Malayalam actor Pillai dies at 82

Malayalam film and TV actor G Krishna Pillai has died. Pillai, 82 (pictured), was undergoing treatment for age-related illness and died at his house near Kollam on Saturday night, family sources said.Pillai is known for his character and comedy roles in dramas, movies and TV serials. Popularly known as Kollam G K Pillai, he began his acting career through theatre. He had been active in theatre since 1960s and enacted a handful of memorable roles in noted dramas of that time including Neetipeedham, Kunjali Maraykkar and Ezharaponnana.Pillai stepped into tinsel world by donning a role in 1965 movie Masappady Mathupillai. He had acted in over 70 films including Chula, My Dear Kuttichathan and Mucheettu Kalikkarente Makal.Pillai also appeared in television serials. He is survived by his wife and four daughters.