Mollywood Veteran T.P. Madhavan Passes Away at 88

Kollam: Renowned Mollywood actor T.P. Madhavan has died at the age of 88. The veteran actor passed away in a hospital in Kollam on Wednesday due to stomach-related ailments. Madhavan was on ventilator support prior to his death, according to hospital sources.

Madhavan’s contributions to the Malayalam film industry were significant, with a career spanning over 600 films. He began his acting career at the age of 40, making his debut in the 1975 film “Raagam.” Initially gaining recognition for villainous roles, Madhavan later became well-known for his comedic timing and impactful character performances.

Beyond acting, Madhavan served as the first General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), advocating for the interests of his peers. In addition to films, he appeared in numerous television serials until he faced health issues, including amnesia.

Born to N.P. Pillai, a respected professor, Madhavan pursued a postgraduate degree in sociology. Before entering the film industry, he managed advertising agencies in Mumbai and Kolkata. His storied lineage included notable figures such as his nephew, the veteran dramatist T.N. Gopinathan Nair, and his grandfather, the eminent linguist P.K. Narayana Pillai.

Madhavan’s notable film contributions include “Kalikkalam,” “Nadodikkattu,” “Vietnam Colony,” and “Sandesham,” among others. Throughout his later years, he resided at Gandhi Bhavan in Pathanapuram, following treatment for a stroke in 2015. During this time, he was honored with the Ramu Karyat Award and the Prem Nazir Award.

Madhavan spent the final phase of his life in Gandhi Bhavan after being relocated from Haridwar, where he had initially retired. In Haridwar, he suffered a collapse and was hospitalized there before returning to Kerala. Director Prasad played a key role in bringing Madhavan to Gandhi Bhavan, where he found some peace during his later years.

T.P. Madhavan’s last rites are scheduled to be held on Thursday at Santhi Kavadam in Thiruvananthapuram. He is survived by his son, Raja Krishna Menon, a notable Bollywood film director, and his daughter, Devika.