Actor and former MP Innocent passes away, PM Modi condoles

Kochi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of noted actor and former MP Innocent Vareed Thekkethala, who died at a private hospital on Sunday night.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said “Pained by the passing away of noted actor and former MP Shri Innocent Vareed Thekkethala. He will be remembered for enthralling audiences and filling people’s lives with humour. Condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace."

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Pained by the passing away of noted actor and former MP Shri Innocent Vareed Thekkethala. He will be remembered for enthralling audiences and filling people’s lives with humour. Condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 27, 2023 >

Earlier, Kerala Governor Arif Mohanmed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition leader VD Satheesan, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, CPM State Secretary MV Govindan, film stars Mohanlal and Mammootty also condoled the demise of the actor.

The popular Malayalam actor died at a private hospital at 10.45 pm here on Sunday.

He was 75. He is survived by his wife Alice and a son, Sonnet. The actor, who was under treatment for throat cancer, has been admitted to the hospital after he complained of breathing problem and uneasiness in March second week.

He has acted in more than 500 films and is considered one of the best comedians in Malayalam cinema. He has also appeared in villainous roles, such as in Mazhavilkavadi, Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu and Ganamela.

Innocent has won several awards, including three Kerala State Film Awards.

In 1979, he was elected as the municipal councilor of irinjalakkuda municipality. Innocent won the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency as an independent candidate supported by the Left Democratic Front (LDF). He lost in the Lok Sabha elections 2019 to UDF candidate Benny Behanan.

Innocent served as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). He has written books based on his memories, and columns in magazines and newspapers.

Innocent entered the film industry in 1972 with the movie Nrityashala. At first, he produced a few serious offbeat films, but he was not successful. He has also acted in a few Tamil and Hindi films.

Innocent played comedy roles in like Ramji Rao Speaking, Mannar Mathai Speaking, Kilukkam, Godfather, Vietnam Colony, Nadodikattu,Manichitrathazhu and Kalyanaraman. Innocent has also excelled in character and villain roles such as Keli, Kathodu Kathoram.

Other films included Kabooliwaala, Gajakesariyogam, Mithunam, Mazhavilkavadi, Manassinakkare, Thuruppugulan, Rasathanthram, Naran and Mahasamudram. His effort, along with that of the superstars who starred in these films, played an important role in their success.

His pairing with KPAC. Lalitha was highly successful in movies such as Ponn Muttayidunna Tharavu, My Dear Muthachchan, Godfather and Manichitrathazhu.

Innocent has authored five books: Njan Innocent, Cancer Wardile Chiri, Irinjalakudakku Chuttum (memoirs), Mazha Kannadi (collection of short stories) and Chirrikku Pinnil (autobiography).

Cancer Wardile Chiri (Laughter in the Cancer Ward) is an account of his experiences while undergoing treatment for throat cancer. 'Irinjalakudakku Chuttum' won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2020. (UNI)