Malayalam actor Mamukkoya passes away at 76

Veteran Malayalam actor Mamukkoya, who was admitted to a hospital after suffering a heart attack, has passed away. The actor collapsed during the inauguration of a football tournament at Wandoor in Malappuram district of Kerala, where he was presiding as the chief guest. While he was admitted to a hospital in Wandoor, he was later moved to a private hospital in Kozhikode. It was said that the veteran actor was in stable condition and responding to the treatment. However, he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest followed by a hemorrhage, and passed away on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 76.

Mamukkoya, born in Kozhikode’s Kallayi, was active in theater from an early age. Theatre led to films with Anyarude Bhoomi (1979) as his debut. Later, with the recommendation of iconic writer Muhammad Basheer, he was given a role in the film Surumaitta Kannukal. However, his first prominent role came in Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam (1986), which was directed by Sibi Malayil and had Mohanlal in the lead role.  He found popularity as he did films with director Sathyan Anthikad. It was in the director’s Nadodikattu (1987) that he played the character of Gafoor, which found immense fame. He also acted in Ramji Rao Speaking, Vadakku Nokkiyanthram, Thalayanamanthram, Sandesham and His Highness Abdulla.

Apart from films, Mamukkoya also had a keen interest in literature and theatre. He is also known for voicing strong opinions on religion and politics. He has won Kerala State Award for the films 2004 Perumazhakkalam and Innathe Chintha Vishayam.

He was recently seen in the films Payali, Theerpu, and Peace. The Malayalam actor also played a role in Vikram’s Tamil film Cobra. Minnal Murali, Ustad Hotel, and Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham are other notable films in his career.