Thiruvananthapuram: Malayalam film and television actor K S Premkumar better known as Kochu Preman passed away here on Saturday. He was 68.

The actor, who was undergoing treatment for breathing difficulties, passed away at a private hospital here.

He was born on June 1, 1955 to Kalaramathil Shivaraman Shasthri and T S Kamalam at Peyad in Thiruvananthapuram.

After a short career in drama troupes, he debuted in the Malayalam film Dilliwala Rajakumaran in 1996. Known for his comedy roles, Kochu Preman has acted in over 100 Malayalam films. He adapted the stage name Kochu Preman as it suited his short stature.

He married Malayalam television actor Girija Preman in 1984. He is survived his son PG Harikrishnan.

Some of his popular movies include Guru, Kathanayakan, The Car, Njangal Santhushtaraanu, Srikrishnapurathe Nakshatrathilakkam, Mattupetti Machan, Pattabhishekam, Kalayanaraman and Thilakam.