Actor Kalabhavan Navas passed away on Friday night near Chottanikkara in Ernakulam. The 51-year-old was found dead in a hotel room where he was staying for a film shoot. Though the hotel staff immediately alerted authorities and rushed him to a nearby hospital, the doctors declared him dead. Police suspect a cardiac arrest. His mortal remains will be handed over to the family after the autopsy on Saturday.

Navas began his career as a mimicry artist with the Kalabhavan troupe before making his film debut in 1995 with Chaithanyam. He was popular for his comedic roles in films such as Mattupetti Machan, My Dear Karadi, Junior Mandrake, and Chandamama. Though offers dried up in the last few years, it seemed like he was eyeing a strong comeback. He was last seen in a brief role in Detective Ujjwalan. Navas was also part of the upcoming films Tiki Taka and Prakambanam. Reportedly, he had completed shooting for Prakambanam on Friday and was preparing to vacate his hotel room when the tragedy struck.

Navas is survived by his wife, Rehana and three children. His late father, Aboobacker, was a noted theatre artist and actor. His wife and brother, Kalabhavan Niyas, are also actors. His daughter Naharin also debuted in films in 2021 with Confessions of a Cuckoo.