CPI-M fields actor Mukesh in Kollam

Kollam: The list of filmstars contesting the Kerala assembly polls got bigger on Thursday, with actor Mukesh becoming the fourth from the industry, and the second to be named by the CPI-M.

The CPI-M, after discussions at several levels within the party, decided to field Mukesh from his home turf of Kollam.

The 54-year-old Mukesh, who began his acting career in 1982, has acted in more than 250 films.

Hailing from a Communist family, Mukesh's father O. Madhavan was a popular stage artiste and his mother Vijayakumari was a film actress.

Mukesh, who separated from his actress wife Saritha in 2011, is now married to dancer Methil Devika.

The Congress has named Jagdish and Siddiq, while veteran actress K.P.A.C. Lalitha was named earlier this week by the CPI-M. Kerala goes to the polls on May 16.