CHENNAI: Tamil film hero of yesteryear Ravichandran passed away due to multi-organ failure here on Monday. He was 71 and is survived by three sons.
Ravichandran, who began his career with the film ‘Kaadhalikka Neramillai’ back in 1964, had played many lead roles in the Tamil movies of 1960s and 1970s. He had a long career in films and had many hits like ‘Gauri Kalyanam’, ‘Naan’ and ‘Moondrezhuthu’.
His comeback film was ‘Oomai Vizhighal’, the famed horror flick of the 1980s. The scene in which he makes an entry in a chariot was immensely popular with the audience.
Ravichandran, a Sourashtran, had his second marriage with Malayalam actress Sheela. Actor Hamsavardhan and Balaji are his sons from his first marriage. Telefilm actor George is his son from his wife Sheela.
A couple of years ago, he launched his son Hamsavardhan through his film ‘Manthiran’ inspired by the ragging story of Pon Navarasu, who was killed by John David. The last film he was seen on screen was ‘Aadu Puli’, which was released earlier this year.
For the past six months, he was on dialysis support due to kidney failure. About a month ago, his other vital organs started to fail. Hamsavardhan said, “In the past one month, his health deteriorated very badly. In the end, all his organs failed.”
Ravichandran’s mortal remains are kept at his residence at Rajachar Street, T. Nagar (Near Joy Alukkas) for last respects. The final rites will be performed on Tuesday evening.