Kochi: Actor Kollam Ajith, known for his villain roles in Malayalam movies, passed away at a private hospital here this morning, film industry sources said.

He was 56.

Beginning his career in the 1980s, Ajith acted in over 500 movies. He also acted in some Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films.

The actor, who was undergoing treatment for stomach- related ailments for some time, breathed his last at 3.40 a.m, the sources said.

Malayalam superstar Mammootty and others in the industry paid tribute to Ajith, who is survived by wife and two children.

The mortal remains were taken to Kollam, where the last rites would be performed.