Popular Malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu, who was admitted to a private hospital here, whose condition was critical, passed away, said doctors treating him.
The 73-year-old actor, who has acted in over 500 films, had earlier recovered from the Covid-19 infection.
Venu was hospitalized for the past few days and was in the Intensive Care Unit, where he breathed his last on Monday afternoon.
Starting his career as a journalist, he had no reason to look back after he first painted Grease in 1978, a popular theater personality by then.
Winner of three National Film Awards and six State Film Awards, Venu was immensely popular not only among his fans but also among his colleagues in the film industry for his charming and jovial nature.
Reacting to the sad news, the immensely popular comedian and character actor, Innocent, a former Lok Sabha member said that what he is going through after hearing the sad news cannot be described in words.
“I started my career as a producer in the film industry and in the eighties when I produced my film ‘Vidaparayam Mumbe’, when we decided to chart him, I saw him for the first time and the subsequent four He was there in the movies as well. We had a long lasting friendship which included our families as well,” Innocent said.
Innocent said, “I had always felt, one day when I would be passing Nedumudi would be saying condolences, but I never felt, I would have to say this about him. It is really painstaking for me because I have spent a lot. Lost a good friend.”
Innocent is a cancer patient and has recovered from the disease and is currently undergoing checkup.
Condolences have started pouring in and another popular actor Jagdish said that he has known her from his second film and their friendship has grown tremendously.
Jagadeesh said, “Nedumudi was an institution in itself and knew every aspect of art, culture and films. Malayalam films have lost one of their biggest personalities.”
With a multi-faceted personality, he was also a skilled player of mridangam and tabla and there was never a dull moment when he was on the shooting sets.
Another actor Raju said, he has just returned from a film where he acted with Mammootty and we talked a few days back.
Actor Jayaram, who has acted in several films, recalled saying that I spoke to his son a few hours ago and he said he was fine.
Jayaram said, “He was a very talented actor and I have heard many directors from other southern states how they wished they had an actor like Venuchetan. His place will never be filled again.”
Her hugely popular films include ‘His Highness Abdullah, Bharatam, Thenmavin Kombathu’ and whenever she joined hands with superstar Mohanlal, the film’s success at the box office was a foregone conclusion.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
The details of his last rites are being decided and it remains to be seen whether it will take place here or in his home town of Nedumudi in Alappuzha district.
Watch this space for more updates.
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