Kochi: Innocent, the unique actor in the Malayalam film industry, passed away. He was 75 years old. He died at Kochi's Lakeshore Hospital around 10.30 pm. The burial will be tomorrow. Minister P. Rajeev confirmed the news of Innocent's death. The minister announced the news of his death after completing the expert medical board meeting held at the hospital.
He was diagnosed with cancer years ago and had suffered a fall recently, which further deteriorated his health. In addition, he has also tested positive for Covid-19 thrice in the past three years. He has often shared life experiences that have inspired many people who have dealt with cancer so powerfully and directly. After this, he became active in films.
He was born on February 28, 1948, in Irinjalakuda as the third son of Thekethala Vareeth and Margalitha. Studied at Little Flower Convent High School, National High School, and Don Bosco SNH School.
Innocent entered the cinema field as a producer. Later he gained much attention as a comedian and character actor. Innocent's unique body language and Thrissur-style dialogue are the hallmarks of Innocent. Innocent made his debut in 1972 in the movie ‘Nrithashala’ directed by AB Raj and produced by Shobana Parameswaran Nair.
With a career spanning over four decades, he has acted in approximately 750 films, winning the hearts of audiences with his comedy. Apart from acting Innocent also served as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for several years. Innocent had also contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Chalakudy as an independent candidate and won.
Despite his cancer relapse in 2020, he continued to act in a few films after recovering. The news of his death has left the Malayalam film industry and those who have worked with him in shock.
His response to the disease also gave a lot of people strength. He shared his experiences in his book titled 'Cancer Wardile Chiri' (Smile in the Cancer Ward), Meanwhile, he tried his hands at politics too. From a councillor at the Irinjalakkuda municipality to a member of the Parliament, Innocent had donned many roles in the political arena. On the day he lost an election, Innocent, in his quintessential quirky style said that the people had asked him to return to the movies. The thespian was last seen in Prithviraj-starrer ‘Kaduva’.