Celebs, fans mourn actor Kalabhavan Navas: Sudden death stuns Malayalam film industry

Dubai: The sudden demise of actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas has left the Malayalam film fraternity and his fans in mourning. Social media is flooded with tributes, as colleagues and admirers express disbelief over the sudden loss.

Veteran actors Mammootty and Mohanlal led the tributes. Mohanlal, sharing a photo of Navas on Facebook, wrote: “We have always known Navas as someone with a cheerful face. He portrayed characters filled with humour and natural charm in his films. Heartfelt tributes to a beloved brother who departed too soon.”

Mammootty posted a brief message: “Tributes to Kalabhavan Navas.”

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed condolences, saying:
“The untimely demise of Kalabhavan Navas is deeply saddening. Entering the world of performing arts through mimicry, he gave new dimensions to comedic imitation. Navas was also an artist who upheld progressive and democratic values.”

Actor Rony David Raj, who recently co-starred with Navas in Detective Ujjwalan, wrote on Instagram: “Rest in peace, my dear co-star,” sharing a photo from the film’s set.

Fans, too, poured into the comment sections of Navas’s social media posts with messages of grief and remembrance.

Found unconscious in hotel room

Navas, 51, was found unconscious in his hotel room in Chottanikkara, Kochi, late on Friday. He had been staying there since July 25 for the shoot of his upcoming film Prakambanam.

Concerned colleagues alerted hotel staff after he failed to check out. He was found conscious under the bed but collapsed shortly after and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Chest pain ignored during shoot

Reports say Navas had complained of chest pain during filming but chose not to seek hospital care. He consulted a doctor remotely and continued working despite visible signs of discomfort.

Cardiac arrest suspected

Preliminary medical reports suggest cardiac arrest as the likely cause of death. A post-mortem was conducted at Kalamassery Medical College to determine the exact reason.

Funeral to be held in Aluva

Navas’s funeral will be held on Saturday evening at the Aluva Juma Masjid, following a public viewing between 4 pm and 5 pm. His body will be taken to his residence in Aluva after the autopsy.

A legacy of laughter and performance

Kalabhavan Navas began his career as a professional mimicry artist before making his film debut in Chaithanyam (1995). He rose to fame for his comic timing and memorable roles in Malayalam cinema, including in films like Hitler Brothers, Junior Mandrake, Meenakshi Kalyanam, Chandamama, and Thillana Thillana.

His final screen appearance was in the mystery-comedy Detective Ujjwalan.

Navas came from a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. His father, Aboobacker, was a respected theatre artist. His brother, Niaz Bakkar, is also a known actor.

He is survived by his wife, film actor Rehna, and their three children — Naharin, Rihan, and Ridwan.