Malayalam actor Kottayam Pradeep died in a private hospital in Kottayam after suffering a heart attack on Thursday morning at the age of 61, On Manorama reported. He was rushed to the hospital, but he died midway. 

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The actor started his acting career in 2001 at the age of 40 and has since acted in over 70 movies, mostly donning comic roles. 

Some of his popular movies include Aadu Oru Bheegara Jeevi Aanu, Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Life of Josutty, Kunjiramayanam, Welcome to Central Jail and Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan. 

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A native of Kumaranalloor, Kottayam, Pradeep was born and raised in Thiruvathukalam, Kottayam district. 

He had acted in many Malayalam and Tamil movies. His performances were praised for bringing in the humour element. Pradeep started his film career with the IV Sasi movie ‘Ee Nadu Enale Vare’.

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The most remarkable moment of his career came from the movie ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa’, where he played the role of the uncle of actress Trisha’s character. He appeared in many movies including
Rajamanikyam and 2 Harihar Nagar.

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His other works include Thattathin Marayathu, Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Welcome to Central Jail, Amar Akbar Antony, Life of Josutty, Kunjiramayanam, Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan, Aadu Oru Bheegara Jeevi Aanu, and Adi Kapyare Kootamani.

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Pradeep is survived by his wife Maya and two children, Vishnu and Vrinda.

During the initial years, he worked as a
junior artist, appearing in mainly non-speaking roles and uncredited roles.

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Pradeep also won the Best Supporting actor
for various roles at the 2nd Asianet Comedy Awards 2016.

Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran shared a photo of Kottayam Pradeep on Twitter and wrote, “Rest in peace! #KottayamPradeep.”

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Director John Mahendran was shocked to hear the news about Pradeep’s demise. Sharing his photo, he wrote, “A very natural actor #Pradeepkottayam from Malayalam movie industry passes away .”