Devan, one of the most familiar faces in South Indian cinema, has lived a life that blends art, politics, and resilience. Born on 8 January 1952 in Thrissur, Kerala, he is now 74 years old as of August 2026. Over the decades, Devan has built a reputation as a versatile actor, often remembered for his powerful villain roles in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films.
He has also carved a space in politics, moving across parties and eventually joining Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in 2026 after resigning from the BJP. What makes Sreenivasan’s story compelling is the way he balanced two demanding careers. On one hand, he was the fierce antagonist on screen, and on the other, he was a bold voice in Kerala’s political landscape.
Devan Age, Wife, Children, Family, BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Devan Sreenivasan |
| Popular Name | Devan |
| Date of Birth | 8 January 1952 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 74 years |
| Birthplace | Thrissur, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Politician |
| Known For | Villain and character roles in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi |
| Years Active | 1983 – Present |
| Debut Film | Naadam (1983, Malayalam) |
| Breakthrough | New Delhi (1987, Hindi) |
| Notable Films | Prathap (Tamil, 1993), Dharma Kshetram (Telugu, 1992) |
| Television | Porutham (2001), Swamy Ayyappan (2006) |
| Awards | SOMA Best Actor (2001), Asianet Television Award (2008) |
| Political Career | Founded Kerala People’s Party (2004); Formed Nava Kerala People’s Party (2020); Joined BJP (2021); Kerala BJP Vice-President (2023); Joined Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (2026) |
| Marital Status | Widower |
| Wife | Suma (deceased) |
| Children | One daughter – Lakshmi |
| Father | Sreenivasan (Public Prosecutor) |
| Mother | Lalitha (Doctor) |
| Siblings | Brother – Sureshbabu; Sisters – Shobha, Sheela |
| Father-in-law | Ramu Kariat (noted film director) |
| Wikipedia | @Devan_(actor) |
Early Life & Background
Devan was born into a respected family in Thrissur. His mother, Lalitha, was a physician, while his father, Sreenivasan, was a public prosecutor. Growing up in such an environment gave him a strong foundation in discipline and education. As a child, Devan was ambitious and initially dreamed of joining the Indian Army. He even attempted to enter the National Defence Academy (NDA), but fate had other plans.
Though the Army dream did not materialize, his upbringing instilled in him a sense of responsibility and determination. His family’s professional background also shaped his worldview, making him aware of both law and medicine from a young age. These influences later helped him navigate the complexities of politics and cinema with confidence.
Personal Life
Behind the screen and political stage, Devan’s personal life has been marked by both joy and sorrow. He was married to Suma, who sadly passed away. Their bond was strong, and her loss was a difficult chapter in his life. Sreenivasan is now a widower.
He has one daughter, Lakshmi, who remains a central part of his family life. Despite his busy career, Devan has always valued his role as a father. His family ties extend into the film industry as well, since his father-in-law was the noted film director Ramu Kariat. This connection added another layer to his relationship with cinema
Family & Relationships
Sreenivasan comes from a family that valued education and professionalism. His father, Sreenivasan, and mother, Lalitha, set high standards for their children. He has a brother, Sureshbabu, and two sisters, Shobha and Sheela. Together, they form a close-knit family with strong cultural and professional roots in Kerala.
These relationships have shaped his personality. His family background gave him stability, while his marriage connected him to the film industry in a personal way. His daughter Lakshmi continues to be a source of strength for him, especially after the loss of his wife.
Education
He studied at Government Model School in Thrissur before moving to St. Thomas College, where he completed his B.Sc. degree. His interest in leadership and social issues was evident during his college days, as he became actively involved in the Kerala Students Union (KSU).
After graduation, Sreenivasan pursued an MBA in Chennai. This decision reflected his practical mindset, as he wanted to secure a stable career. His education also gave him the confidence to step into politics, where strategy and planning are as important as passion.
See Also:- Zubin Bharucha
Entry into Films
Sreenivasan’s entry into the film industry was not straightforward. He first tried his luck as a producer with the Malayalam film Vellam in 1985. Unfortunately, the film did not succeed commercially, leaving him in financial trouble. This setback forced him to consider acting as a career.
His acting debut came earlier in 1983 with the film Naadam. However, it was his role in the Hindi film New Delhi (1987) that gave him recognition as a villain. From there, Sreenivasan began to receive offers across languages, and his career slowly gained momentum. What started as a necessity soon became his passion, and he embraced acting wholeheartedly.
Acting Career Highlights
Devan’s acting career is a story of persistence and adaptability. After his early struggles as a producer, he found his true calling in acting. His breakthrough came with the Hindi film New Delhi in 1987, where he played a villain. The role was well received and opened doors for him in multiple film industries.
In Malayalam cinema, Sreenivasan became a familiar face in the late 1980s and 1990s. He often played strong, negative characters that left a lasting impression on audiences. His ability to bring depth to villainous roles made him stand out. At the same time, he was versatile enough to take on character roles that required sensitivity and maturity.
Later Years & Recent Projects
Devan’s career extended beyond Malayalam films. He acted in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and even Hindi movies. Notable films include Prathap (Tamil, 1993) and Dharma Kshetram (Telugu, 1992). His presence in South Indian cinema was significant, and he became one of the few actors to successfully cross language barriers.
Television also became a platform for Sreenivasan. He appeared in serials like Porutham (2001) and Swamy Ayyappan (2006). His performance in Swamy Ayyappan earned him the Asianet Television Award in 2008. Earlier, in 2001, he won the SOMA Best Actor award, proving his talent was recognized across mediums.
Political Journey
Sreenivasan’s political career began in 2004 when he founded the Kerala People’s Party. His entry into politics was driven by a desire to serve society and bring change. In 2006, he contested the Thiruvananthapuram West Assembly election, marking his first major step into electoral politics.
In 2020, he formed the Nava Kerala People’s Party, showing his determination to create a new political identity. By 2021, he merged this party with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aligning himself with national politics. His role grew, and in 2023, he was appointed Vice-President of Kerala BJP. In 2026, Sreenivasan resigned from the BJP and joined Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Lesser-Known Facts
- He once dreamed of joining the Indian Army but was rejected by the NDA.
- His first attempt in cinema was as a producer, not an actor.
- Financial struggles pushed him into acting, which later became his passion.
- He has acted in more than 200 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
- His father-in-law, Ramu Kariat, was a noted film director, linking him to cinema through family ties.
- He balanced acting and politics for decades, a rare achievement in India.
- Despite his villainous roles, he is known to be soft-spoken in personal life.
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