Film and TV serial actor R. Govinda Pillai, 72, popularly known as Kochaniyan, passed away at a private hospital here on Tuesday morning. He had retired as senior manager of the Kollam District Cooperative Bank. Even while in service he acted both in cinema and theatre.
Kochaniyan had played a major role in the popular TV serial Sthree . His debut in theatre was through the Assisi Arts Club and Kollam Mela. In the 1970s he got a major break in the Kalidasa Kala Kendram drama Sati directed by O. Madhavan. He made his film debut in Balachandra Menon’s Sesham Kazhcvhayil . He also acted in Mr. Menon’s April 18 and Prashanam Gurutharam .
Another popular TV serial in which he acted was Arabikadalinte Rani which was telecast by Doordarshan. A few months ago he was diagnosed with cancer and was under medical treatment. He is survived by his wife Nalinambika and two daughters. The funeral rites will be held in the compound of his house at Ayathil in the evening on Wednesday.
