Malayalam comedy actor Innocent Vareed Thekkethala passes away at 75

On Sunday, Innocent Vareed Thekkethala died. (26 March). He was a well-known name in the Malayalam cinema industry, wearing various hats as an actor, producer, playback singer, and active politician. The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2012. However, with prompt treatment, he was able to overcome the sickness and return to work. It was previously stated that the actor was hospitalised owing to a return of cancer. Innocent has been receiving therapy since then, and the news of his death has surprised everyone.

Legendary actor Innocent was also a former MP from Chalakudy LS constituency and he was also the former president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). On Monday, the mortal remains of the actor would be kept at Rajeev Gandhi Indoor stadium in Kadavanthra from 8 am to 11 am and later it would be shifted to Irinjalakkuda Municipal Town from 1 pm to 3:30 pm for the public to pay homage. After that, his body would be brought to his home and the funeral function would be held at St Thomas Cathedral Church in Irinjalakkuda at 5pm.

Innocent who celebrated his 75th birthday this month has won several prestigious awards in his career. In 2006, he won The Asianet Film Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Rasathanthram. He made his acting career debut with the movie Nrityashala, in 1972. Not just his portrayal in comic roles, the actor has won the hearts of audiences as a villain in many movies. Throughout his career, he helmed several projects as a producer as well.