Payel Halder, Mumbai Uncensored, 11th February, 2023
Google celebrated the 120th birth anniversary of PK Rosy on Friday, recognizing her as the first female lead in Malayalam cinema. Rosy was born in 1903 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and broke barriers with her role in the film “Vigathakumaran (The Lost Child)” at a time when performing arts was discouraged for women.
Google praised Rosy’s passion for acting and stated, “In an era when performing arts was discouraged in many sections of society, especially for women, Rosy broke barriers with her role in the Malayalam film Vigathakumaran (The Lost Child). Though she never received recognition for her work during her lifetime, Rosy’s story is relevant to conversations about representation in the media. Today, her story serves as motivation and inspiration for many.”
PK Rosy faced obstacles not only as a woman in the industry but also because she belonged to the community of Dalit Christians and had to work as a daily wager to make a living. Despite the backlash she faced for her film debut, she continued to act in Kakkarissi plays, a type of folk theatre in Kerala.
Despite facing criticism and resistance from Hindu orthodox groups, who equated acting with prostitution, and stones being hurled at her during the inaugural screening of “Vigathakumaran,” Rosy’s story serves as an inspiration for many. Despite the backlash, the film and its director faced, the film’s copies have been lost and cannot be traced.
