Veteran Actor Mohan Raj Passes Away at 70

The Malayalam film industry is mourning the death of veteran actor Mohan Raj, also known by his stage name Keerikkadan Jose. The actor passed away on Thursday at his residence in Kanjiramkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, at the age of 70, according to film industry sources. He had been undergoing treatment for various ailments at the time of his passing.

Mohan Raj gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the character “Keerikkadan Jose” in the 1989 film Kireedam, starring alongside Mohanlal. This role significantly propelled his career, establishing him as a formidable villain in the Malayalam film industry. Throughout his career spanning over three decades, he delivered memorable performances in several films, including Uppukandam Brothers, Chenkol, Aaram Thampuran, and Narasimham.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and State Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan were among those who expressed their condolences on the passing of Mohan Raj. Mohanlal, the lead actor in Kireedam, reminisced about his memorable scenes with Raj, stating, “Our beloved Mohan Raj, who portrayed the immortal character Keerikkadan Jose in Kireedam, has left us. I remember his grandeur standing in front of the camera, facing off against Sethu, as if it were yesterday.”

Born in Kerala, Mohan Raj initially pursued a degree in economics and joined the Indian Army at the age of 20. He had to leave due to a leg injury and later joined the Enforcement Directorate after passing competitive exams. He started his film career in the late 1980s with the release of Moonnam Mura and continued to work with the Enforcement Directorate alongside his growing film career.

Director Dinesh Paniker announced Mohan Raj’s passing on social media, noting his death occurred around 3 pm and indicating that his cremation will take place the following day in Thiruvananthapuram. The actor’s death has led to an outpouring of grief from fans, actors, and filmmakers, who remember him for his significant contributions to cinema and his enduring spirit.