Veteran makeup artist Pandian, who worked across four major South Indian film industries, has passed away at the age of 74. He breathed his last at his residence in Virugambakkam, Chennai, as reported by On Manorama. His final film association was with Sathyan Anthikad‘s Malayalam film ‘Hridayapoorvam’.
Pandian began his career in Malayalam cinema at 16
Born Pandian Velu in 1955 in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, he was the son of Velu and Thayamma. His journey in Malayalam cinema started when he was just 16 years old. Reportedly, Pandian started as an assistant to Krishnarajan, who worked as the personal makeup artist of legendary Malayalam actor Sathyan.Pandian gradually built his experience and became an independent makeup artist in 1978. His first film in that capacity was ‘Madalasa’. He went on to work with several leading filmmakers and performers, building a career that lasted for around 50 years.
Sathyan Anthikad recalls his association with Pandian
Sathyan Anthikad shared a close professional relationship with Pandian. The makeup artist worked with the filmmaker from his first directorial venture, ‘Kurukkante Kalyanam’, through to ‘Hridayapoorvam’. The director said, in a chat with On Manorama that Pandian was someone he could depend on for almost any responsibility during a production.“Pandian was someone whom you could rely on at any time. He worked with me from my first film, Kurukkante Kalyanam, to Hridayapoorvam. Apart from working as a makeup artist on the sets, he was there to assist with everything else. I could rely on him for any additional work at the unit, whether it was managing the crowd or finding an extra for a film shoot,” the ‘Hridayapoorvam’ director said.
Pandian accompanied the director on overseas schedules
Sathyan Anthikad also remembered Pandian’s presence during overseas filming schedules in the 1980s. The filmmaker travelled with a small crew to locations in France and the UK. Pandian was a regular member of those teams and often stepped in whenever the production needed additional help.The director recalled an instance involving the radio sequence in ‘Nadodikkattu’. When the unit needed someone to carry a radio to a shop, Pandian volunteered to appear in the scene. Sathyan Anthikad also remembered a similar contribution during the making of ‘Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam’.“During those days, I would take a small crew with me, and Pandian was always part of it. I remember how he would step in whenever there was a need for an extra actor. In the radio scene in ‘Nadodikkattu’, I needed someone to carry a radio to the shop. Since there was no one else, Pandian stepped in. It was the same with ‘Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam’,” he said.
Pandian had been battling kidney-related ailments
According to Sathyan Anthikad, Pandian had been suffering from kidney-related ailments for approximately 20 years. Despite his health challenges, he remained connected to the film industry and continued contributing to projects.
Kamal honoured Pandian for completing 50 years in cinema
Beyond his association with Sathyan Anthikad, Pandian worked with filmmakers Kamal and Lal Jose. His career also brought him opportunities to collaborate with several prominent stars across South Indian cinema.Kamal had earlier honoured Pandian on a film set to mark his completion of 50 years in the industry. The recognition celebrated a long career spent working behind the scenes and contributing to films across multiple languages.Meanwhile, Pandian’s last film ‘Hridayapoorvam’ had Mohanlal and Malavika Mohanan in the lead.
