Malayalam News

Veteran Actor And Director ‘Captain’ Raju Passes Away At 68

By Rajeshwari Manikandan

Veteran actor-director of Malayalam cinema and television Captain Raju passed away at his Kochi residence in Kerala on Monday. He was 68.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

According to a report in The New Indian Express, the actor suffered a stroke a few months ago during a a flight to the United States. He was reportedly travelling there to attend his son’s wedding. Following the medical emergency, the flight was diverted to Oman, Muscat, where he was hospitalised. The actor was then shifted to Kochi for further treatment.

The actor was called ‘Captain’ because of his Army background.He resigned from the services and began his acting career in 1981. Raju made his debut in a movie called Raktham the same year, and went on to act in several Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films.

In a career spanning for over four decades, the actor has been part of over 500 films, including in Hindi and English.

Raju, who survived by his wife Prameela and son Ravi Raju, is a versatile performer who has acted in serious as well as comic roles. He is best noted for his roles in the Mohanlal- Sreenivasan starrer Nadodikkaatu (where he played the evergreen character of Mr Pavanayi), Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, CID Moosa, Oru CBI Diary Kurippu, No. 20 Madras Mail and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, among others. He also directed two movies – Itha Oru Snehagadha and Mr Pavanai 99.99. His last role was in the 2017 movie Masterpiece.

Actors from the various film industries expressed condolences through their social media handles. Actor Mohanlal addressed Raju as ‘Rajuchayan’, and wrote: “Lalu, Rajuchayan here!” – Raju ettan’s voice still reverberates in my ears. He loved everyone and that’s all he knew. Kerala’s dear Captain Raju has descended to memories. My condolences, Raju ettan!”

Rajeshwari Manikandan is a Alum at Silverscreen India, and can be reached on Twitter at rajemani2 or by email at rajeshwari.manikandan@silverscreen.in