Fri Apr 04 09:20:37 UTC 2025: ## Veteran Malayalam and Tamil Actor Ravikumar Passes Away at 71

**Chennai, April 4, 2025** – Veteran actor Ravikumar, a popular romantic hero in Malayalam and Tamil films of the 1970s and 80s, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai this morning. He was 71.

The son of actor Bharathi and film producer K.M.K. Menon, Ravikumar’s career was virtually predetermined by his upbringing in the film industry. His debut in a significant role was in A.B. Raj’s *Ullasa Yaathra* (1975), followed by his Tamil debut in K. Balachander’s *Avargal* (1977).

Ravikumar enjoyed a long and successful collaboration with filmmaker I.V. Sasi, appearing in over 80 of his films. He also frequently worked with J. Sasikumar. His memorable roles included Babu in I.V. Sasi’s *Avalude Ravukal*, where he played a college student who marries a sex worker despite societal opposition. He also captivated audiences with his performances in numerous evergreen romantic melodies.

While contemporaries like Prem Nazir, Madhu, and Jayan dominated, Ravikumar carved a niche for himself as a sought-after romantic lead in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His career extended into the 21st century, with appearances in Tamil films like *Youth* (2002) and *Sivaji* (2007), as well as a period of television work. More recently, he featured in *CBI 5* (2022) and *Aaraattu* (2022). His passing marks the end of an era for South Indian cinema.

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