Malayalam actor Pradeep KR (well-known as Kottayam Pradeep) passed away earlier today due to a heart attack. Pradeep was 61.

Pradeep, who felt uneasiness by 3 am, was rushed to a private hospital in Kottayam. However, he died by 4 am, according to hospital sources.

A native of Kumaranalloor in Kottayam, Pradeed actively participated in fields of drama, television serials and films for more than four decades. He entered into the theatre field by acting as a child artist in N N Pillai’s Eswaran Arastil. Pradeep got a major break in the film field through Ee Nadu Innalevare directed by I V Sasi in 2001. Pradeep, who acted in the Hindu and Telugu versions of the film, later garnered attention through several Malayalam and Tamil films.

He had a notable role in the Tamil super hit film Vinnaithandi Varuvaya, directed by Malayali director Goutham Menon. Thattathin Marayathu, Amen, Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Seventh Day, Peruchazhi, Kattappanayil Hrithik Roshan, Aadu Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu, Jamna Pyari are a few notable films of Pradeep. He also acted in Tamil films including Raja Rani and Nanban. His last film was Papam Cheyyathavar Kalleriyatte released in 2020.

He was an employee at Life Insurance Corporation of India since 1989. The last rites of the actor will be held later today. Pradeep leaves behind his wife Maya and children Vishnu and Vrinda.