Kochi: Malayalam actor Pradeep Kottayam passed away at around 4.15 am on Thursday. He was 61. He died of heart attack after getting hospitalized due to discomfort.

He has acted in many Malayalam and Tamil movies. His performances were mostly praised for bringing in the humour element. Pradeep started his film career in 2001 with the IV Sasi movie ‘Ee Nadu Enale Vare’.

His most-noted character is from the movie ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa’, where he played the role of the uncle of actress Trisha’s character.

His other works include Thattathin Marayathu, Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Welcome to Central Jail, Amar Akbar Antony, Life of Josutty, Kunjiramayanam, Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan, Aadu Oru Bheegara Jeevi Aanu, and Adi Kapyare Kootamani.

Maya Pradeep is his wife. The couple has two children.