Prathap Pothen, an actor who made his characters believable
The HinduPrathap Pothen, who died in Chennai aged 69 on Friday, made his presence felt as a talented actor in several landmark films in Malayalam and Tamil in a career that spanned over four decades. Prathap debuted as an actor with the 1978 film Aaravam, directed by Bharathan. “He was a fine director and I had great regard for him as an actor as well.” Vineeth had reprised Prathap’s role in Thakara in the Tamil adaptation, which was also directed by Bharathan. “After casting me in the role, Bharathan asked me to watch Thakara a thousand times and to observe how Prathap acted in that role; he said that he had given the role all the nuances and the subtleties the character demanded.” Prathap was indeed a capable actor who made his characters believable, be it with body language or the way he spoke.