KOZHIKODE: Renowned photographer Punalur Rajan (81) passed away in Kozhikode on Saturday around 1.40 am. He was undergoing treatment for heart-related issues at a private hospital in Kozhikode. He was one of the first prominent photographers in Kerala and had captured rare photographs of prominent personalities belonging to literature, cultural and political fields in the state.

He had clicked rare pictures of several personalities like C Achutha Menon, MN Govindan Nair, PK Vasudevan Nair, SK Pottekatt, Edasseri, Akkitham, Uroob,, NV Krishna Warrier, Ponkunnam Varkey, Kesavadev, Sukumar Azhikode, Yesudas and Adoor Gopalakrishnan. He also wrote the books 'Basheer: Chayayum Ormayum' and 'MTyude Kalam'.

Born in 1939 at Sooranad in Kollam, he completed schooling in Punalur High School before obtaining a diploma in Fine Arts from Mavelikkara Ravi Varma School. He then joined Kozhikode Govt Medical College as an artist photographer.