In an unfortunate turn of events, ace Malayalam comedy actor Kottayam Pradeep passed away on the morning hours of Thursday, February 17, following a heart attack. He was 61 years old when he breathed his last. Pradeep was reportedly rushed to a private hospital in Kottayam where he was declared dead by the Doctors. He is survived by his wife Maya and two children - a son named Vishnu and a daughter named Vrinda. Kottayam Pradeep's untimely demise has come as a shocker for people and prominent celebrities from the Malayalam film industry including the likes of Mohanlal, Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and others have extended their heartfelt condolences on social media.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, mourned the death of Kottayam Pradeep through a Facebook post in which he wrote, "Kottayam Pradeep was a special actor who kept even small characters bright in the minds of the entertainers through his unique style. Condolence to his family and loved ones". After making his debut as an actor with the 2001 Malayalam film, Ee Naadu Innale Vare, Kottayam Pradeep went on to act in various prominent biggies including Rajamanikyam, Thattathin Marayathu, Amen, 5 Sundarikal, Manja, Lal Bahadur Shashtri, Ithihasa, Aadu Oru Bheegara Jeevi Aanu, Oru Vadakkan Selfi, Oru Second Class Yathra, Thinkal Muthal Velli Vare, Kunjiramayanam, Amar Akbar Antony, Adi Kapyare Kootamani, Puthiya Niyamam, Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan, Aanandam, Godha, Padayottam, Oru Adaar Love, and more.

His last release as an actor will be the Mohanlal starrer Aarattu which is set to release tomorrow (February 18) on a record number of screens. In Tamil, Kottayam Pradeep will be best known for his short yet memorable performance in Gautham Vasudev Menon's Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa starring Silambarasan TR and Trisha in the lead roles. Kottayam Pradeep played the character of Trisha's uncle in the film. Raja Rani and Theri are his other popular works in Tamil cinema.