Veteran Malayalam actor GK Pillai passed away at age of 97 on Friday due to an age-related illness. The actor was best known for playing the villain in action films and for performing high-octane stunts without using body doubles. As soon as this sad news broke out, heartfelt tributes started pouring in from all corners on social media. His fans, well-wishers, and celebrities from the film industry mourned the sad demise of GK Pillai.
#GKPillai has been trending on Twitter with netizens and celebs paying their last respects to the senior actor, who acted in more than 300 films. One user tweeted, “May his soul rest in peace and his family gets strength to go through this difficult time.” While condoling his death, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remembered Pillai as an actor who “gained a place in the minds of different generations through his unique acting style.”
After spending 13 years in the Army and the Navy, Pillai took retirement from the military and started an illustrious career in Malayalam cinema with the 1954 film ‘Snehaseema’. He acted in more than 325 films and later ventured into television, where he was active till two years ago. Some of his most notable works include, Ashwamedham, Aromalunni, Chola, Aanakkalari and Karyasthan, Thacholi Aambu, Palattu Kunjikannan and Padayottam.
To note, Pillai's baritone voice was his stand-out feature and his brilliant voice earned him several film accolades. The last rites of GK Pillai will be held later in the day. He is survived by six children, while his wife predeceased him.
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