Popular Malayalam TV actor Dileep Shankar found dead in hotel room

Malayalam film and television actor Dileep Shankar was found dead in a Thiruvananthapuram hotel room on Sunday, according to local media reports.

Shankar, who checked into the hotel on December 19, reportedly did not leave his room during his stay.

After failing to reach him by phone, colleagues went to the hotel and found him deceased. Reports indicate he was in Thiruvananthapuram for the shooting of the television series Panchagni.

The show's director told police that Shankar had been suffering from a serious illness, Mathrubhumi reported, though the nature of the illness is unknown.

Police have initiated an investigation, though initial findings indicate no foul play. A police source confirmed to the media that the exact cause of death will be determined through a post-mortem examination.

Dileep Shankar, resident of Ernakulam, was known for his roles in popular Malayalam serials such as Amma Iriathe, Panchagni, and Sundari.