National Award-winning actor Nedumudi Venu died at the age of 73 at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram today. He had been critical for some time due to liver-related ailments. The veteran actor had started his career as a theatre artist with the plays of Kavalam Narayana Panicker. He made his debut in films with Thambu, directed by G Aravindan in 1978 and over the course of his career had acted in over 500 films in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
He had started his career as a journalist but went on to take up acting and excelled in both serious and comedic roles. Nedumudi Venu turned screenwriter for films like Kattathe Kilikkoodu, Theertham, Sruthi, Ambada Njane, Oru Katha Oru Nunnakkatha, Savidham and Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu. The actor also helmed a film titled Pooram.
Farewell Venu uncle! Your body of work and your expertise over the craft will forever be research material for generations to come! Rest in peace legend! #NedumudiVenu pic.twitter.com/VzZ4LF49Nq
— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) October 11, 2021
Nedumudi Venu had won three National Film awards and six state film awards for his performances over the years and was immensely admired by colleagues and fans. Malayalam actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran mourned the veteran actor’s demise and paid tribute to him on Twitter.
Filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan also expressed grief at the news. His post read, “Absolutely shattered to know that #NedumudiVenu is no more! One of our finest actors. Such a huge loss to Malayalam cinema. He leaves behind an impressive & varied filmography & will live in our hearts forever. #OmShanti.”
(Source: Twitter)