Malayalam cinema and television actor Meghnathan passed away at the age of 60 in a private hospital in Kozhikode on Thursday. He was undergoing treatment for a respiratory illness.

The son of actor Balan K Nair, Meghnadhan began his acting career in 1980 with a minor role in PN Menon’s Asthram. Over the years, he appeared in more than 50 films and several television serials, carving a niche for himself, often in antagonist roles.

Meghnathan was most noted for his portrayal of a villain in Kamal's Ee Puzhayum Kadannu and his performance as a simpleton in Abrid Shine's Action Hero Biju. Over the years, he appeared in several notable films, including Panchagni, Chamayam, Rajadhani, Bhoomi Geetham, Chenkol, Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji, Prayikkara Pappan, Udhyanapalakan, Ullasapoongattu, Rashtram, Kudamattam, Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, and Vaasthavam. His final film role was in Samadhana Pusthakam, released earlier this year.

Meghnathan is survived by his wife Sushmitha and daughter Parvathy.