Thiruvananathapuram, Dec 29 : Malayalam film and television actor Dileep Shankar has been found dead in the room of a hotel here, the police said on Sunday.

A source in the Kerala Police told IANS that Dileep Shankar had checked into the hotel two days ago.

However, the hotel staff became suspicious after noticing no activity in his room and detecting a foul smell emanating from it.

When the staff broke open the door, they found the actor dead.

The police were immediately informed and a team of police personnel arrived at the spot to initiate further inquiries.

Police sources stated that investigations are ongoing and that forensic tests will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

It has been reported that Dileep Shankar had been dealing with certain health issues which may have contributed to this tragic incident.

Dileep Shankar was well-known for his performances in several Malayalam serials, including Amma Ariyathe, Sundari, and Panchagni.

Cantonment police SHO Peajeesh Sasi told mediapersons that the death is estimated to have happened at least two days ago.

He said that the AC in the hotel room was functioning and that the body had not decomposed as much as it would have in normal conditions.

The police officer said that the actor was known to have had some health issues, but the exact cause of

death can be ascertained only after the post-mortem.

Some reports suggested that Dileep Shankar was in the capital city of Kerala for the shooting of television series 'Panchagni'.

The director of the show reportedly told the police that the actor had been suffering from a serious illness. The nature of the illness, however, could not be immediately known. Dileep Shankar was undergoing treatment for the ailment.

Meanwhile, sources said that the police have launched an investigation into the incident, adding that a forensic team will examine the hotel room in which Dileep Shankar stayed.

Initial examination of the hotel room did not hint at any foul play, a police source said.

Dileep Shankar, a native of Ernakulam in Kerala, has been part of several popular Malayalam shows.

He is known for playing roles in serials like 'Amma Iriathe', 'Panchagni' and 'Sundari'.

/IANS