'He was a very smart boy': 'Rasikan' director Lal Jose remembers late actor Hari Murali

The Malayalam film industry is mourning the untimely passing of child actor Hari Murali who won the hearts of audiences with his performance in 'Rasikan' and other popular movies and serials. Hari Murali passed away unexpectedly at the age of 27 on Thursday (March 12).

Lal Jose remembers Hari Murali

Director Lal Jose introduced the young talent to cinema through his 2004 film 'Rasikan,' where Hari Murali played Dileep's younger brother.









Speaking to Manorama Online, Lal Jose said, “After learning about the death of Hari Murali, who acted as a child artist in my film Rasikan, I felt extremely saddened. Hari was a very smart boy. During the shooting of Rasikan, he used to make the set lively with his jokes and curious questions. The drama scene in the film, which made him famous, was something Dileep and Hari together polished and performed beautifully. It was Dileep who taught him the dialogues and helped him perform that scene. At that time, he was very close to Dileep. Later I heard that he stopped acting in films and moved towards graphics and writing.”

Director remembers chance meeting years later

Lal Jose also revealed that he had not met Hari again after the shooting of Rasikan was completed. However, a chance meeting months ago left a lasting impression on him.


“About five or six months ago, one night in Ernakulam, I went to a roadside eatery very late to have some food. A young man with a beard was sitting next to me and eating. After a while he asked, ‘Uncle, do you recognize me?’ I said no. Then he said, ‘I am Hari who acted as the child artist in Rasikan,’ recalls the 'Classmates' director.


Lal Jose added, "Seeing him after so many years and having him come and talk to me made me very happy. That was how I saw him again after such a long time. I told him that when I see boys like you, I realize that I have grown old. We met like that by chance that day, and I told him to convey my regards to his father and mother. When this news reached me, it was a huge shock. I hope his family gets the strength to bear this loss,” Lal Jose said.

Son of renowned theatre artist

Hari Murali, fondly known as Appoos, was the son of noted theatre artist Murali Payyannur. He entered the acting field at a very young age. His acting journey began through a television serial directed by A. M. Naseer and soon after, he gained recognition through 'Rasikan'. Over the years, he acted in more than fifty films and telefilms.


Hari Murali remained active in the acting field until about ten years ago. However, he later stepped away from cinema for a period. After completing his Plus Two education, he pursued a Visual Media degree in Bengaluru. The actor also spent some time abroad. Hari Murali was last seen in the Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer 'Amar Akbar Anthony'.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”