Veteran Malayalam actor G K Pillai dies at 97
Thiruvananthapuram(PTI): Veteran Malayalam actor G Kesava Pillai, popularly known as G K Pillai, considered as one of the oldest actors in the industry, died at the age of 97, family sources here said.
A constant presence in the film and television serials for the last 65 years, he breathed his last at his home here following age-related ailments, they said.
Known for his profound voice, sturdy physique and unique articulation style, Pillai acted in over 320 movies and a handful of soap operas in his sprawling career.
Born in the year 1924 at Chirayinkeezhu in the district, he joined the army at the age of 16 years. After completing his 12-years-long military service, he returned to the home state and brushed his longing for acting.
His acquaintance with evergreen actor Prem Nazir paved him way for entering the tinsel town and "Snehaseema" a 1954 film, was his first movie outing.
Though he established himself as an actor through villainous roles, he enacted a handful of lovable character roles in his later career in both films and serials.
"Snapaka Yoyannan", "Sthanarthi Saramma", "Ashwamedham", "Aromal Unni, "Choola", "Harichandran", Karyasthan" and so on were some among his popular movies.
After being a busy actor till 1980s, he suddenly took a break from the acting career and later returned to the industry in 2005 through TV serials.
"Kunkumapoovu" and "Kadamattathu Kathanar" were some among his popular serials.
He is survived by six children and his wife died years ago.
Condoling his death, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remembered Pillai as an actor who gained a place in the minds of different generations through his unique acting style.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
