Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 20 (UNI) Veteran Malayalam actor K N Jagannatha Varma passed away at a private hospital here today. The 77-year-old actor, who was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia a few days ago, had a fatal cardiac arrest. He had acted in nearly 200 films and two dozen television serials in a career spanning close to four decades. Mr Varma, who joined Kerala Police in 1963, had retired as Superintendent of Police. An accomplished Kathakali artiste and a percussionist, Mr Varma made his debut in Malayalam films in 1978 with 'Mattoly' and went on to do memorable roles in over 200 films. Among his well-known films are, New Delhi, Lelam, Pathram, Nakshatrangale Sakshi, Sughamo Devi, Ee Thanuthe Veluppan Kalathu and No 20 Madras Mail. At the age of 74, he made his 'arangetram' as Thayambaka artist. He leaves behind his wife Santha Varma. The couple have a son Manu Varma, an accomplished television actor, and a daughter Priya. Malayalam movie director Viji Thampi is his son-in-law. UNI CR CS 1822