KOCHI: Dr M M Alex, 55, the actor who was immortalised by his role in the evergreen romantic film Thoovanathumbikal, passed away in Chennai on Tuesday, following a heart attack.
He is survived by wife Annie and sons Dr Alexander and Tejas. A native of Kottayam, he had acted in more than 80 films, in different languages. Alex, who was the founder of Jeevashastranjan, Vedic India Society and the Institute of Ancient Integrative Therapies, had produced around 250 documentaries, including the one on the rituals at Sabarimala Temple. He was director of Ancient Integrative Therapies and Vedik India Society. His portrayal of ‘Babu’, the bus owner with an unpredictable character, in Padmarajan’s cult movie Thoovanathumbikal tops the list of his filmy roles.
His role in Rajavinte Makan, a hit film directed by Thampi Kannamthanam with Mohanlal in the lead, was also much appreciated. However, later he left acting for pursuing studies in Culture and Veda.
The body has been kept at his residence at Injambakkam in Chennai until Tuesday evening. The funeral will be held at St Paul’s Orthodox Church at Kollad near Kottayam, on Thursday.