KOCHI: As this eighty-year-old man recounts his life journey, you cannot help wonder how colourful and eventful things have been for Thomas Burleigh Kurishingal. He studied cinema from the University of California in the early 1950s, and went on to act in Hollywood movies alongside veteran American actors like Frank Sinatra, Steve McQueen and popular Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida. He then published his cartoons in ‘Illustrated Weekly’ and wrote a few bestsellers as well. What more, this suave Fort Kochi resident has also been a successful businessman.
Thomas Burleigh was born in Fort Kochi in 1932, against the backdrop of the British rule and peoples' agitation. His parents were involved in the freedom movement, even as he was schooled at Santa Cruz Malayalam Medium School in Fort Kochi.
Burleigh had an artistic bent right since childhood. When he grew up, a big surprise awaited him in the form of a film role in 1953. He was offered the plum role of the hero in the movie, ‘Thiramala’ which proved significant in many ways. The movie marked the entry of many artists to the Malayalam industry including Ramu Kariat as an assistant director, Baburaj as the assistant music director, Bhaskaran master as the lyricist and many others. It was in 1955 that he left for US to pursue higher studies in Applied Arts with specialisation in cinema from University of California in Los Angels. And during his stay there, Burleigh acted in many Hollywood movies like ‘Never So few’, ‘Gun Smoke’, ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ to name a few. He says, “Mostly, I was offered small roles. It is not possible for an Indian to get substantial roles. Also I lacked the height and was brown skinned, which limits the kind of roles that are offered to Asians. But I was content enough.”
Burleigh expanded his filmy horizon. He directed an Indian feature film named ‘Maya the elephant’ in 1964-65 in collaboration with MGM Pictures. In 1973, he directed his first Malayalam movie, ‘Ithu Manushyano’ a thriller with Adoor Bhasi, Sheela and Ummer in lead role. The song, ‘Sughamoru Bindhu’ sung by Yesudas and B Vasantha was a superhit. In 1985, he made a humorous film, ‘Vellarikapattanam’ starring Prem Nasir which also turned out to be a success. The music was also composed by Burleigh.
Along with his passion for cinema, Burleigh also maintained his other interests like writing and painting.
From his college days, he was interested in drawing and his cartoons appeared in well-known magazines including Illustrated Weekly and Current magazine.
Along with his artistic life, Burleigh also maintained his professional life as a seafood exporter. As of now he is enjoying his retired life in Fort Kochi, as an active member of the Kochi Fine Arts Society.
