Kottayam: Veteran cartoonist Chellan (TP Philip), best known for creating the iconic comic character Lolan, passed away at the age of 78. The funeral will be held today at 3 pm at the Shantipadham Panchayat Public Crematorium, Chilambrakunnu, near Manganam.

Born in 1948 as the youngest son of Rubberthoppil Paulose and Martha of Kanjikkuzhy, Philip adopted the pen name Chellan to pursue his passion for cartoons. He is survived by his wife, Maryamma, and son, Suresh. The Kerala Cartoon Academy had honoured him with a Distinguished Membership Award for his contributions to the art form.

Chellan’s most celebrated creation, Lolan, once dominated conversations across Kerala’s campuses. Introduced in the 1980s, the character became a cultural phenomenon among the youth. With his bell-bottom trousers and distinctive hairstyle, Lolan captured the imagination of readers so deeply that “Lolan” soon became synonymous with campus Romeos of that era.

Chellan began his artistic journey with the cartoon column Samoohyam Pappu Aashan. In 1979, he joined the KSRTC as a painter while continuing his cartoon work alongside his job. He retired from service in 2002.

Journeys that inspired art
A passionate traveller, Chellan often said many of his cartoon ideas and characters were born during his journeys. As a KSRTC employee, he would travel long distances without needing a ticket — a privilege he credited for broadening his imagination. He chose the pseudonym Chellan in memory of his close friend and mentor, Chellappan, who had been a guiding force in his artistic life.

Chellan’s death comes at a poignant time, as a Kochi-based firm was in the final stages of developing an animated film based on Lolan. Beyond Lolan, he created a host of other memorable characters such as Preman, K. Avaran, Mandan Thoma, and Velu — all of which gained wide popularity through various publications. Chellan had also been painting advertisement boards since 1970.