Born in 1929 into a family from Moothakunam near Ernakulam, Bharathan had a troublesome childhood that was in sheer poverty. He lost his father at the age of eight and was forced to quit studies. His interest in theatre saw him as an amateur actor during the 1940s.
A talented actor, Bharathan then moved on to the professional stage, where he shared space with some prominent names in theatrics.
When the drama 'Rakthabandham' was made into a movie, Bharathan was also offered a small role. From then on, he kept switching between the stage and the silver screen.
His first major break came in 1964, when he played a full-fledged villain in Karutha Kai. He was also among the three singers who rendered the popular Panchavarnathata polle... song.
A character actor, Bharathan essayed many big and small roles on screen. Whether it was a silly housekeeper, a doting father, a drunkard or an ordinary shopkeeper, Bharathan essayed his roles to perfection. He was one among the many actors who graced the silverscreen during what is arguably the golden age of Malayalam cinema during the 1980s and 1990s.
Mazhavilkavadi, Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal, Mrigaya, In Harihar Nagar, Godfather, Ammayane Sathyam and Meleparambil Aanveedu are the movies that saw him in memorable roles.
He continued his acting till 2009 when physical ailments prevented him from donning the grease paint.
It was from the same drama stage that he met his life partner, Thankamani, who had acted in the classic Neelakuyil. He is survived by his wife and four children.