Malayalam film star Kollam Ajith Kumar, known for portraying negative roles, died on Thursday at a private hospital in Kochi, family sources said. Ajith, 56, was suffering from stomach ailments and was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago. Ajith in a career spread over three decades, has acted in around 500 films, mostly in Malayalam besides a few in Tamil and Hindi.

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— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) April 5, 2018

He started his career with 1984 hit Paranu Paranu Paranu by ace Malayali director Padmarajan. Ajith was often referred to Malayalam film industry's permanent villain on account of his role in the hugely successful Irupathaam Noottaandu (1987) starring Mohanlal. Since then he was the first choice for villain roles.