The 12th of December will see the members of the Malayalam Cine industry getting together to commemorate the legacy of the late actor M G Somasekharan Nair (popularly known as M G Soman). The 15th death anniversary of the famous actor, who passed away in Ernakulam on December 12, 1997, falls on Wednesday.
One of the popular roles played by Soman is ‘Anakkattil Eppachen’, in the flick ‘Lelam’, directed by Joshiy. The dialogues of the character Eppachen have won the hearts of many a movie buffs and mimicry artists alike. The movie marked Soman’s re-entry into the film industry after a long break.
Born here in 1941, Soman was the son of Mannadipparampil K N Govinda Panicker. After completing his pre-university, he joined the Indian Air Force. After retiring from service, he worked as a stage artist in Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair’s drama troupe in 1972. Soman forayed into moviedom through ‘Gayatri’, a film based on a story by Malayattoor Ramakrishnan, and directed by P N Menon.
He received the best actor award of the state government in 1976. The actor has over 250 films, including in Malayalam and Tamil, to his credit. He donned the hat of a producer, a member of the Film Development Corporation and president of AMMA. On the commemoration day, ‘Soman Smruthi’, the M G Soman foundation members will offer floral tributes to the actor’s memory at Mannadipparmpil house, in Thirumoolapuram.
Following this, a commemoration meet will be held at Thirumoolapuram. M G Soman Foundation chairman, director Blessy, will preside over the function. Director Babu Tiruvalla will deliver the memorial speech. “A lasting tribute to the late actor is awaited and the government should take adequate steps in this regard. A science block was constructed by the foundation at the Devaswom Board Higher Secondary School, Blessy said.