THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Acclaimed Malayalam film star Pradeep K.R., also known as Kottayam Pradeep, died of a heart attack on Thursday morning. He was 61 years old.
Pradeep has also worked in the theatre and on television. The veteran artiste, who was born in Kottayam, became ill early today morning and was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Pradeep was a natural actor who took part in cultural events at his school and college when he was in primary school. He started his debut as a child artiste in a drama directed by renowned N.N. Pillai, who was also from Kottayam.
Even after joining the Life Insurance Corporation, he continued to be in drama. When he accompanied his son to a screen test for a TV show in the early 1990s, the show's producer offered him a part in the same show. In 1999, he was cast in a film directed by veteran I.V.Sasi, and he went on to perform in over 70 films, mostly in comedic roles, which he excelled at.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences for the dealth of the actor, saying that even in small roles, he carved out his own niche in the business. Later on Thursday, the final rites would be performed. He is survived by his wife and 2 children.
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