Kollam: Veteran storyteller and theatre director Kollam Babu (80) passed away on Sunday. As a noted figure in the drama circles and as a storyteller (Kathikan), Babu captured the imagination of many who admired and followed him. He enacted the stories in more than 10,000 stages across Kerala.

The funeral will be held on Sunday afternoon. 

He has won multiple accolades, including Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Storytelling in 1979, Kathikashrestha Award of the Kerala Kathaprasanga Academy in 2010 and others. 

Kollam Babu, who was a member of the Yavana Drama Troupe, started his career at the age of 13.  His first role was that of a 60-year-old man in the amateur play 'Children of the Street'. The Yavana Drama Troupe was started in 1982 after he gained immense popularity in storytelling.