Ratheesh

Ratheesh (1954–2002) was an Indian film actor best known for his work in Malayalam cinema. He was a native of Kalavoor in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. He was a Super star in Mollywood during the late-1970s and 1980s. He was popular for his villainous roles during the 1990s. He had acted in 158 films with directors such as K. G. George, I. V. Sasi, Joshiy, P. G. Vishwambharan, Thampy Kannamthanam, and Shaji Kailas. Unlike other contemporaries villains of the time, Ratheesh captivated the Malayalam movie lovers with his charms and handsome looks.

Personal life
He was born to Puthenpurayil V. Rajagopalan and Padmavathi amma at Kalavoor, Alappuzha. He had two sisters, Sherly and Laila. He had his education from Sree Narayana College, Kollam and S.N. College, Cherthala. He was married to Diana, who is the daughter of· Ex minister M.K. Hemachandran, on 11 September 1983. The couple have four children Parvathy, Padmaraj, Padma and Pranav. He died due to a heart attack at his home in Coimbatore on 23 December 2002, aged just 48. His wife also died in December 2014; she was under treatment for a brain tumor.

Career
Ratheesh started his career in the Malayalam film Vezhambal in 1977. But it was K. G. George who provided his big break through Ullkadal in 1979. He became a bankable star through I. V. Sasi's Thusharam in 1981. From 1981 to 1988 he was at the peak of his career, performing in films like Oru Mukham Pala Mukham, Ee Nadu, Rajavinte Makan, Muhoortham 11.30,Sankharsham, Vazhiyorakazhchakal, Aayiram Kannukal, Abkari, Unaru, Ithraym Kaalam,Uyarangalil, Thandram, Akkachiyude Kunjuvava, John Jaffer Janardhanan, Innalenkil Nale and Ponthooval. After 1988 he reduced the number of films in which he acted, he quit altogether after 1990. After a period of four years he made a comeback as the antagonist through Shaji Kailas's Commissioner.One of the most noticeable villain roles ever in Malayalam film industry Throughout the 1990s, he did various villainous and character roles in films such as Kashmeeram, Nirnayam, Yuvathurki, 19 April, and Gangothri. In the 2000s, he was notable for his roles in Ravanaprabhu and Danny.

Produced films

 * Iyer The Great
 * Chakkikotha Chankaran
 * Black Mail
 * Revenge
 * Ente Shabtham

Television

 * 2001: Venalmazha (Surya Tv) opposite to sreevidhya
 * 2001 : Anna (Kairali TV)

Awards

 * Kerala State Television Awards Best Actor 2002: Anna