Veteran and popular actor Prathap Pothen passed away at the age of 69 in the morning hours of Friday - July 15. Known for his versatile roles and sharing screen space with a league of legendary thespians, Pothen's demise has come as a shock to the entire industry and the fans who follow him on social media, they woke up this morning to the startling news that he is no more. 

After learning about his demise, thousands of fans and fraternities have been paying tribute to the deceased actor and extending condolences to his dears and nears. According to reports, Pothen was found dead in his Chennai apartment and though he played in several Tamil movies, he was predominant in Malayalam and was active in the industry till his last breath. 

Born on August 13, 1952, in Trivandrum, Kerala, Pothen has been a renowned actor and filmmaker who has acted in about 100 movies. Beyond acting in Malayalam and Tamil movies, Pothen has also appeared in a handful of Telugu and Hindi films. He had been active in the cinema industry for over three decades and scripted an everlasting legacy. 

Prathap Pothen made his debut as an actor in the movie 'Aaravam', helmed by director Bharatan and the movie hit the screens in 1978. Some of his popular Malayalam movies include 'Thakaram', 'Aarohanam', 'Panneer Pushpangal', 'Thanmathra', '22 Female Kottayam', 'Ayalum Njanum Thammil', 'Idukki Gold', 'London Bridge', 'Uyare', and 'Forensic'. Throughout his tenure, he had been one of the busiest actors playing cameo and supportive roles. 

Pothen made his debut in Tamil through the movie 'Azhiyadha Kolangal', directed by Balu Mahendra. Some of his notable Tamil movies include 'Ilamai Kolam', 'Thillu Mullu', 'Aayirathil Oruvan', 'Padikathavan' 'Alex Pandian', 'Poojai', 'Remo', 'Kolaiyuthir Kaalam', 'Ponmagal Vandhal', and 'Tughlag Durbar'. His last movie as an actor is 'CBI 5: The Brain' starring Mammooty which got released earlier this year. He had been acting in the movie 'Barroz: Guardian of D'Gama's Treasure' and amidst the project, he has breathed his last. 

Pothen was found dead in his apartment in Kilpauk, Chennai and further details into his death are awaited. In the last few years, he was busy with his ad agency named 'Green Apple' and focused on commercials for MRF Tyres and Nippo. He also hosted the 'Naalaya Iyakkunar' Tamil show on Kalaignar TV. As a director, Prathap Pothen has helmed the Tamil movies 'Jeeva', 'Vetri Vizha', 'My Dear Marthandan', 'Magudam', 'Athma', 'Seevalaperi Pandi', and 'Lucky Man', which was his last directional in Tamil in 1995. 

In his personal life, Prathap Pothen married actress Raadhika in 1985. However, their marriage did not last long and they separated in 1986. Pothen then remarried Amala Sathyanath in 1990 and the couple had a daughter Keya, born in 1991. Their marriage ended after 22 years, in 2012. Throughout his tenure, he has bagged several accolades including Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Malayalam for two years - 1979 and 1980. Besides winning SIIMA Award for Best Actor in 2012, he was conferred with Kerala State Film Award in 2014. 

Prathap Pothen was active on social media and on his Facebook page, he wrote on Thursday, "When you treat the symptoms of a problem without treating the root cause of it, then you will start to be dependent on the pharmacy." In another post, he wrote, "Death is caused by swallowing small amounts of saliva over a long period of time...George Carlin." After learning about his demise, several actors have been paying tributes to the departed soul. Famous Malayalam actor Prithiviraj took to Twitter and wrote, "Rest in peace uncle! I will miss you." 

Rest in peace uncle! I will miss you. 💔#PrathapPothen pic.twitter.com/bJcKNWpWgP

— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) July 15, 2022