Manuel Sathyaneshan Nadar, a talented and accomplished individual, was professionally recognized as Sathyan, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, with a profound influence on the Malayalam cinema scene. Many esteemed critics and admirers regarded him as one of the most exceptional actors in the country, and he earned the reputation of being the toughest actor in the Malayalam film industry, both in his personal and professional life.
Born on November 9th, 1912, in the picturesque town of Thrikkannapuram, situated within the larger urban area of Nagercoil, which itself is located in the southernmost part of the erstwhile Travancore region, Sathyan was the second child born to his parents, Cheruvilakathu Veettil Manuel and Emily, who were both devout members of the Roman Catholic faith.
Sathyan, a talented individual, initially embarked on a path that diverged from the world of acting, instead opting to acquire a prestigious academic credential, the Vidwan exam, which is tantamount to a Master of Arts degree. Following this milestone, he secured a position at Saint Joseph's School, Trivandrum, as a teacher, where he remained for a brief period. Nevertheless, his passion for other pursuits soon compelled him to relinquish his role as an educator and transition into a clerical position within the Kerala Secretariat, where he spent approximately one year honing his skills and gaining valuable experience.
Sathyan embarked on a significant chapter of his life in 1941, when he took the bold step of joining the army, ultimately rising through the ranks to become a commissioned officer under the esteemed Viceroy of India.
Sathyan's tenure in the armed forces having come to a close, he made the decision to return to his homeland and pursue a career in law enforcement, subsequently accepting a position as a police inspector within the Travancore State Police.
During the tumultuous period of 1947-1948, Sathyan found himself stationed at the Alappuzha North Police Station, where he played a pivotal role in maintaining order and stability amidst the backdrop of communist-inspired riots that threatened to engulf the region.
