Lenin Rajendran to Ramachandra Babu: Mollywood celebs who passed away in 2019

Mollywood has had a prosperous year at the box office, but at the same time the industry lost several great talents. When the death of actor

Sathar

broke the hearts of thousands of fans, cinematographers like Ramachandra Babu and

MJ Radhakrishnan

's loss came as a shock too. Their talent was unmatched and the loss irreversible. Here’s remembering all the Mollywood celebs who lost their life in 2019.

Lenin Rajendran

Lenin Rajendran passed away on January 14 at the age of 67. The ace filmmaker was hospitalised following liver-related ailments. Known for his signature style of filmmaking, Lenin began his career in the 1980s with directing ‘Venal’. His critically acclaimed movies include 'Swathi Thirunal', 'Daivathinte Vikrithikal', 'Mazha', 'Kulam' and ‘Makaramanju’ among others. ‘Idavapathi' was his last directorial.

KG Rajasekharan

Filmmaker KG Rajasekharan passed away on March 21, at the age of 72. K.G Rajasekharan began his career by assisting directors Crossbelt Mani, M Krishnan Nair and Thikkurissi among others. He marked his directorial debut with 'Padmatheertham'. And went on to call the shots for films like 'Velluvili', 'Indradhanussu', 'Yakshippaaru', 'Vaaleduthavan Vaalaal', 'Vijayam Nammude Senaani', 'Thirayum Theeravum', 'Ival Ee Vazhi Ithu Vare', 'Anthappuram', 'Avan Oru Ahankaari', 'Saahasam', 'Paanchajanyam', 'Maattuvin Chattangale', 'Chambalkaadu', 'Beedikkunjamma', 'Shaari Alla Shaarada', 'Mynaakam', 'Chillukottaram', 'Thozhil Allengil Jail' and 'Simhadhwani'.

Ananadavally

Senior dubbing artist Annadavally breathed her last on April 5, at the age of 62. Beginning her career as a singer in KPAC dramas, Ananadavally marked her debut with ‘Eanippadikal’. Her career touched its peak when she dubbed for Poornima Jayaram in ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’. She has been the coice for several yesteryear actresses like her voice for the lead actresses of the 80s like Sumalatha, Seema, Menaka, Ambika, Suhasini, Lissy, Geetha, Madhavi, Radhika, Unnimary, Shobhana and Parvathy among others.

Punnassery Kanchana

Veteran actor Punnassery Kanchana passed away on May 30, at the age of 88. She is best known for her performance in 2016 release 'Olapeeppi. Kanchana made her debut at the age of 18 with 1950 release 'Prasanna', which was directed by SM Sriramulu Naidu. Following her marriage with Kundara Bhasi, she took a break and returned with 'Olapeeppi’. She has also played a part in Manju Warrier starrer ‘C/o Saira Banu'.

MJ Radhakrishnan

Veteran cinematographer MJ Radhakrishnan passed away on July 12 at the age of 61. MJ Radhakrishnan has about 70 movies and documentaries to his credit. The lensman also bagged the National Award, posthumously for the best cinematography in ‘Olu’. MJ Radhakrishnan entered the industry as an assistant to filmmaker Shaji N Karun and his first work was 'Nakhakshathangal'. His notable works include, 'Kaliyattam', 'Desadanam', 'Karunam', 'Pulijanmam', 'Naalu Pennungal' and 'Gulmohar' among others.

Gayathri Sreekrishnan

Yesteryear singer Gayathri Sreekrishnan breathed her last on June 16 at the age of 85. Gayathri made her debut in showbiz with 'Rarichan Enna Pauran'. Her first solo playback song was 'Thekunnu Nammaloru', while 'Nazhoori Palukondu' was the biggest hit of her career. She also composed and sang songs. She also had the unique opportunity to partner with iconic singer Mohammad Rafi when he had visited Kerala.

Babu Narayanan

Director Babu Narayanan passed away on June 29 at the age of 58. Known for his collaboration with Anil Babu, the duo has delivered some memorable hits like 'Achan Kombathu Amma Varambathu’, 'Kaliyoonjal' and 'Pattabhishekam’ among others. Babu started off as an assistant to renowned filmmaker Hariharan. His last movie was Mamtha Mohandas starrer 'To Noora With Love.'

Sathar

Veteran Malayalam actor Sathar has passed away on September 17 at the age of 67. Sathar was suffering from a liver ailment and was undergoing treatment for the same. Sathar made his debut with A Vincent directorial 'Anaavaranam'. His notable workds include 'Sharapanjaram', 'Avalude Ravikal' and '22 Female Kottayam’. 'Parayan Bakki Vechath' (2014) was Sathar’s last movie. With about 300 movies to his credit, Sathar has made his mark in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films.

Ramachandra Babu

Ace cinematographer Ramachandra Babu passed away on December 21 at the age of 72. He cranked the lens for ‘Padayotttam’ (1982), which was the first 70 mm Malayalam feature film. His most notable works are ‘Agraharathil Kazhuthai’, ‘Itha Ivide Vare’, ‘Rathinirvedam’, ‘Chamaram’, ‘Marmaram’, ‘Nidhra’, ‘Yavanika’, ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha’, ‘Ghazal’, ‘Kanmadam’ and ‘Yugapurushan’ among others. He had also worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films.