Noted South Indian film actor Kalabhavan Mani, known for his award-winning performance in Vasantiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum, passed away on Sunday at a private hospital in Kochi.
Mani, 45, who was also a singer, was undergoing treatment for liver and kidney diseases at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday.
Mani was an auto rickshaw driver when he started his career as a mimicry artiste at the famous Kalabhavan–a centre for learning performing arts in Kochi two decades ago.
Entering the Malayalam film industry as a comedian, Mani later became an active artiste in South Indian films, including Tamil, especially essaying villain roles.
He began his acting career in the Sibi Malayil directed Malayalam film Aksharam. He proved his ability as a serious actor in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, where he played a blind street singer which won special accolades from both national and state film award juries.
The Malayalam film industry expressed shock over the actor’s untimely demise.
Mani is survived by wife and daughter.