Malayalam actor Rajan P Dev passes away

Versatile Malayalam actor Rajan P Dev, who played villainous characters on celluloid with ease, passed away at a private hospital here early today.

The 58-year-old actor was undergoing treatment for a liver related ailment at the private Lakeshore hospital for the past few days. His condition turned critical and he passed away at 6.30 AM this morning, hospital sources said.

He is survived by his wife, a son and daughter. The funeral is expected to be held tomorrow.

Born in Chertala in Alapuzha district, Rajan P Dev began his acting career doing memorable roles in theatre and carved a niche for himself. His portrayal of 'Kochuvava', in Kattukuthira, which was reportedly staged over a 1000 times across Kerala, was an all time hit, which brought him name and fame. However, he was disappointed when the role went to veteran actor Thilakan when it was made into a film.

His entry into films was in small roles. Soon he became popular. In a career over three decades, he acted in at least 180 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, besides directing two films. He was to have directed another film and discussions were on when the end came, industry sources said.
   
He acted as both the villain and comedian with ease. Indrajalam was his first Malayalam film. Ente Mamattikuttyammakku, Anan Thambi, Raudram, Chocolate, Kichemani MBA, Ali Baba, Sethurama Iyer CBI, are among his many films in Malayalam.
   
Ee Pattanathil Bootham, in which he acted with Malayalam actor Mammootty is now running in theatres, while Musafir, Kalchilambu, Lucky Boys, Range and Trigger, are due to be released later this year.

The Malayalam film industry reacted with shock over Rajan P Dev's untimely demise, hardly a month after well known scrip  writer and director Lohitadas passed away on June 28.

Actor Mammootty said his death is a great loss to the industry and a personal loss to him. "I will always remember his role in the film Thommanum Makkalum. When the director asked him to shave off the hair on his head and moustache for the role, he readily agreed. He was a great actor."

Actor Jayaram described Dev as an not only a loving colleague, but an 'elder brother'. Actors Dileep, Mukesh, Jagathy Sreekumar and Janardhanan also condoled his death.

Director Vinayan said Dev's dialogue delivery and the villain roles he portrayed would be remembered for ever. Whether acting the role of a sorcerer or a minister, he used to portray the characters with ease, he said.

Rajan P Dev was to have begun shooting of a suspense thriller Simham. The film by CK Shashi has actor Jaisurya in the lead role.

Dev's theatre company Jubilee had produced and staged several plays.

Despite portraying several memorable characters on screen, he never recieved any film awards. He had received two state awards for his roles in two dramas, including Kattukuthira.

Dev was also the vice president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). His body will be taken to Chertala for the public to pay homage and later brought to Kochi.