Malayalam actor Paravoor Bharathan, who acted in nearly 300 regional films, died on Wednesday at his home in Kerala, family sources said. He was 86 and had been sick for a while.
Although he began his career on stage in the late 1940s, he first appeared in films in 1951 and until 2009 was an integral part of the film industry.
He had been suffering from age-related ailments since 2009.
He began his film career as a villain and later moved to character roles. Some of his most famous films include In Harihara Nagar, Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava, Aniathipravu and Meleparambil Aanveedu.
Recalling her friendship with Bharathan, National Award-winning actress Saradha said that she had known him from the time she began her career in the Malayalam film industry.
“Two months back, I along with a few friends visited him at his home. All of us were so excited and happy about the time we spent together. He was a wonderful human being and was always very humble and modest.”
Ace comedian and character actor Jagadish recalled Bharathan as a simple and jovial person.
“I have had the good fortune of sharing many a screen with the hugely talented actor, who always made acting look very simple. His passing away is a huge loss to all of us and the industry,” he said.
Bharathan is survived by his former actress wife Thankamani, who has acted in the theatre and films, three sons and a daughter.
