Malayalam film veteran P. Bhaskaran passes away

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 25 (IANS) Multifaceted Malayalam film personality P. Bhaskaran died here Sunday afternoon. He was 83.

The lyricist, poet and film director, who had also acted in two films, had not been keeping well of late. On Sunday morning he developed chest pain. He was taken to a hospital but passed away soon.

Bhaskaran's glorious career began when he joined All India Radio and later moved into the world of Malayalam films.

He penned his first song for S.S. Vasan's "Apoorvasahodararkal" (1949). He made his directorial debut with Ramu Karyat as co-director and acted in the film, "Neelakuyil", in 1954. He went on to direct 50 more films.

He served as chairman of the Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademy as well as the Kerala State Film Development Corp. In 1984, he became the founder chairman of Kerala's first TV channel Asianet.

Known for his Midas touch, Bhaskaran won several National Awards. Quite early in life, he had to serve a jail sentence for nine months for taking part in the Quit India struggle.

He had penned lyrics for films until recently. His funeral is likely to take place here Monday.