Celebrated Malayalam actor KTS Padannayil passes away at 88

Veteran Malayalam actor Kochupadannayil Thai Subramanian or KTS Padannayil, 88, passed away on Thursday. He was under treatment for age-related ailments at a private hospital in Kochi.

The actor, popularly called Padanna, started his acting career as a theatre artiste, before making his mark in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut, acting in and directing the drama Vivaha Dallal. He was part of different drama troupes like Jayabharath Nithakalalaya, Chenagassery Geetha, Vaikom Malavika, Kollam Tuna and Attingal Padmasree. He also worked as a trainer at the Children’s Society at Kannankulangara.

His film career, which spanned 13 years, featured him in movies such as Vamanapuram Bus Route, Kunjiramayanam and Vrudhanmare Sookshikkuka, to name a few. Making his debut in 1995 in the film Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava, he went on to act in more than 60 movies.

Padannayil has also acted in more than 100 TV programmes including Kuttikale oru Kaliparayam, Thatteem Mutteem, Pakida Pakida Pambaram, Sanmassullavarkku Samadhanam.

Condolences poured in as the news hit, including from popular Malayalam stars such as Mohanlal, Mammootty, Manju Warrier and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

He is survived by his spouse, Ramani and four children.