Noted playback singer Thoppil Anto passes away

KOCHI: Famous film and drama playback singer Thoppil Anto has passed away. He was 81 years old. He died at his home in Edappally in Kochi. He died due to old age-related ailments.

Anto was born as the son of Kunjapu and Eliamma. Anto's first song 'Madhurikkum Ormakale, Malarmanjam Konduvaru' became very popular. Anto turned to the path of music right from childhood due to the influence of Hindi film songs. He listened to songs by Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar and sang at Komala Musical Arts in Edappally.

Later, during the liberation struggle, he was given the opportunity by former Union Minister AC George to sing in Congress plays. With that, Anto entered the world of wider drama. His first professional play was the drama 'Visha Vriksham' by the famous playwright CJ Thomas. Later, Anto came to cinema through KS Antony.

From the song in Father Damien's 'Pinnil Nin Vilikkum Kunjadukal' to the song in Honey Bee 2, he has been in the film industry for a long time. He has received the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award, the Pravasi Pranavadhvani Award and the Changampuzha Cultural Centre Award.