Veteran South Indian makeup artist Pandian dies at 74 in Chennai
The veteran professional worked across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada cinema for five decades.
Veteran makeup artist Pandian Velu passed away at the age of 74 at his residence in Virugambakkam, Chennai, according to reports by India Today, Kalinga TV and Times of India. He had a career in the film industry spanning five decades.
Pandian worked across the Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries. His final film association was with the Malayalam film Hridayapoorvam, directed by Sathyan Anthikad and starring Mohanlal. He had worked on over 500 films during his career.
Born in 1955 in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, to Velu and Thayamma, Pandian entered the Malayalam film industry at age 16. He began as an assistant to Krishnarajan, the personal makeup artist for actor Sathyan. He became an independent makeup artist in 1978 with the film Madalasa.
Pandian collaborated with several prominent actors, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Prem Nazir, NT Rama Rao, and SV Ranga Rao. In 2001, he received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Makeup Artist for his work in Madhuranombarakattu.
Director Sathyan Anthikad, who worked with Pandian from his first film Kurukkante Kalyanam to Hridayapoorvam, said Pandian was someone he could rely on at any time. Anthikad noted that Pandian would assist with various tasks, such as managing crowds or appearing as an extra in scenes for films like Nadodikkattu.
Pandian is survived by his wife, Lakshmi, and two children, Anitha and Thannu. Details regarding the funeral are awaited.