Kannur: Noted film actor Unnikrishnan Namboothiri, known for his comedy and grandfather roles, died on Wednesday, his family sources said. Namboothiri was 98.

The actor had survived COVID-19 and was discharged from a hospital on Tuesday. A family friend of the actor said Namboothiri felt some uneasiness and was admitted to a private hospital on Wednesday but he passed away in the evening.

He is survived by his children Devi, Bhavadas, Yamuna and P V Kunhikrishnan. P V Kunhikrishnan is a Kerala High Court judge. Namboothiri is also the father-in-law of popular musician Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition in the stateAssembly, Ramesh Chennithala condoled the demise of the actor.

"Namboothiri was an amazing actor who excelled in playing character roles.It's a huge loss to the cultural world," Vijayan said in his condolence message. Chennithala said Namboothiri was known as the grandfather of south Indian cinema.

"....with his demise, Malayalam movie industry has lost an excellent actor," Chennithala said.

His debut movie was 'Kaliyattam' in 1996.

Later he acted in numerous movies including 'Kaikudanna Nilavu', 'Madhuranombarakattu', 'Meghmalhar', 'Kalyanaraman,' 'Rappakal' and 'Pokkiri Raja'. His role as a romantic grandfather in 'Kalyanaraman' was a huge hit.

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Puttur: A tragic accident occurred on Sunday near Kuvettila in Kabaka, along the Mani-Mysuru National Highway, where a KSRTC bus collided head-on with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a father and critical injuries to his son.

The deceased has been identified as Arun Kulal, a resident of Narikombu village in Bantwal taluk. His son, Dhyan, was seriously injured in the incident.

According to reports, the KSRTC bus was traveling from Puttur toward Mangaluru when it collided with the oncoming bike. The force of the impact threw both riders onto the road, leaving them severely injured. Though both were rushed to the hospital, Arun Kulal succumbed to his injuries en route, police confirmed.

The accident led to a temporary disruption in traffic on the Mani-Mysuru Highway, with vehicles backed up for several kilometers. Puttur traffic police reached the spot and are investigating the case.

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