KOCHI: The venue of the meeting organised to commemorate Kalabhavan Mani who passed away recently witnessed an overflow of emotions laced with love for the late actor.
Mani's colleagues in the film field and representatives of political parties who spoke at the function, which was organised in front of Town Hall here on Monday evening by the EMS Cultural Centre, remembered contributions of the actor to cinema and society. "I met Mani 22 years ago during the shooting of my film 'Aksharam.' Then, we were searching for a person who could act as well as drive autorickshaw for a combination scene with Suresh Gopi's character. My Associate director Sunderdas introduced Mani to me. While shooting the scene on a busy road near Palarivattom, we were doubtful whether Mani would be able to deliver dialogues while driving the auto. Needless to say, Mani managed the scene perfectly," said director Sibi Malayil. "After becoming a busy comedian in Malayalam, following the success of 'Sallapam,' Mani continued to cooperate with me in movies like 'Summer in Bethlehem.' The comedy 'numbers' in that film are still cherished by movie lovers. He later became the hero of my film 'Aayirathil Oruvan.' The love, gratitude and respect I saw in his eyes when I offered the role in Aksharam were till there when I met him last," he said.
Though Mani first acted in Aksharam, it was his role in Sallapam that brought him a breakthrough in films. "As in the case of Mani Chettan, it was 'Sallapam' that gave me a real boost in my film career, though 'Sakshyam' was my first movie. He had a special ability to make others laugh as well make them cry. He used to perform mimicry during breaks, and also share the bitterness of his childhood. Still, only my half mind has accepted the fact that Mani Chettan is no more. He was like a brother to me, and had stood strongly with me during the crucial moments of my life," remembered actor Manju Warrier. Speaking on the occasion, writer-director A K Sajan said it was not after the death an actor should be showered with love, but when he/she is alive and active. "I do not think the film world showed the same kind of affection to Mani as he had showed to cinema. When we suggested Mani's name for some roles in the last years of his career, some producers were reluctant to cast him," added Sajan.