Malayalam actor Ajith dead

Kochi April 5 (IANS) Malayalam film star Ajith known for portraying negative roles died on Thursday at a private hospital here family sources said.

Ajith 56 was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago following health issues.

Ajith in a career spread over three decades has acted in around 500 films mostly in Malayalam besides a few in Tamil and Hindi.

He started his career with the 1984 hit "Paranu Paranu Paranu" by ace Malayali director Padmarajan.

Ajith was often referred to Malayalam film industry s permanent villain on account of his role in the hugely successful "Irupathaam Noottaandu" (1987) starring Mohanlal. Since then he was the first choice for villain roles.

Ajith s body will be taken to Kollam where the last rites would be performed later in the day.

--IANS
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