Malayalam mimicry artist and 'Gunda Binu' fame Sharath Unnithan passes away in the US; Sneha Sreekumar shares tribute

TRIGGER WARNING: This article mentions death. Reader discretion is advised.Popular mimicry artist Sharath Unnithan, known widely as ‘Gunda Binu’ on social media, has passed away suddenly. He reportedly collapsed while in the United States. Actress Sneha Sreekumar confirmed the news on her social media accounts. Reports from Asianet News says that Sharath Unnithan hailed from Vathikkulam in Katanam, Alappuzha district. The artist gained fame through short video reels. His unique comedic style won him a large online following.Sharath created viral reels as the character ‘Gunda Binu’ and he often appeared in distinctive costumes. These included a large moustache, thick eyebrows and headscarf. His performances brought laughter to thousands of viewers across platforms. Interestingly, the character 'Gunda Binu' is in reference to Anna Ben's character in the film 'Kaapa' which had received many trolls during the time it released. The term 'Gunda Binu' is also used in several comedy skits.Before courting fame across social media, Sharath worked with noted mimicry groups. He was part of Cochin Guinness and Thiruvananthapuram Sariga.Actress Sneha Sreekumar shared a heartfelt message. She wrote, "പ്രിയ കലാകാരന്‍ അമേരിക്കയിൽ ജോലി ചെയ്തിരുന്ന ആലപ്പുഴ ജില്ലയിലെ കറ്റാനം മൂന്നാംകുറ്റി വാത്തികുളം സ്വദേശി പ്രിയപ്പെട്ട സ്നേഹിതൻ ശരത് ഉണ്ണിത്താൻ അമേരിക്കയില്‍ വച്ച് മരണപെട്ട വിവരം വേദനയോടെ അറിയിക്കുന്നു. സോഷ്യല്‍ മീഡിയയില്‍ ഗുണ്ട ബിനു എന്ന പേരില്‍ ഒരുപാട് വൈറലായ് റീല്‍സുകളും ശരത് ഉണ്ണിത്താന്‍ ചെയ്തിരുന്നു. മിമിക്രി ആർട്ടിസ്റ്റായിരുന്ന ശരത് കൊച്ചിൻ ഗിന്നസ്,തിരുവനന്തപുരം സരിഗ തുടങ്ങിയ ട്രൂപ്പുകളിലും പ്രവര്‍ത്തിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. ആദരാഞ്ജലികള്‍." ("With deep sorrow, we inform you that our dear friend Sharath Unnithan, a native of Vathikulam, Moonnamkurru, Kattanam in Alappuzha district, who was working in the United States, has passed away in America. Sharath Unnithan had gained significant popularity on social media under the name ‘Gunda Binu,’ where his reels went widely viral. He was also a mimicry artist and had performed with troupes such as Cochin Guinness and Thiruvananthapuram Sariga. Heartfelt condolences.”) Actress Surabhi Lakshmi commented, "Oh god."Fans flooded his recent reel with messages. One wrote, "Rip." Another said, "Hearty condolences brother."Others added, "Condolences," "heartfelt condolences.... ," "Oh my god.. what actually happened?." and "Shocked."Meanwhile, the exact cause of Sharath Unnithan's death remains unconfirmed officially.