PK Rosy Birth Anniversary: Google Doodle honours Malayalam cinema’s first female actress on her 120th birth anniversary

Rosy’s interest in acting began at an early age. She broke barriers in a period when performing arts were prohibited in many sections of society, particularly for women, with her role in the Malayalam film Vigathakumaran (The Lost Child).

Google Doodle, on Friday, focuses on PK Rosy’s daring courage and bravery. Google said in a statement. “Thank you for your courage and the legacy you leave behind, PK Rosy”.

Here are some facts and controversies surrounding PK Rosy-

In 1928, PK Rosy played the female protagonist in the silent Malayalam film Vigathakumaran (The Lost Child). She was Malayalam cinema’s first female performer and India’s first Dalit actress.

Rosy portrayed Sarojini, a Nair woman, in the film- Coming from a scheduled caste tribe. PK Rosy not only portrayed a higher caste part, but the sequence also featured the actress kissing a flower in her hair, which drew criticism and anger.

Members of an upper caste group were allegedly outraged when they saw a Dalit lady play them in the film. Upper castes reportedly set fire to her home. Fearing for her life, Rosy left on a lorry bound for Tamil Nadu, married the lorry driver, Kesavan Pillai, and lived as ‘Rajammal’.

A group of female performers in Malayalam cinema is known as the PK Rosy film society. Despite working for a short time, she was able to break down boundaries during a time when women were discouraged from performing arts.

FAQs

1-Who is the first female performer in Malayalam cinema?
PK Rosy was Malayalam cinema’s first female performer and India’s first Dalit actress.

2- What is PK Rosy’s first movie?
In 1928, PK Rosy played the female protagonist in the silent Malayalam film Vigathakumaran (The Lost Child).