Kochi | The Thrissurian flavour laced with a native slang and his ability to go beyond the 'framework' of the written script made late star Innocent an instant hit with the Malayalee film buffs.

Veteran star Innocent, who died at a private hospital here late Sunday evening, was a versatile personality who enjoyed a special place in the hearts of Malayalees by generating a positive vibe through effortless humour with wit and mannerism.Innocent (75) also made a deep impression as a TV presenter and conversationalist besides foraying into politics and even became a Member of Parliament.

Having never dreamt of becoming an actor, Innocent ended up in the tinsel world accidentally after failing in his earlier efforts to eke out a living as a businessman and small-time industrialist.

Although acting was his last option, he had a roaring success in that role, appearing in over 700 movies, mostly in comedy roles, in his five-decade long film career.

His victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha constituency as a Left candidate from Chalakkudy, a traditional Congress-bastion, proved his popularity beyond the film world.

Innocent, who was known largely for his comedy roles, maintained his amiable persona as he did not antagonise his rival and other political opponents. He lost the 2019 elections to the Congress.

Born in Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district in 1948, Innocent ended his schooling at class 8.Innocent tried his luck at writing scripts and also sang a few songs in the films 'Mr Butler' and 'Sandram'.He was also the president of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for 18 years from 2000.

He was diagnosed with cancer twice and yet always maintained a positive attitude towards life, a fact remembered by many in their condolence messages on social media. PTI