On Sunday, veteran Malayalam actor and former MP Innocent passed away, at the age of 75. For the last two and half weeks, the actor who is a cancer survivor had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to condole the demise of the veteran actor. The official handle of the PM's Office shared, "Pained by the passing away of noted actor and former MP Shri Innocent Vareed Thekkethala. He will be remembered for enthralling audiences and filling people’s lives with humour. Condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace: PM Modi." (sic)

Having a career spanning over four decades and 500 films, Innocent was known for his unique style and dialogue delivery. He was a former member of the Lok Sabha from 2014-2019 winning the seat from Kerala's Chalakkudy constituency as an independent candidate backed by the Left.

Innocent, who had also served as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for several years, is survived by his wife, Alice and two children.