Veteran Malayalam actor K N Jagannatha Varma died in Kerala’s Neyyantinkara on Monday. The 77-year-old film and television actor was hospitalised for pneumonia on Sunday. He is survived by his wife, Santha, son Manu and television actor and daughter Priya.

Varma served in the state police force and retired as Superintendent of police. He was also a Kathakali artist. In 1978, he made his debut with Mattoly and was subsequently cast in more than 500 films. He is best remembered for his roles in New Delhi, Lelam, Pathram, Nakshatrangale Sakshi, Sughamo Devi, Ee Thanuthe Veluppan Kalathu and No 20 Madras Mail.

When he was 74, he made his debut as a Thayambaka artist.