Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Keralite journalist and and Editor-in-chief of Asianet News T.N. Gopakumar passed away at a private hospital early on Saturday. He was 58.
A veteran journalist, he had won numerous awards including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award.
Though Gopakumar was undergoing treatment for cancer for sometime, he was getting back to active journalism. Family sources said the end came at around 3.50 am on Saturday.
TNG of Kannadi
Gopakumar, fondly known as TNG, started his journalistic career with Indian Express and went on to work with Mathrubhumi, News Time, Statesman, Independent and India Today.
A popular anchor, he was most identified with a weekly TV programme 'Kannadi' that dealt with social issues. His unique style of presentation and deep-bass voice gave him a prominent position in Kerala households at the dawn of the visual media era.
'Kannadi' (mirror) had celebrated 1,000 episodes and ran for 22 years.
He also contributed to BBC Radio before joining Asianet.
Gopakumar, the filmmaker
Despite a hectic career, Gopakumar found time to pen books on various subjects, directed a film 'Jeevan Mashai' in 2001 and a serial for Doordarshan 'Verukkal' (Roots).
He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award for 'Suchindrum Rakhakal' besides many other awards during his three decades of journalistic career.
Funeral with state honours
His funeral was held at Thycaud Shanthi Kavadam crematorium Saturday evening with full state honours.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition Leader V.S. Achuthanandan, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, film personalities and media personnel were among those who offered their respects.
Gopakumar leaves behind his wife and two daughters.
(With inputs from agencies)