Malayalam film and television actor Kalabhavan Navas, a well-known figure in the Kerala entertainment industry, passed away on August 1, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy in comedy, mimicry, and cinema. Known for his humor, timing, and versatility, Navas was an artist who rose from mimicry stages to the silver screen.
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kalabhavan Navas |
| Place of Birth | Wadakkanchery, Thrissur, Kerala, India |
| Date of Death | August 1, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 51 |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Mimicry Artist, Singer-Songwriter |
| Years Active | 1995–2025 |
| Spouse | Rehna Navas (m. 2002) |
| Children | 3 (Names: Naharin, Rihan/Ridwan, unconfirmed) |
| Father | Aboobacker (Stage and film artist) |
| Brother | Niyas Backer (Actor, Comedian) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ₹2–3 Crore (approx. $250,000–$375,000 USD) |
Cause of Death
Kalabhavan Navas was found dead in his hotel room in Chottanikkara, Ernakulam district, on August 1, 2025, shortly after completing the shoot for his upcoming film Prakambanam. According to early reports from Manorama News and Kerala Kaumudi, the suspected cause of death is a heart attack. Local authorities are conducting a post-mortem examination to confirm the final cause.
No external injuries or signs of foul play were reported, and sources close to the actor mentioned that he had no known history of serious illness.
Career Overview
Navas began his career through the famous Kalabhavan troupe in Kochi, Kerala, which has produced several notable Malayalam comedians. His mimicry talents helped him transition to films in the mid-1990s.
His film debut was in Chaithanyam (1995). Over the next two decades, he became a staple of Malayalam comedy films. Notable roles include:
- Mattupetti Machan
- Junior Mandrake
- Hitler Brothers
- Thillana Thillana
- Chattambinadu
- Detective Ujjwalan
Apart from cinema, he was also active on Malayalam television, judging and hosting various comedy shows such as:
- Comedy Stars
- Comedy Masters
- Badai Bungalow
His contribution to popularizing mimicry and bringing it to mainstream media was widely recognized in Kerala.
Family Background
Kalabhavan Navas came from a performance-oriented family. His father, Aboobacker, was a well-known stage actor who also appeared in films such as Vatsalyam (1993) and Keli (1991). His brother Niyas Backer is a mimicry artist and actor, active in both television and film.
He was married to Rehna Navas since 2002, and the couple had three children. Although the names of the children vary across sources, some reports mention “Naharin” and “Rihan/Ridwan.”
Brother: Niyas Backer (Koya – marimayam)
Niyas Backer, also known as Kalabhavan Niyas, is the elder brother of Kalabhavan Navas and a well-known figure in Malayalam entertainment. He began his career in theatre before moving into mimicry with Kalabhavan troupe. Niyas later transitioned into films, with notable roles in movies like Ishtam, Ordinary, and Run Baby Run.
He gained major popularity for his comedic role as “Koya” in the hit Malayalam TV show Marimayam, earning the Kerala State Television Award for Best Comedian in 2013. Known for clean, dialect-rich humor, Niyas continues to be active in television and films, upholding the family’s artistic legacy.
Net Worth Estimate
While Kalabhavan Navas did not publicly disclose his finances, estimates based on his long-standing career in film and television suggest a net worth in the range of ₹2–3 crore (approximately $250,000–$375,000 USD). This estimate includes earnings from:
- Film and television appearances
- Stage shows and mimicry programs
- Judging roles in TV shows
- Brand or local endorsements (if any)
He was not known for luxury living, and he primarily remained in Kerala throughout his career.
Conclusion
Kalabhavan Navas’s untimely death is a significant loss to the Malayalam entertainment industry. From mimicry stages to iconic comic roles in films, his journey was a testament to Kerala’s rich comedic tradition. As investigations continue into the exact cause of death, his fans and peers mourn a man who brought laughter to thousands across decades.
He is survived by his wife, three children, and his brother Niyas, who will likely carry forward his legacy in the industry.
