Malayalam film star Ajith, known for portraying negative roles, died on Thursday at a private hospital, family sources said. According to a report in The Indian Express the actor was undergoing a treatment for his stomach at a private hospital in Kochi and passed away at 3.40 Am on 5 April.
Ajith, 56, was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago following health issues.
Ajith in a career spread over three decades, has acted in around 500 films, mostly in Malayalam besides a few in Tamil and Hindi.
He started his career with the 1984 hit Paranu Paranu Paranu by ace Malayali director Padmarajan.
Ajith's body will be taken to Kollam, where the last rites would be performed later in the day.
Ajith was often referred to Malayalam film industry's permanent villain on account of his role in the hugely successful Irupathaam Noottaandu (1987) starring Mohanlal. Since then he was the first choice for villain roles.
Actor Mohanlal and other stars mourned his loss.
Kollam had acted in more than 500 films and was prominently known for his negative roles in Tamil, Telegu, Malyalam and Hindi film industry and he has also been a part of a TV series.
He was also the lead actor in the 1989 film Agnipravesham directed by CP Vijayakumar. Some of the most popular work of the late actor is Yuvajanotsavam, Nadodikkattu, No. 20 Madras Mail, Nirnayam, Aaraam Thampuran, Olympiyan Anthony Adam and Valliettan to name a few.
Ajith is survived by his wife Prameela, daughter Gayathri and son Sreehari.
(With inputs from IANS)
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