Veteran makeup artist Pandian, who made significant contributions to Malayalam cinema and several other South Indian film industries, died at the age of 74. He died at his residence in Virugambakkam, Chennai.

His final film association was with Sathyan Anthikad's Malayalam film, Hridayapoorvam, starring Mohanlal.He is survived by his wife, Lakshmi, and their two children, Anitha and Thannu. More details regarding the funeral are awaited.With a career spanning five decades, Pandian worked with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, collaborating with celebrated filmmakers and actors across Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu industries.

His work left an indelible mark on several generations of film stars.Born Pandian Velu in 1955 in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, to Velu and Thayamma, he entered the Malayalam film industry when he was just 16. He began his career as an assistant to Krishnarajan, the personal makeup artist of legendary Malayalam actor Sathyan.

Pandian eventually established himself as an independent makeup artist in 1978 with the film Madalasa. Over the years, Pandian worked with several iconic actors, including NT Rama Rao (NTR), Prem Nazir, Sathyan, SV Ranga Rao, Krishna, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Mammootty and Mohanlal.

Having witnessed the transformation of the makeup department in Indian cinema, he remained an important part of the industry through changing generations of actors and filmmaking styles.Among the many professional relationships he built, his association with Malayalam filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad was particularly special. Initially known as the director's personal makeup artist, Pandian worked with him on several films, beginning with Kurukkante Kalyanam.

Their relationship gradually grew into a close friendship that extended beyond the film sets. The depth of their bond was evident when Sathyan Anthikad extended the shooting schedule of Manassinakkare to allow Pandian time to recover from heart surgery.

The filmmaker's association with the makeup artist continued over the years, with Hridayapoorvam becoming their final film together.Pandian's contribution to cinema was recognised with the Kerala State Film Award for Best Makeup Artist in 2001 for his work in Madhuranombarakattu.- Ends