Well-known Kathakali exponent, Padma Shri Kizhpadam Kumaran Nair passed away in a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, Kerala, early on Thursday.

He was 93. He is survived by eight children.

Nair had done a brief role in the Malayalam film Vanaprastham starring superstar Mohanlal, and was also the dance director in many Tamil films.

Many artistes and literary celebrities in Kerala have condoled his death.

The funeral will be held at Ivor Madam later in the day, family sources said.