Popular Malayalam actor and dubbing artiste Rizabawa has passed away. He was 60. The actor had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ernakulam following a heart attack.

Born in Thopumpady, Kochi, on September 24, 1966, Rizbawa did his schooling in his hometown. Later, after finding an interest in acting and art, he entered the film industry through theatre.

He made his film debut in 1984 with Vishupakshi, but the film was never released. He later starred opposite Innocent in the 1990 film 'Doctor Pashupati'. The actor got his breakthrough when he played the menacing villain John Honai in the 1990 film, In Harihar Nagar.

Aside from In Harihar Nagar, he made notable appearances in Uppukandam Brothers, Paradesi, Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji, George Kutty C/o George Kutty, and Champakkulam Thachan, among others.

He has acted in over 150 films and over 20 television serials in addition to dubbing for them. His most recent appearances were in Pokkiri Raja and Kohinoor. His last theatrical release was the Mammootty-starrer One, in which he played a politician.