K. Venu Gopal, popularly known as Nedumudi Venu, is a renowned film actor who appears mostly in Malayalam films. He started his acting career with theatres, which also helped him to polish his acting skills. He made his cinematic debut in the year 1978 with the movie Thambu. K. Venu Gopal has been honoured with several accolades for being such an accomplished actor and portraying varied roles in movies. Apart form acting, he has also written screenplays and directed movies.

Early Life of K. Venu Gopal
K. Venu Gopal was born on 22nd May 1948 to P. K. Kesavan Nair and P. Kunjikkuttiyamma in Nedumudi, Alappuzha in the state of Kerala. He had four siblings and his father was a school master. Since his childhood, he had a keen interest in art and music and was actively involved in the same. He completed his graduation from Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha. Subsequently he started working as a journalist in Kalakaumudi and a teacher in a tutorial institute. During his stay in Thiruvananthapuram he became acquainted with some of the film personalities like Bharath Gopi, Padmarajan and Aravindan which paved his way to the film industry.

Career of K. Venu Gopal
K. Venu Gopal began his acting career with theatres and later on shifted his focus to the silver screen. In the year 1978 he marked his acting debut in the film world with the movie Thambu under the direction of G. Aravindan. However his acting skills gained recognition with Bharathan's movie Aaravam after which he performed in a number of other movies. Films like Kallan Pavithran and Oridathoru Phayalwan proved to be milestones of his acting career as he was greatly appreciated for his memorable performances. His performance in the Indian film Saira earned him the Best Actor award at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival. His convincing portrayal of a man trapped between fundamentalism and secularism was greatly appreciated by the committee members. His other Malyalam movies include North 24 Kaatham, Money Back Policy, Puthiya Theerangal, Mr. Marumakan, The King and the Commissioner, August 15, Malarvadi Arts Club and many others.

K. Venu Gopal also worked as scriptwriter for several movies including Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu, Savidham, Oru Katha Oru Nunnakkatha, Sruthi, Ambada Njane, Theertham and Kattathe Kilikkoodu. The movie Pooram marked his directional debut. Apart form Malayalam, he has also acted in a few Tamil films such as Vikram's Anniyan and Kamal Hassan's Indian. Works of K. Venu Gopal also encompass the television industry as he has performed in a few television serials too.

Achievements of K. Venu Gopal
K. Venu Gopal has received several awards for his compelling portrayal of varied roles in different movies. He has won 3 National Film Awards, 6 Kerala State Film Awards, 3 Asianet Film Awards, 1 Filmfare Awards and 2 Kerala Film Critics Association Awards. Apart from these, he has also received a number of other awards and accolades.

Personal Life of K. Venu Gopal
K. Venu Gopal is married to T. R. Susheela and the couple have two sons namely Kannan and Unni.