Actor-director Pratap Pothen is no more

Noted actor and filmmaker Pratap Pothen passed away today in Chennai. He was found dead in his apartment in the city. The actor-director was 70 years old.

Apart from Malayalam, Pothen has acted in more than 100 films in Tamil and Telugu. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, he began his film career as an actor in Bharathan's 'Aaravam' in 1978. Pothen created ripples in Tamil and Malayalam film industries during the 80's. Director Bharathan's 'Thakara' gained him huge popularity.

His major films include 'Chamaram', 'Nenjathe Killathe,' 'Kadhal Kathai', 'Novembarinte Nashtam', 'Lorry', 'Thanmathra', '22 Female Kottayam,' 'Azhiyatha Kolangal', 'Bangalore Days' and 'Madhumalar' etc. His last film was 'Barroz', directed by Mohanlal. Pothen was an integral part of the movies directed by Padmarajan, Bharathan and Balu Mahendra.

He has directed around 12 films in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu. His directorial ventures include 'Daisy', 'Rithubhedam', and 'Oru Yaathramozhi'. Pothen was also a screenwriter and producer. Well-known film producer Hari Pothen (Supriya International) is his brother.

Pothen married actress Radhika in 1985. Next year, they got divorced. In 1990, he married Amala Sathynath. This relationship ended in 2012. He has a daughter, Keya, in his marital life with Amala.

Pratap Pothen Pictures