Veteran journalist Cho Ramaswamy passes away

Veteran journalist, former Rajya Sabha member and political commentator Cho Ramaswamy (82) died here today following illness.

Fondly addressed as Cho, he was suffering from illness and breathed his last at a private hospital this morning, sources close to his family said.

He is survived by wife, son and daughter.

Ramaswamy was founder editor of Thuqlaq magazine and was known as a satirist.

He had acted in many movies and featured with top actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

Apollo Hospitals, where Ramaswamy was admitted for treatment, said he passed away this morning.

"It is with immense sadness we announce the demise of Shri Srinivasa Iyer Ramaswamy, popularly called Cho Ramaswamy, this morning," the hospital said in a statement.

"The 82-year-old was a true legend and lived a splendid life of an Indian character actor, comedian, editor, political satirist, playwright and dialogue writer," it said.  "We join the nation to extend our heartfelt condolence to the family and friends in this moment of grief," the statement said.