New Delhi: One of the most popular actors of the Malayalam film industry, Innocent, passed away in Kerala on Sunday night. He is 75 years old.
He was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi on March 3.
The former MP — a two-time cancer survivor, contracted Covid and then pneumonia, which eventually led to his death.
His body will be taken to the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Ernakulam at 6.30 am on Monday. The body will be kept there for three hours.
His body will be taken from the stadium to his hometown Iringalakuda and cremated in the evening.
The veteran actor was a comedian and character actor who acted in around 700 films and produced many of them.
He won the Chalakudy Lok Sabha seat as the CPI-M candidate in 2014 and was a “significant voice” in Parliament while representing the constituency.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said in his condolence message that: Appavi has won the hearts of people due to his natural acting. He was also a great social worker. He has made his presence felt in all the fields of film industry and performed well. A comedian, character actor and producer.”
Vijayan consoled the bereaved family of the actor.
Innocent wrote a popular Malayalam book ‘Putnoi Wardil Siri’ or ‘Smile in Cancer Ward’. Innocent entered the Malayalam film industry with the film ‘Nirudhasala’ directed by Mohan, one of the Malayalam directors.
Innocent was also the president of the Malayalam Film Actors’ Association (AMMA), an organization for Malayalam actors.
He was the leader of Amma for 18 years.
He also worked to develop a pension scheme for retired Malayalam actors.
Innocent won the State Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘Mazhavilkavadi’.
The hospital where he passed away is home to Malayalam superstar Mammootty, Jayaram and many leading actors of Malayalam film industry.
Kerala Higher Education Minister R. Bindu also condoled his death.