Noted Malayalam actor and mimicry artiste Kalabhavan Navas passed away at the age of 51.
He was found dead in a hotel at Chottanikkara in Kochi on Friday evening. The incident came to light when the hotel staff, where Navas was staying for a film shoot, alerted the authorities. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Initial reports suggest that a cardiac arrest may have caused his sudden death.
It has been reported that Navas had completed shooting for his upcoming film Prakambanam on Friday and was preparing to vacate his room.
Navas was widely known for his comedic and supporting roles in several Malayalam films, including ‘Mattupetti Machan,’ ‘Junior Mandrake’ and ‘Amma Ammayi Amma.’ He began his career as a mimicry artist with the famed Kalabhavan troupe, which brought him early recognition. His film debut came in 1995 with Chaithanyam.
He was also active in television programmes and frequently performed at stage events across the state. Navas came from a family deeply rooted in the performing arts — his late father, Aboobacker, was a noted theatre artist and actor. His wife, Rehna, and brother, Kalabhavan Niyas Bakker, are also actors.
He is survived by his wife, film actor Rehna, and their three children — Naharin, Rihan, and Ridwan.