Ayilam Unnikrishnan passes away

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned kadhaprasangam artist Ayilam Unnikrishnan (73), known for his significant contribution to making the art form widely popular, has passed away. He died around 3 p.m. yesterday while undergoing treatment for pneumonia at the Medical College Hospital.

The body will be kept for public viewing at Bharat Bhavan from 10 a.m. on Tuesday and later at his residence, Nisha Nivas in Pangappara, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cremation will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Santhitheeram, Kazhakoottam.

Unnikrishnan served as the Secretary of the Thonnakkal Kumaranasan Memorial, President of the Kerala Drama Workers Welfare Association, and as a governing body member of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.

A native of Ayilam in Attingal, he first appeared on stage at the age of 19 while pursuing his degree. As kadhaprasangam started to decline, he shifted to theatre and performed in 42 plays through troupes like Athulya and Ahalya. He was also active in the television serial industry.

He is survived by his wife Santhanavalli, sons Rajesh Krishnan (employee at Chempazhanthy Service Cooperative Bank) and Rakesh Krishnan (working in London), and daughter-in-law Devi Rakesh.