Nandu Mahadeva, the 27-year-old cancer survivor, and amputee succumbed to the disease in the early hours of Saturday at MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Kozhikode. Nandu Mahadeva is survived by father Hari, mother Lekha, and siblings, Ananthu and Saikrishna. Nandu, was identified with bone cancer when he had 24 years old. After it affected his left leg worse, he had to amputate it. Though he was initially taken aback, Nandu decided to fight it out.

From singing songs to sharing his thoughts, Nandu never missed a chance to prove positive vibes to a number of cancer patients through his social media page. Nandu, who runs a catering unit, became the face of hope and inspired many to fight cancer through the ‘Athijeevanam’ collective, which helps cancer patients across the State through crowdfunding campaigns.

On April 9, Nandu had informed his followers on Facebook that his health has deteriorated and that medicines won’t be effective for treatment hereafter. "Unbearable pain is there in my body but I can stand straight and say life is to fight. In the coming war, I will be alone. There will be no medicines or chemotherapy to help. When my cancer molecular test results came, all doctors were shocked. There is a rare variation, there is no medicine for this. A medicine has to be invented. Yes they will invent it....But we should not fail. With strong mind, we should fight. Don't get defeated...," he wrote.

After reports on his death came in, many people including celebs took to social media to offer condolences. "Marking my condolences to Nandu Mahadevan from Barathannur of Thiruvananthapuram, who gave the message of survival against cancer. Nandu faced cancer with unbelievable courage and also gave the confidence to people to be strong in difficult times. He motivated people through love and kindness. His death is a loss to Kerala. I join in the pain of his family and friends. Condolences," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote on Facebook.

Actress Manju Warrier wrote, "Rest in peace Nandu! It's my honour to have been able to spend time with you during #KeralaCan campaigns. Thank you for inspiring many including me! #nandumahadev #RIP"