Malayalam cinema has lost one of its veteran actors. Shanawas, the son of iconic Malayalam film star Prem Nazir, passed away late Monday night at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram following prolonged health issues. He was 71.

According to family sources quoted by Indian media outlets, Shanawas had been battling serious ailments for a long time. His condition reportedly worsened in recent days, prompting his admission to the hospital, where he later breathed his last.

Shanawas began his acting journey in 1981 with Prema Geethangal, directed by Balachandra Menon. Over the years, he carved out a space for himself in Malayalam cinema, starring in over 50 films and several television serials. Some of his most notable performances came in films such as Mazhanilavu, Neelagiri, Manithali, Gaanam, Aazhi, and Human.

After a long break from the industry, Shanawas made a return to the silver screen with the Mohanlal-starrer China Town in 2011. His final film appearance was in the 2022 blockbuster Jana Gana Mana, headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Condolences poured in from across the Malayalam film industry and beyond.

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