KOTTAYAM: Rest assured, this Saturday would pass by unnoticed. But for Achamma, Lisamma and Sajan, January 16 will dawn on them accompanied by painful memories.
It is the 29th death anniversary of actor Achankunju, who won the state award for the best actor for his debut film ‘Lorry,’ directed by Bharathan and penned by Padmarajan. The Kottayam Kacherikadavu-based actor, who had mostly donned villain roles in Malayalam movies, passed away on January 16, 1987.
Often award-winning/frontline actors death anniversaries will be observed vividly. However, Achankunju’s death anniversary was observed only once in 1999. A drama festival was held under the initiative of his son Sajan. Achankunnu was a noted theatre artist before entering the tinsel town in the 80s.
Sajan had approached many actors and other personalities in the film industry for help, but he did not get much support.
But the state government’s indifferent attitude has hurt Sajan, Achamma, Achankunju’s wife and Lisamma, his daughter, more than anything. The state government did not commemorate the first actor from Kottayam to win a state award for best actor when the state film award ceremony was hosted in the district after an interval of 14 years. In all, Achankunju had had acted in 46 movies and bagged several awards.
Contrary to his rough and tough looks on the screen, Achankunju was a very loving and
warm hearted person, remembered his 73-year- old wife Achamma. She said the Achankunju’s harsh appearance was the result of a road accident. However, the disfigurement opened the doors of film industry for him, offering him roles of ruthless characters in many movies such as Chatta, Ee Nadu, Ahimsa and Arappatta Kettiya Gramam. The passion for acting brought Achankunju, who was a head load worker in the boat jetty here, to the world of plays and movies.