Kochi: Veteran actor GK Pillai (97) passed away due to age-related ailments at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College on Friday. Having acted in more than 325 movies down the years, GK Pillai has largely been credited for revolutionising the mannerism of antagonists in Malayalam cinema.  

He made his debut through ‘Snehaseema’, a movie directed by SS Rajan and written by Ponkunnam Varkey in 1954. He has acted in many films including 'Ashwamedham', 'Aromalunni', 'Chola', 'Aanakkalari' and 'Karyasthan'. 

G. K. Pillai was born in Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram. He is known for his acclaimed villain roles, historical films and other action films during the 70s and 80s. He has also taken many notable roles in several TV serials and shows. 'Kadamattathu Kathanar' was his first TV serial. He won the hearts of the family audience with his performance in the TV serial 'Kukumapoovu'.

His wife Ulpalakshi Amma passed away a couple of years ago. GK Pillai is survived by sons Prathapachandran, Chandramohan and Priyadarshan and daughters Sreekala, Sreelekha and Sreekumari.