Malayalam actor Kalabhavan Mani passes away

Noted South Indian film actor Kalabhavan Mani, known for his award-winning performance in Vasantiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum, is no more

The actor passed away on March 6, at a private hospital, in Kochi.

Mani, 45, also a singer, was undergoing treatment for liver and kidney diseases at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.

Mani, born on January 1, 1971, was an auto rickshaw driver when he started his career as a mimicry artiste at the famous Kalabhavan, a centre for learning performing arts, two decades ago.

Entering Malayalam film industry as a comedian, Mani later became an active artiste in South Indian films, including Tamil and Malayalam, especially essaying villain roles.

Mani began his acting career with Siby Malayil directed Malayalam film Aksharam and proved his ability as serious actor in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, where he played a blind street singer.

His performance in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum won special accolades from both national and state film award juries.

The Malayalam film industry expressed shock over the actor's untimely demise.

"It is an irreparable lose for us," noted film director Kamal said. 

Mani is survived by wife and daughter.