Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran Malayalam actor G K Pillai passed away on Saturday. He was 97. 

The oldest known actor in the Malayalam film industry breathed his last at his residence in Idava in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district.

Pillai, who acted in over 325 Malayalam films in his 65-year-long career, was known for revolutionising the role of the antagonist in Indian cinema. He was also known for his profound voice, sturdy physique and unique articulation style.

'Snehaseema' (1954) was his first film. He had also acted in television serials.

Condoling his death, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remembered Pillai as an actor who gained a place in the minds of different generations through his unique acting style.

Early life

Born in 1924 to Govinda Pillai and Saraswathiyamma at Chirayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram, G Kesava Pilla had joined the army at an age of 16 and served the country for 12 years.

Entry into films

Meeting yesteryear superstar Prem Nazir was one of the turning points of Pillai's life. It was his relationship with Nazir, who too was a native of Chirayinkeezhu, that brought him close to the silverscreen.

Though he established himself as an actor through villainous roles, he enacted a handful of lovable character roles in his later career in both films and serials.

Pillai was one of the busiest actors in the 70s and 80s. He was active in the industry till the late 1980s. Pillai, who took a break from films then, returned to acting in 2005 through television serials.

TV stint too

'Kadamattathu Kathanar' was his first TV serial. His character in the miniscreen series 'Kunkumapoovu' made him popular among TV serial lovers in Kerala.

Popular movies

'Snapaka Yohannan', 'Thumbolarcha', 'Light House', 'Nayaru Pidicha Pulival', 'Kannur Delux', 'Sthanarthi Saramma', 'Lottery Ticket', 'Harischandra', 'Manthravadhi', 'Pattabhishekam', 'Koodepirappu', 'Aswamedham', 'Aromal Unni', 'Choola', 'Anakalari', and Dileep-starer 'Karyasthan' were some of his popular movies.

Family members

Pilla's wife Ulthpalakshi Amma had died several years ago. He is survived by his children Prathapachandran, Sreekala R Nair, Sreelekha Mohan, Sreekumari B Pillai, Chandramohan and Priyadarshan.

Popular namesake

Another Malayalam actor bearing the same name G K Pillai was popularly known as 'Kollam G K Pillai. He died in 2016.