He served as Commanding Officer of Field Propaganda Unit under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in INA – Indian National Army.

[2] His play, which question the socio political injustice, hypocrisy and corruptions in society, include Kapalika, Cross Belt, Prethalokam, Dam, Vishamavritham, Easwarn Arrestil, Guerilla, Supreme Court and Njan Swargathil.

He went to Malaysia at the age of 19, in search of a job where he worked as a Journalist (sub-editor for Kerala Bandhu Daily and Staff Reporter for Singapore Herald), estate manager and medical dresser and later joined INA during World War II.

[citation needed] After few months of training he was moved to Field Propaganda Unit named "Azad Hind Dal" formed under guidance of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Singapore.

[citation needed] After dissolution of the I.N.A in 1945 by Netaji, pillai was taken to Calcutta by the British army, where he managed to escape en-route to the prison and returned to his native, Kottayam.

[citation needed] In-spite of being the commanding officer for a Unit and the secretary of I.N.A Travancore state relief fund he has never availed any pension or grants for his services.

[citation needed] Pillai started his drama troupe called Viswa Kerala Kala Samithi in 1952 under the presence of acclaimed poet Vallathol Narayana Menon.

Every year, a gathering of family members and admirers lights lamp and shower flowers at the monument on 14 November, the day of his death.

Cultural personalities are honored and young talents are awarded by NN Pillai foundation formed by his son Vijayaraghavan and Daya Samskarika Vedhi, Kodayampady, Kottayam on the same day.

[citation needed] Every year since 2012, a fortnight long drama festival is conducted by Chorus arts society Maniyattu, Kasargod district in November in remembrance of Pillai.