Piravom: Popular mimicry artist Suresh Krishna, widely known as Pala Suresh, was found dead at his rented residence in Piravom on Sunday. He was 53.

Suresh, who had been suffering from a heart condition, was undergoing treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. He had been living with his family in a rented house near Thekkumuttipadi in Piravom.

According to reports, family members became concerned when he failed to wake up at his usual time on Sunday morning. When they broke open the door, they found him unresponsive and rushed him to Piravom Taluk Hospital, where he was declared dead. The preliminary assessment suggests he suffered a cardiac arrest in sleep.

Who was Pala Suresh? What was he famous for?

Suresh had been a prominent figure in the mimicry scene for over three decades, gaining fame through stage shows and mega events. He rose to greater recognition for his spot-on impersonation of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, which made him a household name in the mimicry and comedy circuit.

He also acted in several Malayalam films, television serials and TV comedy shows. One notable appearance was in the film ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi, where he portrayed the role of a journalist.

Suresh was a professional artist with the Narma troupe in Kollam and was also active in Cochin Rasika, another popular stage group.

Suresh hailed from the Vettathukunnel family of Vellilappilly, Ramapuram and was son of late Balachan and Omana.

He is survived by wife Deepa and their two children: Devananda, a nursing student in Germany, and Devakrishna.