Well-known Tamil actor and writer Vinu Chakravarthy, who had starred in over 1,000 films, breathed his last in Chennai on Thursday. He was 74.

Chennai: Well-known Tamil actor and writer Vinu Chakravarthy, who had starred in over 1,000 films, breathed his last here on Thursday, 27 April 2017. He was 74.

A statement released by the actor's family said Chakravarthy passed away after battling three-year-long health-related issues.

Chakravarthy had acted in 1002 films, mostly in Tamil.

Born in 1945, he began his career as a script writer and worked under Kannada director Puttana Kanagal.

In 1977, he was spotted by producer Tirupur Mani, who gave him his first acting break in Kannada film Parasangada Gendetimma.

He had acted in over 900 Tamil films. Some of his best movies include Gopurangal Saivathillaia, Manithan, Guru Sishyan, Mappillai and Amarkalama among others.

Chakravarthy was instrumental in launching the career of late actress Vijayalakshmi aka Silk Smitha.

He had also acted in a few Malayalam and Kannada films.

His last on screen appearance was in 2014 Tamil film Vaaya Moodi Pesavum.

Chakravarthy is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

His last rites will be performed on Friday.