Pratap Pothen, a renowned filmmaker and actor, was found dead in his apartment in Chennai on Friday. He was 70. While the cause of death has not been revealed by authorities, his fans are pouring in their tributes on social media platforms.

Who was Pratap Pothen?

Pratap Pothen, born on August 13, 1952, went to Lawrence School, Lovedale in Ooty to complete his schooling. He later completed his graduation from Madras Christian College, media reports suggest. Before gaining popularity in the Malayalam movie industry, Pothen worked with multiple advertisement agencies to launch his career.

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He made his acting debut in Bharatan’s 1978 movie ‘Aaravam’ and moved on to act in box office hits like movies like ‘Chamaram’, ‘Thakara’, ’22 Female Kottayam’, ‘Ayalum Njanum Thammil’ and more. Meanwhile, his work in the Tamil film industry is remembered by movies like ‘Nejanthai Killathe’, ‘Moodupani’, Panneer Pushpangal’ and ‘Varumayin Niram Sivappu’.

Pratap Pothen was last seen working alongside movie star Mammooty in ‘CBI5 The Brain’, a mystery-thriller that revolves around the deaths of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.

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The veteran actor and filmmaker has bagged multiple prestigious awards. This includes the 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 and actor Raadhika Sarathkumar married in 1985. However, they split up a year after. Pratap later married Amala Satyanath, who parted ways with the actor nearly 22 years after their marriage. The two had a daughter.