Veteran Malayalam actor TP Madhavan passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Kollam. The cause of his death has not been revealed. The actor was 88. TP Madhavan was a prominent figure in the Malayalam industry during the ’80s and ’90s, and had featured in over 600 films.

The actor began his career at the age of 40, after he met with actor Madhu. He debuted in the 1975 film Raagam. He first played villain roles, followed by comic roles. He eventually switched to character roles. TP Madhavan was also selected for the Indian Army, but he had to withdraw after he fractured his hands. Apart from acting, Madhavan was also the first General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Before acting, TP Madhavan ran advertising agencies in Mumbai and Kolkata.

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With his versatility, the actor had gained a devoted fan base. He was diagnosed with amnesia in his later years. The medical condition ended his acting career. TP Madhavan was a resident of Gandhi Bhavan in Pathanapuram, where he spent his final days. He was honoured with the Ramu Karyat Award and the Prem Nazir Award for his contributions to cinema.

He is survived by his daughter Devika and son Raja Krishna Menon, who is known for directing Bollywood films like Chef, Airlift, and Pippa.