Kalabhavan is a centre for learning performing arts in Kochi

Kochi

-Places:* Kochi, a city in the state of Kerala, India, formerly known as Cochin* Kingdom of Cochin, a former feudal city-state on Malabar Coast, India** Fort Kochi, one of the three main urban components which constitute the present day city of Kochi, Kerala, India...

. Kalabhavan is notable and known for being the first organized performing mimicry

Impressionist (entertainment)

An impressionist or a mimic is a performer whose act consists of imitating the voice and mannerisms of others. The word usually refers to a professional comedian/entertainer who specializes in such performances and has developed a wide repertoire of impressions, including adding to them, often to...

 group in Kerala

Kerala

or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....

 and which popularised the art of mimicry in the state of Kerala. Ever since its founding, Kalabhavan has served as a grooming centre for acting aspirants. Hence Kalabhavan has contributed numerous actors as well as directors to Malayalam film.

Founded on September 3, 1969, by C.M.I priest Fr. Abel, what Kalabhavan initially took up was producing Christian religious songs. Later they moved on to 'Ganamela' (Concerts for film songs). Mimicry performances of individual artists were used as 'fillers' in between stage programs. Later, mimicry was organized as a team event to form the now popular 'Mimics Parade'.

The professional mimicry troop of Kalabhavan began with a team of 5 consisting Siddique (director)

Siddique (director)

Siddique is an Indian film director and screenwriter who mainly works in Malayalam cinema.He started his career as an assistant director to Fazil. The duo of Siddique and Lal was spotted by Fazil when he saw them performing in the Cochin Kalabhavan troupe. Siddique later teamed up with Lal to...

, Lal (actor)

Lal (actor)

Paul Michael , better known by his stage name Lal, is an Indian film director, script writer, actor, producer, and film distributor....

, Zainuddin (actor), K. S. Prasad (mimicry artist). It was this team that invented 'Mimics Parade' in the present form.

Alumni

(In chronological order)

• Siddique (director)
  Siddique (director)
  Siddique is an Indian film director and screenwriter who mainly works in Malayalam cinema.He started his career as an assistant director to Fazil. The duo of Siddique and Lal was spotted by Fazil when he saw them performing in the Cochin Kalabhavan troupe. Siddique later teamed up with Lal to...
  
  
• Lal (actor)
  Lal (actor)
  Paul Michael , better known by his stage name Lal, is an Indian film director, script writer, actor, producer, and film distributor....
  
  
• Zainuddin (actor)
• K.S.Prasad
• Jayaram
  Jayaram
  Jayaram is an Indian film actor who mainly acts in Malayalam and Tamil films. He is also a chenda percussionist and mimic artist. In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contribution towards the arts.-Early life:...
  
  
• Kalabhavan Rahman
• Dileep (actor)
  Dileep (actor)
  Dileep is an Indian film actor, mimicry artist and producer best known for his work in Malayalam cinema.Dileep started his career as a mimicry artist in the Cochin Kalabhavan troupe. He later started his film career as an assistant director to Kamal with the film Vishnu Lokam...
  
  
• N. F. Varghese
  N. F. Varghese
  N. F. Varghese was a Malayalam film actor. He began his career as a mimicry artist, acting in minor roles, but later he turned to strong villain roles. Akashadoothu was his major break through in career, which was his third film. He has acted in more than 100 films. He died at the age of 53 when...
  
  
• Kalabhavan Mani
  Kalabhavan Mani
  Kalabhavan Mani is a South Indian actor and singer. He began his career in Malayalam film industry, later he became a busy artist in tamil and telungu industry, especially in villain roles. Although he began his carrier as a comedian , he proved his versatility in various roles such as serious...
  
  
• Kalabhavan Nawas