Journalist TN Gopakumar (TNG) of 'Kannadi' fame dies at 58; celebs, politicians offer condolences

Journalist TN Gopakumar, 58, passed away at 3:50 am in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, 30 January. He was undergoing treatment for cancer. 

TNG's mortal remains will be cremated with state honours at 5 pm at Shantikavadam crematorium in Thycaud. His body will be kept at Asianet News headquarters from 1 pm to 3 pm and at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club from 3 pm to 4 pm for celebs and public to pay homage to the veteran journalist.

TNG, born in 1957, was working as the Editor-in-Chief of Asianet News and is known for his weekly programme "Kannadi", which ran for 20 years. Gopakumar, who began his career in Indian Express, has also worked with Mathrubhumi, News Time, India Today, The Independent, The Statesman and BBC.

The senior journalist, with more than 30 years of experience, has also received many awards, including the Kerala Sahithya Academy Award for his book "Suchindrum Rekhakal". He is also known for his works "Volga Tharangakal", "Akambadi", "Sarpangal", "Shudran", "Payam", "Suchinthra" and directed the movie "Jeevan Mashai" in 2001 and the serial "Verukal" on Doordarshan. 

TNG is survived by his wife Hether Gopakumar and two daughters Kaveri and Gayathri.

Check out live blog below:

4:50 pm: TN Gopakumar's body has been cremated at Shantikavadam crematorium in Thycaud with state honours. Many politicians, celebrities and journalists paid tributes to the late journalist, who is known for his programme "Kannadi" on Asianet channel.

4:45 pm: The body of TNG is brought to Shantikavadam crematorium in Thycaud.

4:30 pm: The mortal remains of TN Gopakumar is taken to Thycaud crematorium.

3:05 pm: Many mediapersons and celebs have arrived at Press Club to pay tribute to TNG. The body will be kept here till 4:30 pm.

2: 50 pm: TN Gopakumar's body has been taken to Thiruvananthapuram Press Club.

1:15 pm: The mortal remains of TN Gopakumar is brought to the headquarters of Asianet News, where people are paying tribute to the veteran journalist.

01: 00 pm: Secretary of the Communist Party Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, AK Antony, actors Nedumudi Venu, Sashi Kumar and many others paid tribute to TNG.

12:40 pm: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, MLA Anoop Jacob, Nalini Netto, actor Devan paid last respects to Gopakumar.

 12: 20 pm:  Leader of the Opposition in Kerala VS Achuthanandan paid homage to TNG.

10: 00 am: K Muralidheeran arrived at TNG's residence.

8: 40 am: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy arrived at TNG's residence in Petta and paid homage to him. He also informed that the mortal remains of the late journalist will be cremated with state honours owing to his contributions to the society.

8:30 am: Actor Jagadeesh paid homage to TNG. Through telephone conversation, Mammootty, Nedumudi Venu, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Vayalar Ravi, KM Mani, MP Virendra Kumar, O Rajagopal, Pinaray Vijaya, and many others expressed their condolences to TNG.

Check out celebrity condolences below:

Shashi Tharoor

Saddened to learn of the passing of Gopakumar of @asianetnewstv. Had interviewed me more than once. Wore his considerable knowledge lightly

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy responds:

Polit Bureau member of Communist Party MA Baby responds:

Poet Sugathakumari offers condolences