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Renowned Malayalam actor Jose Prakash passes away

Prakash, who has been battling diabetes for a long time, was admitted to the hospital on March 18 with multiple disorders. The end came at 2.30pm. following heart failure, the doctors at the Sunrise Hospital said.

He was 86 and is survived by four sons and two daughters. His body will be kept at the Ernakulam Town Hall on Monday morning for the public to pay homage and buried in the evening at St. Mary’s Baslica, Ernakulam.

The actor’s death came a day after the state government selected him for the coveted J C Daniel award for his valuable contributions to the film industry. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was to present the award to him at his house on Sunday.

Prakash entered Malayalam cinema as a singer in 1953.

He became a popular actor through the movie Bhaktha Kuchela’.

In his career spanning over six decades, he had acted in about 350 films. Traffic, which was penned by his nephews Sanjay and Bobby, was his last movie.

Born on April 14, 1925 as the eldest of 8 children of K. J. Joseph & Eliyamma Joseph, Prakash started his career as a soldier in the British Indian Army.

After serving the army for 8 years, he returned to his home state and started a small business.

Having interest in cinema and music from childhood, he also started a small club with his friends called Kottayam Arts Club in which he was the lead singer.

Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair once saw his performance and called him as a singer for his debut directorial film Shariyo Thetto.

Jose Prakash started his early career as a singer who lent his voice for Prem Nazir, Sathyaneshan Nadar etc

His first break as an actor was ‘Bhakta Kuchela’ in 1961.But his major break as a villain came in ‘Olavum Theravum’ in 1969 and he later went on to do many films mostly in villain roles.

Jose Prakash has a younger brother Prem Prakash who is also an actor.