Veteran Malayalam actor and filmmaker Sreenivasan passes away at 69
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Kochi: Veteran Malayalam actor, screenwriter, director, and producer Sreenivasan passed away on Saturday morning at a private hospital in Thrippunithura. He was 69.
The versatile artist had been undergoing treatment for a long-term illness at his residence in Udayamperoor. He was rushed to the hospital on Saturday following a sudden deterioration in his health, where doctors confirmed his demise.
A legend of Malayalam cinema, Sreenivasan’s career spanned nearly five decades, during which he acted in over 225 films. Known for his keen observation of life and sharp wit, he carved a niche for himself through roles that often reflected the common man’s struggles, laced with satire and self-deprecating humour.
Born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery, Sreenivasan was the son of a school teacher. After completing his schooling in Kadirur and earning a degree in Economics from PRNSS College, Mattanur, he pursued his passion for cinema at the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu in Chennai.
He made his acting debut in 1977 with P.A. Backer’s Manimuzhakkam. However, it was his dual talent as a writer and actor that truly defined his legacy. Sreenivasan penned some of the most iconic screenplays in Malayalam history, blending humour with poignant social commentary. His scripts were instrumental in shaping the careers of many superstars and are considered textbooks on satire.
As a director, his films won critical acclaim, securing both National and State Film Awards. He was also a successful producer, backing projects that became cultural landmarks in Kerala.
Sreenivasan is survived by his wife Vimala and two sons, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom have established themselves as prominent actors and filmmakers in the industry.
Tributes have begun pouring in from the film fraternity and political leaders, remembering him not just as an actor, but as a brilliant writer who taught Malayalis to laugh at themselves while addressing serious societal issues.