Actor-director Pratap Pothen was found dead at his residence in Chennai’s Kilpauk. He was 70. The cause of death remains unclear.

The veteran actor and filmmaker has been part of more than 100 movies in various languages, which include Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil. He also worked for multiple ad agencies before he started working on films.

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Tributes for Pratap Pothen started pouring soon after reports of his death surfaced. Congress Kerala said in a statement, “Sad to hear that the noted filmmaker and actor Pratap Pothen is no more. He will be remembered for his stellar performances in numerous Malayalam films and the movies that he had scripted and directed. May his soul rest in peace.”

Some of Pratap Pothen’s most memorable roles were showcased in movies like ‘Idukki Gold’, ‘Ayalum Njanum Thammil’, ‘Uyare’, ’22 Female Kottayam’ and ‘Bangalore Days’. His popular work in Tamil cinema includes flicks like ‘Nejanthai Killathe’, ‘Moodupani’, Panneer Pushpangal’, ‘Varumayin Niram Sivappu’ and more. Pratap Pothen’s last film is yet to be released. The is called ‘Barroz’ and stars actor Mohanlal.

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The veteran actor and filmmaker has bagged multiple prestigious awards. This includes Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Thakara, Filmfare Award for Best Director for Rithubhedam, Kerala State Film Award – Special Jury Award, Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director for Meendum Oru Kaathal Katha, Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director for Meendum Oru Kaathal Katha and SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for 22 Female Kottayam.

Pratap Pothen, who was born in August 1952, completed his education at Lawrence School, Lovedale in Ooty and Madras Christian College, media reports suggest. His last marriage with Amala Sathyanath ended in 2012 after 22 years. Pothen and Sathyanath had one daughter.