The sudden demise of actor Kottayam Pradeep is a shock to the entire Malayalam film industry. The actor died Thursday early morning following a heart attack. Pradeep quickly became a favourite of the audience with his spontaneous comedy. His friends in the film industry remembered him as a very humble man in life.

Pradeep, who was active in drama, came before the big screen in 1999 with I V Sasi's ‘Eee Nadu Innalevare’. He then acted in several films in small roles. A break in his career was ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ directed by Gautam Vasudev Menon. George Uncle in it and his dialogues were a hit. When the film was remade in other languages, the hero and heroine changed, but only George Uncle did not change. It was a good role for Pradeep.

Pradeep had said in many interviews that his dialogue with Chimbu in the film created a big movement in his career. The dialogue was ‘There is fish...mutton ... chicken ... pearl fish fried ... eat ... eat ...' Pradeep changed the dialogue in his own way. Along with the dialogue, Pradeep also entered the minds of the audience.

He has acted in more than 70 films including Thattathin Maryath, Aadu, Vadakkan Selfie, Kattapanayile Rithwik Roshan, Thoppil Joppan, Kunjiramayanam and many others.

When Pradeep came to a film set with his son after seeing an advertisement inviting child artistes to act in a tele serial ‘Avasthandrangal’, he got a senior role instead of his son.

He was a native of Kumaranalloor in Kottayam. He was an LIC employee. He leaves behind his wife Maya and children Vishnu and Vrinda. His last rites will be held at his house premises in Kumaranalloor.