Kochi:
Well-known Malayalam junior artisteJoseph Rodriguez, nicknamed 'Saigal' by late thespian SivajiGanesan, is no more.
He passed away unsung at a private hospital hereon Saturday, a day after performing a small role in theMalayalam film Kaassh whose shoot was in progress at nearbyEdakochi.
Rodriguez, 81, fell ill on Friday night and was admittedto the hospital. He is survived by wife, a son and a daughter.
He had essayed small roles in nearby 600 films and hadshared screen space with late M G Ramachandran (MGR), SivajiGanesan, N T Rama Rao and Raj Kumar in Tamil, Telugu, Kannadaand Hindi films.
He began singing in local ferries to make both ends meetwhen he was noticed by veteran singer K J Yesudas's fatherAugustine Joseph, who advised him to go to Chennai.
In Chennai, he became a singer and actor in various Tamilplays and was a member of Sivaji Ganesan's drama troupe.
According to industry sources, Joseph got the 'Saigal'tag after Sivaji was impressed by his rendition of K L Saigal'sSo Ja Rajakumar.
Despite being in the industry for several decades, onlysmall roles came his way and he remained as a junior artistethroughout. He was also part of chorus in Malayalam films.
Union Minister Prof K V Thomas, Malayalam actors Mamootty,Innocent and Music Director M K Arjunan were among those whopaid their respects.
The funeral was held at St Mary's Church at Edakochi.
He passed away unsung at a private hospital hereon Saturday, a day after performing a small role in theMalayalam film Kaassh whose shoot was in progress at nearbyEdakochi.
Rodriguez, 81, fell ill on Friday night and was admittedto the hospital. He is survived by wife, a son and a daughter.
He had essayed small roles in nearby 600 films and hadshared screen space with late M G Ramachandran (MGR), SivajiGanesan, N T Rama Rao and Raj Kumar in Tamil, Telugu, Kannadaand Hindi films.
He began singing in local ferries to make both ends meetwhen he was noticed by veteran singer K J Yesudas's fatherAugustine Joseph, who advised him to go to Chennai.
In Chennai, he became a singer and actor in various Tamilplays and was a member of Sivaji Ganesan's drama troupe.
According to industry sources, Joseph got the 'Saigal'tag after Sivaji was impressed by his rendition of K L Saigal'sSo Ja Rajakumar.
Despite being in the industry for several decades, onlysmall roles came his way and he remained as a junior artistethroughout. He was also part of chorus in Malayalam films.
Union Minister Prof K V Thomas, Malayalam actors Mamootty,Innocent and Music Director M K Arjunan were among those whopaid their respects.
The funeral was held at St Mary's Church at Edakochi.
