The Malayalam film industry is in mourning following the sudden demise of popular actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Nawas, who was found dead in a hotel room in Chottanikkara, Kochi, on Friday evening. He was 51 years old.
Preliminary reports suggest the cause of death was cardiac arrest, though a post-mortem examination is scheduled for Saturday at Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, to confirm the exact reason.
Nawas was reportedly staying at the hotel as part of the shooting for his upcoming film, “Prakambanam.” According to hotel staff and police, he was supposed to check out on Friday evening but did not appear at the reception. When hotel personnel went to his room to inquire, they found him unconscious. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Colleagues stated that Nawas appeared to be in good health when he left the film set around 5:30 PM, heading back to the hotel for a two-day break from shooting. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film fraternity and among his countless fans.
Kalabhavan Nawas, a versatile artist, began his career as a celebrated mimicry artist with the renowned Kalabhavan troupe in Cochin, adding “Kalabhavan” to his name as a mark of his association. He was known for his remarkable ability to emulate the voices of various actors and his engaging stage performances.
He made his acting debut in the 1995 film “Chaithanyam” and went on to feature in numerous memorable roles across a career spanning nearly three decades. Some of his notable films include “Hitler Brothers” (1997), “Junior Mandrake” (1997), “Mattupetti Machan” (1998), “Chandamama” (1999), and “Thillana Thillana” (2003). He also made a comeback with “Driving Licence” in 2019 and was last seen in “Detective Ujjwalan” this year.
Nawas was the son of veteran theatre and film actor Aboobacker, and his brother, Niyas Backer, is also a well-known actor and mimicry artist. He is survived by his wife, Rehna Nawas, who is also an actress, and their three children.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several prominent personalities from the film industry have expressed their condolences, remembering Nawas as a talented artist who endeared himself to audiences with his unique blend of comedy and acting.
His sudden demise leaves a void in the Malayalam entertainment landscape, and he will be deeply missed by all who admired his talent and cheerful spirit.
