Thiruvananthapuram, (PTI): Eminent Malayalam film actor, Bharat Gopi, who mesmerised the audience with his versatile talent, died in a private hospital here Tuesday following cardiac problems, family sources said.

Gopi, 71, is survived by wife, son and a daughter.

Gopi suffered a heart attack last week at a shooting location in Alappuzha and was brought here two days back for specialised treatment.

Making his debut in a minor role in Adoor Gopalakrishnan' Swayamvaram,' Gopi made it big with his lead role in the director's next film `Kodiyettam' which earned him the Bharat award for best actor.

He was the second artiste to win the honour in Malayalam after P J Antony for his performance in M T Vasudevan Nair's 'Nirmalyam.'

Gopi had been cast in successful roles by noted film-makers like G Aravindan, Padmarajan, Bharathan and K G George, bringing out the various facets of his versatile talent.

He had also done the role of a trade union leader in Govind Nihalani's Hindi film 'Aghat.'

After a paralytic stroke at the prime of his career, Gopi had to keep off the limelight for a few years before he made a comeback despite physical constraints.

Shocked by the demise of Gopi, the entire Malayalam film fraternity expressed profound grief at the loss.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, Culture Minister M A Baby and other ministers condoled the death of the actor.