Noted Malayalam actor Jagannatha Varma has passed away in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram where he was admitted and getting treated for prolonged illness. He was 77 when he breathed his last.

Jagannatha Varma was born in 1939 in the Travancore district. He joined the Kerala Police force in 1963 and rose up to the rank of Superintendent of Police and retained the post until he retired. Only then he started acting in films. He is also a well trained artist in Kathakali, the major classical dance form of Kerala.

The departed actor has been acting in Malayalam films since the late 1970s and he has over 500 films to his credit that includes Mammootty's cult mystery thriller 'Oru CBI Diary Kurippu' and 'Vietnam Colony' with Mohanlal. In his illustrious career he has shared screen space in many films with these two icons as well as many other prominent stars such as Suresh Gopi, Dileep, Mukhesh and Vineeth.

Jagannatha Varma is survived by wife Santha Varma. son Manu Varma who is a prominent Television anchor and daughter Priya. Popular Malayalam director Viji Thampi is his Son-in-law.

IndiaGlitz conveys its condolences to the bereaved family, friends and fans of Jagannatha Varma.