Mohan Raj aka Keerikkadan Jose passes away, Mammootty leads tributes
Mohan Raj, popularly known as Keerikkadan Jose, had been battling Parkinson’s disease and diabetes, and he breathed his last in Thiruvananthapuram, where he had moved for Ayurvedic treatment.
Updated : October 03, 2024 07:28 PM ISTMohan Raj, popularly known as Keerikkadan Jose, had been battling Parkinson’s disease and diabetes, and he breathed his last in Thiruvananthapuram, where he had moved for Ayurvedic treatment.
Mohan Raj aka Keerikkadan Jose
Seasoned actor Mohan Raj, best known for his unforgettable portrayal of the menacing villain Keerikkadan Jose in the iconic Malayalam film Kireedam (1989), passed away on Thursday. The actor, who had been battling Parkinson’s disease and diabetes, breathed his last in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 65.
Mohan Raj’s imposing screen presence made him a household name, especially in villainous roles. He made his screen debut in 1988 with Moonnam Mura, but he caught his first major break a year later with his portrayal of Keerikkadan Jose, opposite Mohanlal in Kireedam. That character remains one of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated antagonists. The film is regarded as a classic, and his performance as the formidable antagonist was central to its impact.
Over the course of his career, Mohan Raj appeared in over 300 films, not just in Malayalam but also in other South Indian languages, establishing himself as a versatile and impactful actor. His ability to bring intense, layered villainous characters to life earned him great admiration from audiences and filmmakers alike.
Mohan Raj pursued his passion for cinema while serving in the Enforcement Directorate. In his long professional career outside of movies, he served in different capacities as a government official. A graduate in Economics from Government Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram, he first joined the Indian Armed Forces, later serving in the Central Board of Excise and Customs, and the Kerala Police, before taking on the role of Enforcement Assistant Commissioner in Madurai.
He settled with his wife Usha and children in Madurai. He had recently moved to Thiruvananthapuram to seek Ayurvedic treatment for his ailments, but his health continued to decline. He is now survived by his wife and two daughters, Jaishma and Kaaviya.
Members of the Malayalam film fraternity have expressed their condolences on the passing of the actor. Malayalam star Mammootty, who shared screen space with Mohan Raj in movies like Artham, Oliyampukal, Purappadu, and more recently in Rorschach, led the tributes.