen: Lesser known facts about the actress |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/hbd-nithya-menen-lesser-known-facts-about-the-actress/photostory/99340107.cms?from=mdr |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress and singer * Karthika Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2023 |title=Actress Karthika Nair gets engaged? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/actress-karthika-nair-gets-engaged/articleshow/104550516.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Radha,<ref name="The Times of India">{{Cite news |date=27 January 2017 |title=Dileep ties the knot with Kavya Madhavan, finally! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/dileep-ties-the-knot-with-kavya-madhavan-finally/articleshow/55621442.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actress * Valsala Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2020 |title='മേലിൽ മോഹൻലാലിന്റെ അമ്മയായി അഭിനയിക്കരുതെന്ന് പറഞ്ഞ് ഭീഷണിക്കത്ത് വന്നു' |url=https://archives.mathrubhumi.com/women/specials/mother-s-day-2020/real-stories/valsala-menon-actor-mother-s-day-2020-mohanlal-movies-mother-roles-actress-1.4750043 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Mathrubhumi Archives |language=en}}</ref> Indian actress * Devi Ajith,<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 September 2021 |title=നടി ദേവി അജിത്തിന്റെ മകൾ നന്ദന വിവാഹിതയായി |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/actress-devi-ajith-daughter-nandhana-wedding-video-1.5983564 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> Indian actress * Uma Nair,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Was dragged into unnecessary controversy: TV actress Uma Nair |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2019/01/22/tv-actress-uma-nair-on-controversy-jayan-acting-and-more.html |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref> Indian television actress * Aparna Nair, Indian actress * Santhi Mayadevi, Indian actress
===Actors=== [[File:Mohanlal Viswanathan BNC.jpg|thumb|180px|Mohanlal, famous Indian actor]] [[File:Suresh Gopi.jpg|thumb|180px|Suresh Gopi, actor and politician]] * Mohanlal,<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |first=Haritha |date=23 December 2015 |title=Will Mohanlal contest 2016 assembly polls? NSS denies |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/will-mohanlal-contest-2016-assembly-polls-nss-denies-37017 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> Popular Indian actor, who received Padma Shri in 2001, Padma Bhushan in 2019, India's fourth and third highest civilian honours * Suresh Gopi,<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 2015 |title=Kerala actor Suresh Gopi snubbed by Hindu Nair leader |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/kerala-actor-suresh-gopi-snubbed-by-hindu-nair-leader/ |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Indian actor and politician * Jayan,<ref name=":2" /> Indian actor, ex-naval officer and stunt performer of 1970s and 1980s * Janardhanan Pillai,<ref>{{Cite web |title=എന് എന് പിള്ള പുരസ്കാരം നടൻ ജനാര്ദ്ദനന് |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/malayalam-cinema/celebrity-news/n-n-pillai-memorial-award-goes-to-actor-janardhanan/articleshow/65844829.cms |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> Indian actor and former Indian Air force personnel * Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, the actor who immortalised historical figures on screen |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/09/12/kottarakkara-sreedharan-nair-birth-anniversary-malayalam.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref> Indian actor who received best actor award in 1970 * Oduvil Unnikrishnan,<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 May 2006 |title=Popular Malayalam actor Unnikrishnan passes away |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/popular-malayalam-actor-unnikrishnan-passes-away/articleshow/1578058.cms?from=mdr |access-date=8 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor who worked in Malayalam cinema * C. V. Raman Pillai,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Guptan Nair |first=S. |title=C. V. Raman Pillai |date=1992 |publisher=Sahitya Akad |isbn=978-81-7201-273-1 |edition=1. publ |series=Makers of Indian literature |location=New Delhi}}</ref> Indian actor, novelist, playwright, journalist and social activist * Muraleedharan Pillai,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Murali |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/malayalam-actors-who-have-won-national-awards/murali/photostory/63802425.cms?from=mdr |access-date=8 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor, stage and television actor and author *Madhavan nair,<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 September 2023 |title=Legendary Malayalam actor Madhu turns 90 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/legendary-malayalam-actor-madhu-turns-90/articleshow/103899613.cms |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor, director, producer, former college lecturer and former film studio owner * Balachandra Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2023 |title=Malayalam Director Balachandra Menon Upset After His Films Ignored At Keraleeyam Film Festival |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/malayalam-director-balachandra-menon-upset-after-his-films-ignored-at-keraleeyam-film-festival-8644137.html |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Indian actor, director and script writer * Sai Kumar,<ref name=":5" /> Indian actor * M. N. Nambiar,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kolappan |first=B. |date=20 January 2019 |title=M.N. Nambiar — not so evil after all |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mn-nambiar-not-so-evil-after-all/article26045134.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actor who worked predominantly in Tamil cinema, known mostly for his villain roles * Bharat Gopy,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Biography of Bharat Gopy |url=https://bharatgopy.com/biography/ |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Bharat Gopy |language=en-US}}</ref> Indian actor, producer and director * Dileep,<ref name="The Times of India"/> Indian actor, producer and businessman * Nedumudi Venu,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Here’s how Nedumudi Venu recalled his journey as an actor |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/10/11/becoming-actor-how-nedumudi-venu-recalled-his-journey-as-an-actor.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actor who won three National Film Awards and Six Kerala State Film Awards * Narendra Prasad,<ref>{{Cite web |title=അഭിനയത്തിന്റെ രസതന്ത്രം അറിഞ്ഞ നടൻ: നരേന്ദ്ര പ്രസാദിന്റെ ഓർമ്മകൾക്ക് 18 വയസ് |url=https://malayalam.indiatoday.in/cinema/photo/narendraprasad-death-anniversary-310514-2021-11-03 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=India Today Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> Indian actor * Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 October 2014 |title=Malayalam’s first super star |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/malayalams-first-super-star/article6471449.ece |access-date=8 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actor, author and film director * Prithviraj Sukumaran,<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" /> Indian actor and director * Vijayaraghavan,<ref name="cinemaexpress.com">{{Cite web |title=NN Pillai biopic hasn't been dropped yet, reveals Vijayaraghavan |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/mar/18/nn-pillai-biopic-hasnt-been-dropped-yet-reveals-vijayaraghavan-41241.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Indian actor * N. N. Pillai,<ref name="cinemaexpress.com"/> Indian actor and drama artist * M. G. Soman,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hiran |first=U. |date=22 November 2022 |title=Remembering M.G. Soman on his 25th death anniversary |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/remembering-mg-soman-on-his-25th-death-anniversary/article66169720.ece |access-date=8 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actor * Raghuvaran,<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 December 2018 |title=Suresh Krissna’s moving tribute to actor Raghuvaran |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/suresh-krissna-on-raghuvaran-birth-anniversary/article25716352.ece |access-date=8 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actor * Vineeth,<ref name=":0" /> Indian actor and dancer * Vinu Mohan,<ref name=":5" /> Indian actor * Krishna,<ref name=":0" /> Indian actor * Sukumaran,<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" /> Indian actor and producer * Santhosh K. Nayar,<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 February 2019 |title=Villain has the toughest part in films: Santhosh K Nayar |url=https://englisharchives.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/interview/villain-has-the-toughest-part-in-films-santhosh-k-nayar-1.3597551 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=English Archives |language=en}}</ref> Indian actor * Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, Indian actor * Vini Vishwa Lal,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theevandi is not a dark or preachy film: Vini Vishwa Lal |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2018/aug/14/theevandi-is-not-a-dark-or-preachy-film-vini-vishwa-lal-1857385.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Indian actor and screenwriter * Sudev Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sudev Nair |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Sudev-Nair |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor and model * Indrajith Sukumaran,<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" /> Indian actor * Anoop Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daily |first=Keralakaumudi |title=I was excluded from many films due to these reasons, says Anoop Menon |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=222093&u=i-was-excluded-from-many-films-due-to-these-reasons-says-anoop-menon-222093 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Keralakaumudi Daily |language=en}}</ref> Indian actor * Rajeev Pillai,<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 March 2023 |title=Rajeev Pillai to star in upcoming suspense thriller "Dexter", set for release in July 2023 |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/rajeev-pillai-to-star-in-upcoming-suspense-thriller-dexter-set-for-release-in-july-2023/articleshow/98991568.cms |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Indian actor and model * Unni Mukundan,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2023 |title=Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calls it ‘the best 45 minutes of his life’ |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/malayalam-actor-unni-mukundan-meets-prime-minister-narendra-modi-calls-it-the-best-45-minutes-of-his-life-101682407340221.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Indian actor * Chandunath G Nair,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2022 |title=പെണ്കുട്ടികള്ക്ക് എന്നല്ല ആണ്കുട്ടികള്ക്ക് സംഭവിച്ചാലും മോശം-ചന്തുനാഥ് മനസ്സ് തുറക്കുന്നു |url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/actor-chandunath-g-nair-sharing-his-thoughts-with-zee-malayalam-news-interview-by-bhavya-das-106900 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Zee News Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> Indian actor and model * T. P. Madhavan,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Forgotten talent: T P Madhavan's isolated life at Gandhi Bhavan |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/03/tp-madhavan-malayalam-actor-gandhi-bhavan-mollywood.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actor * Kollam G. K. Pillai,<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 January 2016 |title=Malayalam actor Kollam G K Pillai passes away |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/malayalam-actor-kollam-g-k-pillai-passes-away/ |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Indian actor * Balan K. Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naha |first=Abdul Latheef |date=26 August 2022 |title=Balan K. Nair the man next door for Shoranur |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/balan-k-nair-the-man-next-door-for-shoranur/article65815097.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actor * Adoor Bhasi, Indian actor * Biju Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 September 2023 |title=Happy Birthday Biju Menon: A Look At The National Winning Actor's Personal Life |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/malayalam/happy-birthday-biju-menon-a-look-at-the-national-winning-actors-personal-life-article-103486418 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=TimesNow |language=en}}</ref> Indian actor * K. B. Ganesh Kumar,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anand |first=G. |date=3 May 2021 |title=Kerala Congress (B) chairman R. Balakrishna Pillai passes away |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-politician-r-balakrishna-pillai-passes-away/article34469669.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actor and politician * Kay Kay Menon,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kay Kay Menon |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Kay-Kay-Menon |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor * Gautham Vasudev Menon,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Gautham Menon |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Gautham-Menon |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor * Govind Padmasoorya,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Govind Padmasoorya |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Govind-Padmasoorya |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor * Anu Mohan,<ref name=":5" /> Indian actor * Vanchiyoor Madhavan Nair, actor in Malayalam movies of the 1960s and 1970s * T. K. Balachandran, Indian actor * Gokul Suresh,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 March 2019 |title=Gokul Suresh: If I take more risks, I would be criticised more, but I would also grow as an actor |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/gokul-suresh-if-i-take-more-risks-i-would-be-criticised-more-but-i-would-also-grow-as-an-actor/articleshow/68166830.cms?from=mdr |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor * Sankaradi,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Legend Actor Sankaradi നാട്യങ്ങള് ഇല്ലാത്ത ശങ്കരാടിയുടെ ഓര്മകള്ക്ക് 22 വയസ്സ് |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/malayalam/kerala/entertainment/movie/legend-actor-sankaradi-death-anniversay-special/kerala20231009121408061061367 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=ml}}</ref> Indian actor * S. P. Pillai,<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 October 2012 |title=Endearing actor |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/radio-and-tv/Endearing-actor/article12544862.ece |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actor * Kozhikode Narayanan Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=19 April 2023 |title=Innocent, a man of many layers |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/innocent-a-man-of-many-layers/article66756466.ece |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian actor * Karamana Janardanan Nair,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Had there been a lockdown decades ago, could have spent time with father: Sudheer Karamana |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2020/04/25/sudheer-karamana-on-lockdown-father-memories-death-anniversary.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian actor * Sudheesh,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sudheesh |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/sudheesh |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor * Krishna Kumar,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Take a cue from Krishna Kumar and family |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2020/may/06/take-a-cue-from-krishna-kumar-and-family-2139589.html |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Indian actor and politician * Adithya Menon, Indian actor * Vijay Babu, Indian actor * Jayan Cherthala, Indian actor * Baiju Santhosh, Indian actor * Narain,<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 November 2022 |title=Narain and wife welcome their second child, a baby boy! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/narain-and-wife-welcome-their-second-child-a-baby-boy/articleshow/95756436.cms?from=mdr |access-date=8 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian actor * Jagadish, Indian actor * Suraj Venjaramoodu, Indian actor * Sajan Surya,<ref>{{Cite web |last=vipinvk |title=ഞാന് 25 വര്ഷം മുന്പ് ജാതിവാല് മുറിച്ചത് ട്രെന്റ് നോക്കിയല്ല; അതിനൊരു കാരണമുണ്ടെന്ന് സാജന് സൂര്യ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/spice-entertainment/sajan-surya-about-his-name-specialty-vvk-rre2ss |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml}}</ref> Indian television actor * Rajeev Parameshwar, Indian television actor * Jayakumar Parameswaran Pillai,<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 2019 |title=Thatteem Mutteem actress Manju Pillai shares a funny video with on-screen sister-in-law Veena Nair |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/thatteem-mutteem-actress-manju-pillai-shares-a-funny-video-with-on-screen-sister-in-law-veena-nair/articleshow/68168372.cms |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian television actor * Sreejith Vijay, Indian actor
===Models and dancers=== [[File:Rhea pillai.jpg|thumb|180px|Rhea Pillai, Indian model]] [[File:Parvathy Omanakuttan Magnum (cropped).jpg|thumb|180px|Parvathy Omanakuttan, Indian model, actress and beauty pageant titleholder]] * Rhea Pillai,<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 July 2014 |title=Leander Paes: Rhea was married to Dutt when she entered into a relationship with me |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/leander-paes-rhea-was-married-to-dutt-when-she-entered-into-a-relationship-with-me/articleshow/39337855.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian model * Methil Devika,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2023 |title=Methil Devika {{!}} മേതിൽ ദേവിക നായികാവേഷത്തോട് 'നോ' പറഞ്ഞു, ലക്ഷ്മി ഗോപാലസ്വാമി ആ റോളിലെത്തി; ഹിറ്റ് ചിത്രത്തിന് പിന്നിലെ കഥ |url=https://malayalam.news18.com/photogallery/buzz/methil-devika-was-once-considered-for-a-role-played-by-lakshmi-gopalaswamy-mm-627683.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=News18 Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> Indian dancer and researcher * Vineeth,<ref name=":0" /> Indian dancer and actor * Parvathy Omanakuttan,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Parvathy Omanakuttan |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Parvathy-Omanakuttan |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian model * Asha Sharath,<ref name=":6" /> Indian dancer and actress * Parvati Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Parvathy Nair |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Parvathy-Nair |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian model * Thulasi Nair,<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2013 |title=Age can't be a barrier for acting: Thulasi Nair |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/age-cant-be-a-barrier-for-acting-thulasi-nair-533788.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Indian model
===Directors, producers, and script writers=== [[File:Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan.jpg|thumb|180px|Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Indian film director, script writer, and producer]] [[File:അജ്ഞലി മേനോൻ.jpg|thumb|180px|Anjali Menon, Indian filmmaker]] * Padmarajan,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cris |date=28 January 2021 |title=30 years after Padmarajan's death, wife Radha speaks on the beautiful life they shared |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/30-years-after-padmarajans-death-wife-radha-speaks-beautiful-life-they-shared-142324 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> Indian film-maker and screenwriter * Ranjith,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ranjith |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Ranjith |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian film director and screenwriter * Thoppil Bhasi,<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 May 2015 |title=A playwright and his historic play |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-playwright-and-his-historic-play/article7268354.ece |access-date=20 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian playwright and screenwriter * K. Ravindranathan Nair, Indian film producer * Bharathan, Indian filmmaker * Priyadarshan,<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 January 2023 |title=Priyadarshan – the man at 66, and the director at 39 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/priyadarshan-the-man-66-and-the-director-39-8411624/ |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Indian film director and screenwriter * Shaji Kailas,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Neelima |date=26 January 2023 |title=The alpha male heroes of Shaji Kailas: Can the director redeem himself? |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/alpha-male-heroes-shaji-kailas-can-director-redeem-himself-172513 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> Indian film director and screenwriter * Rajasenan,<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2022 |title=Filmmaker Rajasenan Returns to Direction After 8 Years With Naanum Pinnoru Naam |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/filmmaker-rajasenan-returns-to-direction-after-8-years-with-naanum-pinnoru-naam-5800969.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Indian film director and former actor * Adoor Gopalakrishnan,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Dileep V. |date=23 November 2022 |title=50 years of 'Swayamvaram', and the debut of iconic director Adoor Gopalakrishnan |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/kerala/50-years-of-swayamvaram-and-the-debut-of-iconic-director-adoor-gopalakrishanan/ |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The South First |language=en-GB}}</ref> Indian film director and script writer * Rajeev Govindan,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajeev Govindan lambasts fake news that claims he is Methil Devika’s ex-husband |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/08/02/rajeev-govindan-fake-news-on-methil-devika-ex-husband.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Indian writer, lyricist and producer *Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Indian film director *B. Unnikrishnan, Indian film director * Sachy,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Remembering Sachy: Movies that prove that he was a remarkable storyteller |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/remembering-sachy-movies-that-prove-that-he-was-a-remarkable-storyteller/photostory/92297399.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian screenwriter and director * Sujith Vaassudev, Indian cinematographer * Anjali Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 November 2022 |title=What director Anjali Menon doesn’t understand about film criticism |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/director-anjali-menon-doesnt-understand-film-critics-8279369/ |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Indian film-maker and screenwriter * K. Madhu, Indian filmmaker * P. Chandrakumar, Indian director and cinematographer * Anil Radhakrishnan Menon, Indian film director * Balu Kiriyath, Indian film director * Sreekumaran Thampi, Indian film director * Major Ravi, Indian actor and film director *Sivan, Indian cinematographer and film director *Sangeeth Sivan, Indian film director and screenwriter *Santosh Sivan, Indian cinematographer *N Sankaran Nair, Indian director *K. Padmanabhan Nair, Indian film director and script writer *Raja Krishna Menon, Indian film writer
===Musicians=== [[File:Melody Queen of Indian Cinema Dr. K S Chithra.jpg|thumb|180px|K. S. Chithra, Little Nightingale of Indian Cinema]] [[File:MG Sreekumar (Cropped).jpg|thumb|180px|M. G. Sreekumar, Indian playback singer]] * M. G. Sreekumar,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Married to a singer |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2012/jan/03/married-to-a-singer-326508.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Indian playback singer and composer * K. S. Chithra,<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=27 July 2023 |title=K.S. Chithra, the Nightingale of Kerala, turns 60 |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ks-chithra-the-nightingale-of-kerala-turns-60/article67128234.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Indian playback singer * Sujatha Mohan,<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |date=11 November 2020 |title=Sujatha Mohan shares a glimpse into the birthday celebration of her husband Mohan |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/sujatha-mohan-shares-a-glimpse-into-the-birthday-celebration-of-her-husband-mohan/articleshow/79168161.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian playback singer * Shweta Mohan,<ref name=":7" /> Indian playback singer * M. Jayachandran, Indian composer * P. Jayachandran, Indian playback singer and actor * Arjun Menon, Indian playback singer * Neha Nair,<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2017 |title=Composing is easy when we work together |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/composing-is-easy-when-we-work-together/articleshow/45749897.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian playback singer and composer * Siddharth Menon,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siddharth Menon: Latest News, Videos and Photos of Siddharth Menon {{!}} Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/siddharth-menon |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Indian playback singer and actor * Sreevalsan J. Menon,<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 April 2019 |title=Sreevalsan J Menon to debut as an actor, playing Kumaranasan |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/sreevalsan-j-menon-to-debut-as-an-actor-playing-kumaranasan/articleshow/68950347.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Indian vocalist
== Journalism == [[File:Nisha Pillai moderating at ITU WTIS 2014.jpg|thumb|180px|Nisha Pillai, main news anchor for BBC World News]] * Sreekandan Nair, media personality, television anchor, veteran journalist and managing director of Flowers TV and 24 News. * Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan, journalist of Malayalam Cinema. * Nisha Pillai, Indian journalist based in London * Udaya Tara Nayar, film journalist in India * P. Govinda Pillai, former chief editor of Deshabhimani * K. N. P. Kurup, Indian journalist and politician * C. Karunakara Menon, Indian journalist and politician * Kesari Balakrishna Pillai, Indian journalist and writer * Suresh Menon, sports writer
== Social sciences == [[File:Kollam Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai.png|thumb|180px|Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai, Social reformer]] [[File:Lakshmi Sahgal.jpg|thumb|180px|Lakshmi Sahgal, revolutionary of the Indian independence movement]] * Lakshmi Sahgal, popularly known as "Captain Lakshmi", was the leader of "Rani of Jhansi Regiment" of Indian National Army * Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai, social reformer * N. P. Nayar, freedom fighter * K. P. Kesava Menon, Founder of Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam Daily * K. Kelappan, freedom fighter, popularly known as "Kerala Gandhi" * Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai, an Indian social reformer, freedom fighter, and the founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS) * K. Chandrasekhara Pillai, social reformer * Aiyappan Pillai Madhavan Nair, was closely involved with Japan in the Indian independence movement at 1920s-1940s * Padmanabha Pillai Gopinathan Nair, social reformer and Gandhian. * A. C. N. Nambiar, Indian Nationalist * K. P. Karunakara Menon, social reformer * Panampilly Govinda Menon, freedom fighter * K. Kumar, one of the earliest socio-political leaders who have brought Gandhi's message and the spirit of the national movement to the erstwhile Travancore State. * K. B. Menon, social reformer. * Viji Thampi, social activist and Indian film director.
[[thumb|Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar|thumb|Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar]] == Arts and literature == [[File:sugathakumari1.jpg|thumb|180px|Sugathakumari, famous Indian poet and activist]] [[File:MT VASUDEVAN NAIR.jpg|thumb|180px|M. T. Vasudevan Nair, prolific and versatile writer in modern Malayalam literature]] * Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar, Indian journalist essayist and short story writer, wrote the first Malayalam short story Vasanavikrithi * Sugathakumari, Indian poet and activist * O. N. V. Kurup, Indian Poet and lyricist * Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai, Indian historian and linguist * Azhakathu Padmanabha Kurup, Sanskrit and Malayalam scholar * Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, Indian novelist * P. Kunhiraman Nair, Indian writer * M. T. Vasudevan Nair, Indian author, screenplay writer and film director * Vallathol Narayana Menon, Indian Poet * N. Krishna Pillai, Indian dramatist and literary critic * Nalapat Narayana Menon, Indian writer * Kurissery Gopala Pillai, Indian writer * Oyyarath Chandu Menon, Indian writer * Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, Indian writer * Aiyappan Pillai, Indian writer, politician and lawyer * Nagavally R. S. Kurup, Indian writer * S. Guptan Nair, Indian scholar * Madavoor Vasudevan Nair, kathakali artist * Oduvil Kunhikrishna Menon, Indian poet * Kesari Balakrishna Pillai, Malayalam writer, art and literary critic and journalist * C. N. Sreekantan Nair, Indian writer * Vadakke kuruppath Narayana Menon, prominent art critics * K. Kumar, Indian orator, reformer and writer * P. C. Kuttikrishna Menon, Indian writer * Omchery N. N. Pillai, Indian Malayalam-language playwright and novelist * Edasseri Govindan Nair, Indian poet and critic * Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, Indian writer and actor * M. P. Narayana Pillai, Indian writer * K. K. Menon, Indian artist * Ramachandran Unnithan, kathakali artist * Anita Nair, English-language Indian novelist * Manu S. Pillai, Indian author and historian * B. Jeyamohan, Indian author * Vennikkulam Gopala Kurup, Indian poet * B. Sujatha Devi, Indian writer * Edappally Raghavan Pillai, Indian poet *G. Kumara Pillai, Indian writer * Karoor Neelakanta Pillai, Indian writer * Erumeli Parameswaran Pillai, Indian writer * Sreekanteswaram Padmanabha Pillai, Indian lexicographer * M. K. Menon, Indian writer * Asha Menon, Indian writer * Karthika Naïr, French-Indian poet and dancer
== Bureaucrats and administrators == ===India=== [[File:VK Krishna Menon 1997 stamp of India bw.jpg|thumb|180px|V. K. Krishna Menon, veteran diplomat and Cabinet minister]] [[File:The Special Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri G.K. Pillai at the inauguration of a National Seminar on Government Procurement, jointly organised by the Department of Commerce (cropped).jpg|thumb|180px|Gopal Krishna Pillai, 15th Home Secretary of India]] [[File:Mayankote Kelath Narayanan - Kolkata 2014-02-04 8387.JPG|thumb|180px|M. K. Narayanan, 3rd National Security Advisor of India and former director of Intelligence Bureau]] * V K Krishna Menon, Veteran Diplomat and Cabinet Minister, former Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Indian High Commissioner to the UK. * V. P. Menon, Constitutional Adviser and Political Reforms Commissioner to the last three viceroys during British rule in India. * Omana Kunjamma, First Native Female Magistrate in India.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RS7aAAAAMAAJ |title=Samyukta: A Journal of Women's Studies |date=2003 |publisher=Women's Initiatives |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/History_of_Services_of_the_Gazetted_Offi/Jf-k-3rLN3cC?hl=en |title=History of Services of the Gazetted Officers of the Travancore-Cochin State |date=1955 |publisher=Government Central Press |language=en}}</ref> * N. R. Pillai, 1st Cabinet Secretary of India (1950–1953). * K. P. S. Menon Sr., 1st Foreign Secretary of India (1948–1952). * M. K. Vellodi, 4th Defence Secretary of India (1953–1957) and the 3rd Cabinet Secretary of India (1957–1958) * Gopal Krishna Pillai, 15th Home Secretary of India (2009–2011). * K. P. S. Menon Jr., 15th Foreign Secretary of India (1987–1989). * Jyotindra Nath Dixit, 18th Foreign Secretary of India (1991–1994) and 2nd National Security Adviser (2004–2005). * M. K. Narayanan, 3rd National Security Advisor of India (2005–2010) and former Director of Intelligence Bureau. * Shivshankar Menon, 27th Foreign Secretary of India (2006–2009) and 4th National Security Adviser(2010–2014). * K. M. Chandrasekhar, 29th Cabinet Secretary of India (2007–2011). * K. K. Nayar (formerly K. Karunakaran Pillai), former Indian Administrative Service officer of Uttar Pradesh. * Thottuvelil Krishna Pillai Ayappan Nair, former Indian Administrative Service and adviser to the Prime Minister of India. * Meppally Keshava Pillai Krishnankutty Nair, Indian Administrative Service officer. * Ramakrishna Pillai Ramachandran Nair, Indian Administrative Service officer. * K. Sankaran Nair, 2nd Director of the Research and Analysis Wing * K Vijayakumar, Former Director General of CRPF. Senior National Security Officer and Advisor to Home Ministry. * T.P Sreenivasan, diplomat and former Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. * M. P. M. Menon, former ambassador of India to Bahrain, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, and Brazil. * C. Madhavan Nair, former advocate-general of Madras Presidency. * P. K. Narayana Panicker, former general secretary and president of NSS. * Sardar K. M. Panikkar, historian, novelist, and diplomat. * Vinod C. Menon, Member of the National Disaster Management Authority of India.
===Outside India=== [[File:Ranj Pillai (cropped).png|thumb|180px|Ranj Pillai, Canadian politician, who has been the tenth premier of Yukon]] [[File:1 chief justice sundaresh menon 2019 singapore management university school of law.jpg|thumb|180px|Sundaresh Menon, Chief Justice of Singapore]] * Ranj Pillai, Canadian politician, who has been the 10th premier of Yukon and Leader of the Yukon Liberal Party. * Gopinath Pillai, Singaporean bureaucrat and businessman. * Sundaresh Menon, 4th and current Chief Justice of Singapore. * Hri Kumar Nair SC, Singaporean Lawyer serving as the Deputy Attorney-General of Singapore (2017–present). former Member of Parliament representing the Thomson division of Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC (2006–2015). * Chandran Nair, Singaporean Poet and former Director and Mediator of UNESCO in Paris. * Gita Gopinath, Current first Deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2022–present), previously served as Chief Economist of the IMF (2019–2022). * Vanu Gopala Menon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, personal representative of the President of Singapore.
=== Members of the United Nations ===
* Chandran Nair, civil servant with UNESCO (1981–2004) (Singapore) * Shashi Tharoor, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (2001–2007) (India) * Vijay K. Nambiar, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (2007–2012), Chef de Cabinet of the United Nations, special advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations (2006) (India), * Vanu Gopala Menon, the Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations (2004–2011). (Singapore)
== Politicians == === Politicians in India === [[File:Pattom A. Thanu Pillai.jpg|thumb|180px|Pattom A. Thanu Pillai, 2nd chief minister of Kerala]] [[File:P.K. Vasudevan Nair.jpg|thumb|180px|Padayatt Kesava pillai Vasudevan Nair, 7th chief minister of Kerala]] [[File:AK Gopalan 1990 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|180px|Ayillyath Kuttiari Gopalan Nambiar, Indian politician]] [[File:Sasi Tharoor 2021 at Kollam.jpg|thumb|180px|Shashi Tharoor, Indian politician]]
===Diwan=== [[File:Raja Kesava Das Statue in Alleppey - Changanassery Road @ Changananassery Junction.jpg|thumb|180px|Raja Kesavadas, Statue of Kunnathur Kesavan Raman Pillai (military head of Travancore army)]] [[File:Veluthampi.JPG|thumb|180px|Velu Thampi Dalawa, Statue of Veluthampi (Prime Minister of the kingdom of Travancore between 1802 and 1809)]] * Raja Kesavadas, Diwan of Travancore Kingdom (1789–1798). Known as the "Maker of Modern Alleppey". * Velu Thampi Dalawa, Diwan of Travancore Kingdom (1802–1809) and freedom fighter. * Nanoo Pillai, Diwan of Travancore Kingdom (1877–1880). * M. Krishnan Nair, Diwan of Travancore Kingdom (1914–1920) * P.G.N Unnithan, Diwan of Travancore Kingdom (1947–1948) * Paliath Achan, former hereditary prime minister of Cochin Kingdom. * Edamana Sankara Menon, Diwan of Kingdom of Cochin (1830–1834). * T. Sankunni Menon, Diwan of Kingdom of Cochin (1860–1879). * T. Govindan Menon, Diwan of Kingdom of Cochin (1879–1890). * V.S Pillai, Diwan of Kingdom of Cochin (1893–1896). * P. Narayana Menon, Diwan of Kingdom of Cochin (1922–1925). * C. P. Karunakara Menon, Diwan of Kingdom of Cochin (1944–1947), Diwan of Pudukottai (1947–1948).
===United Nations===
* Shashi Tharoor, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (2001–2007). Current Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram Loksabha Constituency. * V.K. Krishna Menon, Veteran Indian Diplomat, known for his 8-hour speech at UN Security Council on the Kashmir issue. Known as the 'Hero of Kashmir'. Architect of Non-Aligned Movement.
===Union ministers===
* V.K. Krishna Menon, former Union Minister of Defence (1957–1962) (INC) * Panampilly Govinda Menon, former Union Minister for Railways (1969–1970), Union Minister of Law (1967–1970), 1st Prime Minister of Cochin. * K. Karunakaran, former Union Minister of Industry (1995–1996) (INC). * Lakshmi N. Menon, former minister of state, Ministry of External Affairs (1962–1966). (INC) * M. G. K. Menon, former minister of state for Science and Technology. (1989) * K P Unnikrishnan, former minister for telecommunications, shipping and surface transport (1989–1990). * O. Rajagopal, former minister of state in Third Vajpayee ministry.(1999–2004) (BJP) * Shashi Tharoor, former minister of state in the Second Manmohan Singh ministry (INC) * K. C. Venugopal, former minister of state for Power, Civil aviation (2011–2014) (INC) * Rajeev Chandrasekhar, current Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and Information Technology (2021–2024) (BJP). * Suresh Gopi, current Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Tourism (2024–present) (BJP)
===Prime ministers of Travancore/ Cochin, chief ministers of Travancore-Cochin===
* Pattom Thanu Pillai, 1st Prime Minister of Travancore and 4th chief minister of Travancore-Cochin. * Paravur T K Narayana Pillai, 2nd Prime Minister of Travancore, 1st chief minister of Travancore-Cochin. * T K Nair, 2nd Prime Minister of Cochin.
===Chief ministers=== [[File:C Achutha Menon 2013 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|180px|C. Achutha Menon, 4th chief minister of Kerala]] [[File:E.K.Nayanar 1.jpg|thumb|180px|E. K. Nayanar, 9th chief minister of Kerala]] * Pattom Thanu Pillai, 2nd chief minister of Kerala (PSP) * C Achutha Menon, 4th chief minister of Kerala. (CPI) * P K Vasudevan Nair, 7th chief minister of Kerala. (CPI) * E K Nayanar, 9th chief minister of Kerala. (CPI(M)) * M G Ramachandran, 3rd chief minister of Tamil Nadu. (AIADMK)
===Current members of parliament===
* Rajmohan Unnithan, Member of Parliament from Kasargod Loksabha Constituency.(INC) * M. K. Raghavan, Member of Parliament from Kozhikode Loksabha Constituency. (INC) * V. K. Sreekandan, Member of Parliament from Palakkad Loksabha Constituency. (INC) * Suresh Gopi, Member of Parliament from Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency. (BJP) * K. C. Venugopal, Member of Parliament from Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency. (INC) * N. K. Premachandran, Member of Parliament from Kollam Loksabha Constituency. (RSP) * Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency. (INC)
===Governors of states===
* C V Ananda Bose, current governor of West Bengal. * P S Sreedharan Pillai, current governor of Goa, former Governor of Mizoram. (BJP) * Kummanam Rajasekharan, former Governor of Mizoram. (BJP) * M. K. Narayanan, former Governor of West Bengal. * K. Sankaranarayanan, former Governor of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. (INC)
===Party leaders===
* C. Sankaran Nair, 13th president of Indian National Congress (1897). * A K Gopalan Nambiar, Prominent Communist leader and First Opposition Party Leader of Loksabha. (CPI) * K. Chandrasekhara Pillai, senior member and former Assistant Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Kerala. * K. G. Marar, former State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Kerala. * Kummanam Rajasekharan, former State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Kerala. * P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, former State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Kerala. * Thennala Balakrishna Pillai, former President of KPCC (1998–2001, 2004–2005). * Ramesh Chennithala, former President of KPCC (2005–2014). * E K Nayanar, State Secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kerala. (1972–1980, 1992–1996) * Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, State Secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kerala. (2015–2022) * K. C. Venugopal, General Secretary of All India Congress Committee. (2019–present) * V. D. Satheesan, current Opposition leader in Kerala State Assembly (2021–present) (INC) * N. Jayaraj, current chief whip of LDF in Kerala Legislative Assembly, MLA from Kerala Congress(M). (2021–present)
===Cabinet ministers (Kerala)=== {| class="wikitable" !Year !Name !Ministry/ portfolio !Party !Chief minister |- |1957–1959 |C. Achutha Menon |Minister for Finance |Communist Party of India | rowspan="2" |E. M. S. Namboodiripad |- |1957–1959 |Dr. A. R. Menon |Minister for Health |Independent |- |1960–1962 |'''Pattam A. Thanu Pillai''' |'''Chief minister''' |'''Praja Socialist Party''' | rowspan="2" |Pattam A. Thanu Pillai |- |1960–1962 | rowspan="2" |K. A. Damodara Menon | rowspan="2" |Minister for Industries | rowspan="2" |Indian National Congress |- |1962–1964 | rowspan="2" |R. Sankar |- |1967–1969 |P. R. Kurup |Minister for Irrigation and co-operation |Praja Socialist Party | rowspan="2" |E. M. S. Namboodiripad |- |1967–1969 |M. N. Govindan Nair |Minister for Agriculture and Electricity |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |1969–1977 |'''C. Achutha Menon''' |'''Chief minister''' |'''Communist Party of India''' | rowspan="6" |C. Achutha Menon |- |1970–1977 |M. N. Govindan Nair |Minister for Transport, Electricity and Housing |Communist Party of India |- |1970–1977 |K. Karunakaran |Minister for Home Affairs |Indian National Congress |- |1970–1977 |R. Balakrishna Pillai |Minister for Transport |Kerala Congress |- |1970–1977 |K. Narayana Kurup |Minister for Transport |Kerala Congress |- |1977 |'''K. Karunakaran''' |'''Chief minister''' |'''Indian National Congress''' | rowspan="4" |K. Karunakaran |- |1977 |K. Sankaranarayanan |Minister for Agriculture |Indian National Congress |- |1977 |K. Narayana Kurup |Minister for Transport |Kerala Congress |- |1977 |P. K. Vasudevan Nair |Minister for Industries |Communist Party of India |- |1977–1978 |K. Sankaranarayanan |Minister for Agriculture |Indian National Congress | rowspan="3" |A. K. Antony |- |1977–1978 |K. Narayana Kurup |Minister for Transport |Kerala Congress |- |1977–1978 |P. K. Vasudevan Nair |Minister for Industries |Communist Party of India |- |1978–1979 |'''P. K. Vasudevan Nair''' |'''Chief minister''' |Communist Party of India | rowspan="3" |P. K. Vasudevan Nair |- |1978–1979 |K. Narayana Kurup |Minister for Transport |Kerala Congress |- |1980–1981 |'''E.K. Nayanar''' |'''Chief minister''' |Communist Party of India (Marxist) | rowspan="3" |E.K. Nayanar |- |1980–1981 |E. Chandrasekharan Nair |Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Housing |Communist Party of India |- |1980–1981 |R. Balakrishna Pillai |Minister for Electricity |Kerala Congress (B) |- |1982–1987 |'''K. Karunakaran''' |'''Chief minister''' |'''Indian National Congress''' | rowspan="4" |K. Karunakaran |- |1982–1987 |R. Balakrishna Pillai |Minister for Electricity |Kerala Congress (B) |- |1982–1987 |Ramesh Chennithala |Minister for Rural Development |Indian National Congress |- |1987–1991 |'''E. K. Nayanar''' |'''Chief minister''', home minister |Communist Party of India (Marxist) | rowspan="6" |E.K. Nayanar |- |1987–1991 |E. Chandrasekharan Nair |Minister for Food and Civil Supplies |Communist Party of India |- |1987–1991 |V. V. Raghavan |Minister for Agriculture |Communist Party of India |- |1987–1991 |K. Sankaranarayana Pillai |Minister for Transport |Indian Congress (Socialist) |- |1987–1991 |T. Sivadasa Menon |Minister for Electricity and Rural Development |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |1987–1991 |V. Viswanatha Menon |Minister for Finance |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |1991–1995 |'''K. Karunakaran''' |'''Chief minister''' |'''Indian National Congress''' | rowspan="4" |K. Karunakaran |- |1991–1995 |R. Balakrishna Pillai |Minister for Transport |Kerala Congress (B) |- |1991–1995 |M. V. Raghavan |Minister for Co-operation |Communist Marxist Party |- |1995–1996 |R. Balakrishna Pillai |Minister for Transport |Kerala Congress (B) | rowspan="3" |A. K. Antony |- |1995–1996 |K. K. Ramachandran Master |Minister For Food And Civil Supplies |Indian National Congress |- |1995–1996 |M.V. Raghavan |Minister for Co-operation |Communist Marxist Party |- |1996–2001 |E. K. Nayanar |'''Chief Minister''', Home Minister |Communist Party of India (Marxist) | rowspan="5" |E.K. Nayanar |- |1996–2001 |T. Sivadasa Menon |Minister for Finance |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |1996–2001 |V. P. Ramakrishna Pillai |Minister for Irrigation and Labour |Revolutionary Socialist Party |- |1996–2001 |E. Chandrasekharan Nair |Minister for Food, Tourism, and Law |Communist Party of India |- |1996–2001 |P. R. Kurup |Minister for Forests and Transport |Janata Dal |- |2001–2004 |K. Sankaranarayanan |Minister for Finance |Indian National Congress | rowspan="3" |A. K. Antony |- |2001–2004 |M. V. Raghavan |Minister for Co-operation |Communist Marxist Party |- |2001–2004 |K. B. Ganesh Kumar |Minister for Transport |Kerala Congress (B) |- |2004–2006 |M. V. Raghavan |Minister for Co-operation |Communist Marxist Party | rowspan="4" |Oommen Chandy |- |2004–2006 |Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan |Minister for Water Resources |Indian National Congress |- |2004–2006 |K. C. Venugopal |Minister for Tourism and Devaswom |Indian National Congress |- |2004–2006 |K K Ramachandran Master |Minister for Health |Indian National Congress |- |2006–2011 |Kodiyeri Balakrishnan |Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Tourism |Communist Party of India (Marxist) | rowspan="5" |V. S. Achuthanandan |- |2006–2011 |Kadannapalli Ramachandran |Minister for Devaswom |Congress (Secular) |- |2006–2011 |N. K. Premachandran |Minister for Water Resources |Revolutionary Socialist Party |- |2006–2011 |P. K. Sreemathy |Minister for Health and Family Welfare |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |2006–2011 |V.Surendran Pillai |Minister for Port & Youth welfare |Loktantrik Janata Dal |- |2011–2016 |Ramesh Chennithala |Minister of Home Affairs |Indian National Congress | rowspan="4" |Oommen Chandy |- |2011–2016 |Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan |Minister of Forest, Environment, Sports, Road Transport and Water Transport. |Indian National Congress |- |2011–2016 |V. S. Sivakumar |Minister of Health and Devaswom |Indian National Congress |- |2011–2016 |K. P. Mohanan |Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry |Socialist Janata Dal |- |2016–2021 |E. Chandrasekharan |Minister for Revenue and Housing |Communist Party of India | rowspan="10" |Pinarayi Vijayan |- |2016–2021 |E. P. Jayarajan |Minister of Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |2016–2021 |C.Raveendranath |Minister of General Education |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |2016–2021 |Kadannappalli Ramachandran |Minister of Ports, Museum and Archaeology |Congress (Secular) |- |2021–present |K. Rajan |Minister for Revenue and Housing |Communist Party of India |- |2021–present |G. R. Anil |Minister for Food and Civil Supplies |Communist Party of India |- |2021–present |K. N. Balagopal |Minister for Finance |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |2021–present |M. B. Rajesh |Minister for Local Self Governments, Rural Development and Excise |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |- |2021–present |P. Prasad |Minister for Agriculture |Communist Party of India |- |2021–present |V. Sivankutty |Minister for General Education and Labour |Communist Party of India (Marxist) |}
* C. M. Padmanabhan Nair, Politician from Socialist Party. * K. K. Nayar, former Member of Parliament from Bahraich (Lok Sabha constituency) in 4th Lok Sabha (Bharatiya Jan Sangh).
===Outside India===
* Devan Nair (1923–2005), 3rd President of Singapore (1981–1985). * Priyanca Radhakrishnan, a New Zealand politician who served as the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector (2020–2023). * Pramila Jaypal, an American politician serving as the U.S. representative from Washington's 7th congressional district (2017–present)(Democratic). * Susheela Jayapal, an American politician served as the county commissioner for Multnomah County, Oregon. * Hri Kumar Nair SC, a Singaporean lawyer serving as Judge of Highcourt of Singapore (2023–present), former Deputy Attorney-General of Singapore (2017–2023). former Member of Parliament representing the Thomson division of Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC (2006–2015). * Vikram Nair, a Singaporean politician and lawyer serving as the Member of Parliament representing the Admiralty division of Sembawang GRC (2011–present). * Murali Pillai, a Singaporean politician and lawyer serving as the Member of Parliament representing Bukit Batok SMC (2016–present) * Kesava Pillai Anilkumar, a South African politician serving as the Member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature (2019–present). * Billy Nair (1929–2008), a South African politician, a former member of the National Assembly of South Africa (1994–2004), an anti-apartheid activist. * Damodran Nair, a Fijian politician who served as the Member of the Tavua Open Constituency in the House of Representatives of Fiji.
== Military personnel == [[File:Kunhiraman Palath Candeth-.jpg|thumb|180px|Kunhiraman Palat Candeth, former Indian army officer]] * Lt General Kunhiraman Palat Candeth, who played a commanding role in the Liberation of Goa from Portuguese control in 1961, and briefly served as the Military Governor of Goa, Daman and Diu. Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Padmabhushan Awardee. * Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, former Indian Army officer who served in the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guard on deputation. He was killed in action during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Ashoka Chakra Awardee. * Captain Harshan R Nair, Ashoka Chakra Awardee. 2 Para SF. Youngest ever recipient. * Sushil Kumar Pillai, former Indian Army General. * D. P. K. Pillay, former Indian Army officer. * Lt. General Satish Nambiar, former deputy chief of Indian Army, Headed UN Forces in Kosovo. * Radhika Menon, Indian female Merchant Navy officer. * Colonel Neelakantan Jayachandran Nair, Ashoka Chakra Awardee. * R. Hari Kumar, 25th and current Chief of the Naval Staff of India (CNS). * Lt General Sarath Chand, Vice Chief of Army Staff of Indian Army. * K Vijayakumar, former Director General of CRPF. Senior National Security Officer and Advisor to Home Ministry. * Iravikkutti Pillai, commander-in-chief of Venad Kingdom. * Vaikom Padmanabha Pillai, Military officer of the Kingdom of Travancore. He played an active role in the defeat of Tipu Sultan in Travancore during the second battle in April 1790, and had been credited to have heavily injured a leg of Tipu, leaving him lame on one leg. * Lakshmi Sahgal, popularly known as "Captain Lakshmi", was the leader of "Rani of Jhansi Regiment" of Indian National Army.
== Business / executives == ===India=== [[File:B. Ravi Pillai (Aug, 2009).jpg|thumb|180px|B. Ravi Pillai, Dubai-based Indian billionaire businessman]] [[File:K. P. P. Nambiar.jpg|thumb|180px|K. P. P. Nambiar, Indian industrialist and technocrat]] * B.Ravi Pillai, an Indian billionaire businessman and second richest Keralite *Nadakkal Parameswaran Pillai, the co-founder of Indian Coffee Houses in Kerala *K. Ravindranathan Nair, Indian businessman and film producer * Rajan Pillai, Indian businessman * K. P. P. Nambiar, Indian industrialist and technocrat * K. M. Vasudevan Pillai, founder, and CEO of Mahatma Education Society. * Dr. G. C. Gopala Pillai, former chairman and managing director of Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore and the Founder MD of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA). * Rajeev Chandrasekhar, owner of Jupiter Capital, a Bangalore-based venture capital fund; Owner of Asianet News. * Captain Chittarath Poovakkatt Krishnan Nair, founder of The Leela Group. * Jaishankar Menon (born 1956), Indian electrical engineer; developer of RAID technology
===Outside India=== [[File:Gita Gopinath, 2012 (cropped).jpg|thumb|180px|Gita Gopinath, Indian-American economist]] * Leena Nair, current global CEO of Chanel. Previously served as the Chief Human Resource Officer of Unilever. * Gita Gopinath, current first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2022–present), previously served as Chief Economist of the IMF (2019–2022). * G. A. Menon, founder and chairman of US-based Magnecomp International. * V.K. Rajashekharan Pillai, a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee, chairman of Bahrain-based National Group of Companies. * P. N. C. Menon (born 1948), Indian-Omani businessman
== Academics/ science and technology == [[File:Prof M G K Menon.jpg|thumb|180px|M. G. K. Menon, physicist and policy maker from India]] [[File:APJwithNair.JPG|thumb|180px|G. Madhavan Nair (right) with APJ Abdul Kalam]] * M.G.K Menon, 2nd Chairman of ISRO (1972) * G Madhavan Nair, 6th Chairman of ISRO (2003–2009) * K Radhakrishnan, 7th Chairman of ISRO (2009–2014) * S Somanath, 10th Chairman of ISRO (2022–2025) * Anil Menon, Candidate for an astronaut at NASA, former medical director at NASA and SpaceX. * Thushara Pillai, Indian astrophysicist and astronomer. * M. Radhakrishna Pillai (scientist), Indian cancer biologist. * K C Sreedharan Pillai (1920–1985), an Indian statistician who was known for his works on multivariate analysis and probability distributions. * Anand Menon, Professor of European politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College London, UK. Appointed in January 2014 as director of the UK in a Changing Europe initiative. Special adviser to the House of Lords EU committee. * Nivedita Menon, Feminist writer and Professor of Political Thought at Jawaharlal Nehru University. * Shree K. Nayar, T. C. Chang Professor of Computer science in the School of Engineering at Columbia University. Director of research at Snap Inc. A Member of the US National Academy of Engineering (2008) and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011). * Shrikanth Narayanan, Professor at the University of Southern California. An interdisciplinary engineer-scientist with a focus on human-centered signal processing and machine intelligence with speech and spoken language processing at its core. * V. Parmeswaran Nair, A physicist, currently as serving a Distinguished Professor at City University of New York. * Geeta Menon, the Abraham Krasnoff Professor of Global Business at New York University Stern School of Business. * V. N. Rajashekharan Pillai, Acting chairman, University Grants Commission, India. * Bindu Menon, Indian neurologist, health activist, researcher. * M. S. Valiathan, Indian cardiac surgeon. * Rosscote Krishna Pillai, Indian science writer. * P. K. Ramachandran Nair, agricultural scientist. * P. K. K. Nair, Indian scientist
== Award winners ==
=== Padma Vibhushan === The Padma Vibhushan is India's second highest civilian honour. {| class="wikitable sortable" |- |1954 !V. K. Krishna Menon |Public Affairs |Kerala |- |1976 !K. Shankar Pillai |Arts |Delhi |- |1985 !M. G. K. Menon |Civil Service |Kerala |- |1998 !Lakshmi Sahgal |Public Affairs |Uttar Pradesh |- |2006 !Adoor Gopalakrishnan |Arts |Kerala |- |2009 !G. Madhavan Nair |Science & Engineering |Karnataka |- |2011 !O. N. V. Kurup |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2015 !Kottayan Katankot Venugopal |Public Affairs |Delhi |}
=== Padma Bhushan === The Padma Bhushan is India's third highest civilian honour. {| class="wikitable sortable" |- |1954 !Vallathol Narayana Menon |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |1957 !Lakshmi Menon |Public Affairs |Kerala |- |1958 !Kumar Padma Siva Shankara Menon |Civil Service |Kerala |- |1958 !Arathil C. Narayanan Nambiar |Civil Service |Kerala |- |1966 !K. P. Kesava Menon |Public Affairs |Kerala |- |1966 !Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai |Social Work |Kerala |- |1968 !G. Sankara Kurup |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |1968 !M. G. K. Menon |Medicine |Delhi |- |1969 !V. K. Narayana Menon |Science & Engineering |Kerala |- |1971 !P. Kalathil Kunju Kurup |Arts |Kerala |- |1983 !K. Sankaran Nair |Civil Service |Kerala |- |1985 !Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |1987 !Nalapat Balamani Amma |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |1998 !G. Madhavan Nair |Science & Engineering |Kerala |- |2005 !M. T. Vasudevan Nair |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2007 !Ramankutty Nair |Arts |Kerala |- |2007 !Kavalam Narayana Panicker |Arts |Kerala |- |2009 !A. Sreedhara Menon |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2010 !Kuzhur Narayana Marar |Arts |Kerala |- |2011 !Madavoor Vasudevan Nair |Arts |Kerala |- |2014 !K. Radhakrishnan |Science & Engineering |Karnataka |- |2019 !Mohanlal |Arts |Kerala |- |2020 !N R Madhava Menon |Public Affairs |Kerala |- |2021 !K S Chithra |Art |Kerala |}
=== Padma Shri === The Padma Shri is India's fourth highest civilian honour. {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |+ |- |1954 !K. Shankar Pillai |Literature & Education |Delhi |- |1961 !M. G. K. Menon |Science & Engineering |Delhi |- |1965 !Guru Kunchu Kurup |Arts |Kerala |- |1970 !Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair |Arts |Kerala |- |1971 !Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair |Arts |Kerala |- |1971 !Chenganoor Raman Pillai |Arts |Kerala |- |1973 !Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair |Arts |Kerala |- |1973 !M. K. Krishna Menon |Medicine |Tamil Nadu |- |1973 !N. Kesava Panikkar |Science & Engineering |Tamil Nadu |- |1984 !Adoor Gopalakrishnan |Arts |Kerala |- |1984 !Mavelikara Krishnankutty Nair |Arts |Kerala |- |1984 !N. Balakrishnan Nair |Medicine |Kerala |- |1984 !Sooranad Kunjan Pillai |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |1990 !G. Aravindan |Arts |Kerala |- |1990 !M. R. Kurup |Science & Engineering |Kerala |- |1991 !Bharath Gopi |Arts |Kerala |- |1991 !T. G. K. Menon |Social Work |Madhya Pradesh |- |1992 !M. K. Narayanan |Civil Service |Delhi |- |1998 !O. N. V. Kurup |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2002 !V. K. Madhavan Kutty |Literature & Education |kerala |- |2001 !Mohanlal |Arts |Kerala |- |2001 !M. Krishnan Nair |Medicine |Kerala |- |2001 !C. G. Krishnadas Nair |Science & Engineering |Karnataka |- |2003 !Narayana Panicker Kochupillai |Medicine |Delhi |- |2003 !N. R. Madhava Menon |Public Affairs |West Bengal |- |2004 !Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair |Arts |Kerala |- |2004 !Ayyappa Paniker |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2005 !P. N. V. Kurup |Medicine |Delhi |- |2005 !K. S. Chithra |Arts |Kerala |- |2006 !Kavungal Chathunni Panicker |Arts |Kerala |- |2006 !Shobana |Arts |Kerala |- |2006 !Sugathakumari |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2007 !Balachandra Menon |Arts |Kerala |- |2008 !Vellayani Arjunan |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2008 !M. Leelavathy |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2008 !P. K. Narayanan Nambiar |Arts |Kerala |- |2009 !Leela Omchery |Arts |Delhi |- |2009 !Cheril Krishna Menon |Social Work |UAE |- |2009 !Kalamandalam Gopi |Arts |Kerala |- |2009 !Mattannoor Sankarankutty |Arts |Kerala |- |2010 !B. Ravi Pillai |Trade & Industry |Bahrain |- |2011 !Ritu Menon |Literature & Education |Delhi |- |2011 !Peruvanam Kuttan Marar |Arts |Kerala |- |2011 !A. Marthanda Pillai |Medicine |Kerala |- |2011 !G. Shankar |Science & Engineering |Kerala |- |2012 !Gopinath Pillai |Trade & Industry |Singapore |- |2012 !J. Hareendran Nair |Medicine |Kerala |- |2012 !Priyadarshan |Arts |Tamil Nadu |- |2013 !Madhu |Arts |Kerala |- |2014 !M. Subhadra Nair |Medicine |Kerala |- |2014 !Kalamandalam Satyabhama |Arts |Kerala |- |2016 !Sundar Menon |Social Work |UAE |- |2016 !P. Gopinathan Nair |Social Work |Kerala |- |2017 !Meenakshi Amma |Others |Kerala |- |2017 !Chemanchery Kunhiraman Nair |Arts |Kerala |- | rowspan="1" |2020 !N. Chandrasekharan Nair |Literature & Education |Kerala |- |2020 !Moozhikkal Pankajakshi |Arts |Kerala |- |2020 !Thalappil Pradeep |Science & Engineering |Tamil Nadu |- |2021 !O M Nambiar |Sports |Kerala |- | rowspan="1" |2022 !Sankaranarayana Menon Chundayil |Sports |Kerala |- | rowspan="1" |2022 !P Narayana Kurup |Literature and Education |Kerala |- |}
== Sports == [[File:Sreesanth 1.jpg|thumb|180px|S. Sreesanth, Indian former cricketer Sreesanth in the field for India]] * S Sreesanth, Indian former cricketer and film actor * Karun Nair, Indian international cricketer * Shankar Pillai, American poker player * Abhishek Nayar, former Indian international cricketer * Narendra Menon, former Indian first class cricketer * Bhaskar Pillai, former Indian cricketer * Sashi Menon, Indian former professional tennis player * Arjun Nair, Australian cricketer
== See also ==
* Malayali Pillais * Kurup of Travancore * Menon (title) * Kaimal *Nair Brigade * * Nair Service Society
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nairs}} Category:Lists of Indian people by community *