Thrissur: Popular Malayalam filmmaker, Babu Narayanan, who was part of the famed Anil-Babu duo who had helmed several blockbusters during 1990s, died at a hospital here Friday night.

He was 59 and was battling cancer for some time, family sources said.

A popular director during the 1990s, Babu Narayanan has directed more than 25 Malayalam movies.

After beginning his film career as an associate of legendary director Hariharan, Narayanan came out with his independent directorial debut 'Anagha' in the year 1989.

After helming one more movie independently, he joined hands with filmmaker Anil as his directorial partner. The filmmaker-duo later turned into one of the most successful partners in the Mollywood during 1990s with a number of hit movies to their credit.

Along with Anil Kumar, he had directed popular movies like 'Injakkadan Mathayi and Sons', 'Maanthrikacheppu', 'Sthreedhanam', 'Kudumba Vishesham', 'Aramanaveedum Anjoorekkarum', 'Kaliyoonjal', 'Pattabhishekam' and 'Mayilpeelikkavu.' The 2004 movie 'Parayam' was their last movie together.

After taking a hiatus from the industry for some years, Narayanan attempted to make a come back with his independent movie "To Noorah with Love" in 2014 with Mamta Mohandas in the lead role, but failed to make any ripple in the box office.

He was married to Jyothi and has two children, Darssan and Sravana.

His daughter Sravana made her acting debut recently with Lal Jose directorial 'Thattumpurath Achuthan' starring Kunchacko Boban in the lead.

Several persons including actor Jayaram mourned the death of the hit-maker.

(With inputs from PTI)