Malayalam actor Kalasala Babu is no more

Malyalam cinema lost its veteran character artist Kalasala Babu who passed away on Sunday night in Ernakulam. According to reports, the actor was diagnosed with heart ailments and was undergoing treatment for the same in the last three months. Babu was admitted in Amritha College in Kochi where he succumbed to cerebral hemorrhage.

Kalasala is the son of famous Kathakali dancer – Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and Mohiniyattam dancer Kalyanikutty Amm. After starting his acting career in theatre, Kalasala moved on to act on the small screen.  He made his big screen debut in Malayalam cinema with 'Ineya Thedi'. The film directed by Anthony Eastman also starred Silk Smitha, Sankaradi, Anchankunju in the lead.The movie didn't do well at the box office. Babu soon formed his own drama troupe – Kalasala in Thripunithura and their first play – Thalavattom was a huge hit. The troupe conducted nine renowned plays over the years.

In 1999, Babu actred in a thirteen episode television serial – Kala where his role as Rowdy Dasappan was loved by the audience. In the next three years, he continue to rule the small screen with 25 shows. He tried his luck at the movies with Kasthooriman in 2003. Malayalam cinema audience believed he managed to fill the void created by the absence of N.F. Varghese and Narendra Prasad. He is also remembered for the role of Dileep’s father in Lion. He is best known for his negative characters.

Kalasala Babu is survived by his wife Lalitha and two children, Sreedevi and Vishwanthan.