Daijiworld Media Network – Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 5: Veteran Malayalam film and television actor Shanawas, son of the legendary actor Prem Nazir, passed away at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram late Monday night following prolonged illness. He was 71.

Family sources said Shanawas had been battling serious health complications for some time and was admitted to the hospital after his condition deteriorated.

Shanawas made his film debut with Prema Geethangal (1981), directed by Balachandra Menon, and went on to act in over 50 Malayalam films. His notable performances include roles in Mazhanilavu, Neelagiri, Manithali, Gaanam, Aazhi, and Human. He also appeared in several Malayalam television serials.

After taking a brief hiatus from the film industry, he made a comeback in 2011 with the Mohanlal-starrer China Town. His last film appearance was in Prithviraj Sukumaran’s 2022 blockbuster Jana Gana Mana.

Condolences poured in from various quarters, including General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who remembered Shanawas as a graceful presence in Malayalam cinema and a worthy torchbearer of his father’s legacy.