Businessman, film producer and philanthropist, MM Ramachandran, popularly known as Atlas Ramachandran has died.

The Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) sent out tributes to the expatriate businessman, who had an active presence in the well-being of Pravasi Keralities.

“A businessman who gave employment to many people. A philanthropist who always reached out to the helpless. Beyond being an expatriate entrepreneur, Atlas Ramachandran was also actively involved in social issues of fellow Keralites. A man who persevered in adversity, he was a role model for many. He valued his peers and maintained a wide network of friends across the Arab countries. With the demise of Atlas Ramachandran, the diaspora has lost an entrepreneur” said a statement released by KPA.

Atlas Jewelry Group, which was started nearly three decades ago, had outlets in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE and across Kerala. The Group had also ventured into the healthcare, real estate and film distribution sectors. Besides his business interests, he was also known as a film producer and actor. He was once ranked among the “100 most powerful Indians in the GCC”.