Mammootty and Mohanlal pay tribute to veteran actor Mohan Raj, who passed away at 70

Veteran actor Mohan Raj, famously known by his stage name Keerikkadan Jose, passed away at the age of 70 at his residence in Kanjiramkulam on Thursday. The actor had been undergoing treatment for multiple ailments at home, according to sources from the film industry.

Mohan Raj rose to fame for his unforgettable portrayal of the iconic villain "Keerikkadan Jose" in the classic Mohanlal-starrer Kireedam. His chilling performance as the antagonist in the film left an enduring impact on Malayalam cinema, earning him a place among the industry's most memorable villains.

Over the course of his three-decade-long career, Mohan Raj became a household name for playing villainous roles in a number of prominent films. Some of his most notable works include Uppukandam Brothers, Chenkol, Aaram Thampuran, and Narasimham, among others. His on-screen presence and powerful performances left an indelible mark on the industry and audiences alike.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and State Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan extended their heartfelt condolences following his passing, recognizing his contribution to Malayalam cinema.

Mohanlal, the lead actor in Kireedam, shared a moving tribute on his Facebook page, recalling his time working with Mohan Raj. "Being identified by the name of a character is a true blessing, something only a gifted actor can achieve," Mohanlal wrote. He reflected on the days when Mohan Raj stood in front of the camera as Keerikkadan Jose, stating, "I can still vividly remember the grandeur with which he faced Sethu (Mohanlal’s character). Today, I bid farewell to my dear friend, with tears in my eyes."