Aryadan Shoukath
{{Short description|Indian film producer, screenwriter, and politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Aryadan Shoukath
| image = Aryadan Shoukath1.jpg
| caption = Aryadan Shoukath in 2008
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1964}}
| birth_place = Nilambur, Malappuram district, Kerala, India
| nationality = Indian
| occupation = {{hlist|Film producer|Screenwriter|Politician|Social Worker}}
| years_active = 2003–present
| known_for = Social-themed cinema, political activism
| notable_works = {{hlist|Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam|Vilapangalkkappuram|Daivanamathil|Varthamanam}}
| parents = Aryadan Muhammed (father), Fathima (mother)
| awards = National Film Award, Kerala State Film Awards
}}
Aryadan Shoukath (born 1957) is an Indian film producer, screenwriter, and politician from Kerala. He is known for his contributions to Malayalam cinema, particularly for producing and writing films that address social issues, and for his political engagement with the Indian National Congress.
Early life
Aryadan Shoukath was born in Nilambur, Malappuram district, Kerala, to Aryadan Muhammed, a notable Congress leader and former Electricity Minister of Kerala, and Fathima. His early exposure to politics through his family significantly shaped his career path.
Career
= Film career =
Shoukath entered the film industry as a producer and screenwriter with the film Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam in 2003, where he critiqued the treatment of girls' education within the Muslim community. This film was not only commercially successful but also critically acclaimed, earning him the National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare.
He continued to produce and write:
- **Vilapangalkkappuram** (2008) - A narrative about a girl's escape from the anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat.
- **Daivanamathil** (2005) - Addressing issues of religious extremism.
- **Varthamanam** (2021) - Tackling contemporary socio-political issues.
Shoukath's films are recognized for their social commentary, aiming to enlighten and reform through storytelling.
= Political career =
Shoukath has been an active member of the Indian National Congress:
- **Elections:** He contested the 2016 Kerala Assembly elections from Nilambur but lost to P.V. Anvar.
- **Local Politics:** He served as chairman of Nilambur municipality and held various local governance positions.
- **Party Roles:** He was the General Secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
- **Controversies:** In November 2023, he faced disciplinary action for organizing a pro-Palestine rally contrary to party directives.{{cite news |title=Kerala: Aryadan Shoukath to appear before Congress disciplinary panel on November 6 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/nov/06/kerala-aryadan-shoukath-to-appear-before-congress-disciplinary-panel-on-november-6-2630376.html |access-date=2025-01-13 |date=2023-11-06 |work=The New Indian Express}}
- **Recent Activities:** In January 2025, he was involved in a public dispute with P.V. Anvar, defending his political standing within the party.{{cite news |title=Anvar's jibe at Aryadan Shoukath |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/anvar-jibe-at-aryadan-shoukath-1.10248836 |access-date=2025-01-13 |date=2025-01-12 |work=Mathrubhumi}}
= Contributions to arts and literature =
Aryadan Shoukath has contributed to the cultural landscape by supporting local arts and literature in Kerala. He has been a patron for various art forms, organizing and sponsoring cultural events, theatre, music, and writing workshops in Nilambur and surrounding areas.
Personal life
Shoukath keeps his personal life private but is known to be married with children. He maintains an active social media presence, notably on Instagram, where he shares insights into his life and work.{{cite web |title=Aryadan Shoukath - Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/aryadanshoukath |access-date=2025-01-13}}
Awards and recognition
- **National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare** for Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam
- Multiple Kerala State Film Awards for his contributions to cinema.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.instagram.com/aryadanshoukath/ Aryadan Shoukath on Instagram]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Shoukath, Aryadan}}
Category:Film producers from Kerala
Category:Malayalam film producers
Category:People from Malappuram district
Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Kerala
Category:Indian social workers
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