Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran Malayalam film and TV actor KN Jagannatha Varma passed away at a private hospital here Tuesday morning. He was 77.
He had been undergoing treatment after suffering from pneumonia for a while.
Varma, who joined Kerala Police in 1963 had retired as Superintendent of Police before joining in films. An accomplished Kathakali artiste, he was also a percussionist, and skilled in chenda.
Varma made his film career through A Beem Singh's 'Mattoli' in 1978 and gave life to numerous characters in the tinsel town in around 577 films. He won praises for his roles in the films ‘Lelam’, 'Praja', 'Pathram', 'Aaran Thampuran', 'New Delhi', 'Nakshathrangale Sakshi', 'Anthapuram' and 'Sreekrishnaparanthu'.
Prior to acting in films, he had a long and illustrious career in Kerala Police. He retired as Superintendent of the police force.
Varma is survived by his wife Santha, son Manu (who works in TV) and daughter Priya.