(Image source from: nmanorama - Manorama Online)

Eminent Malayalam actor Captain Raju passed away in Kochi on Monday. He was 68.

The actor was ailing for some time. The death came at his residence near Palarivattom, a city in Kerala. He is survived by wife Prameela and son Raviraj.

Hailing from Pathanamthitta district, the actor had quit from the Indian Army where he was a Captain and started his acting career in 1981.

Some of his popular movies include Nadodikattu, Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha and Pavam Krooran. He had also acted in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada movies.

He was often cast as a villain and has featured in character roles and in TV serials. He was recently seen in the Malayalam movie 'Masterpiece'.

Raju as well directed two movies that include Itha Oru Snehagadha and Mr. Pavanai 99.99.

The funeral will be held later.

By Sowmya Sangam