The recent passing of legendary Malayalam actor and screenwriter Sreenivasan has brought one of his most poignant real-life stories back into focus: the simple, interfaith solidarity that made his own wedding possible. Sreenivasan, a master storyteller both on and off screen, often narrated the tale of his marriage to Vimala in 1984, a time when he was struggling financially in the film industry.
A Penniless Wedding in 1984
Sreenivasan married his longtime girlfriend, Vimala, in 1984. Despite having acted in a few films, he was yet to receive his big career break and was essentially penniless. The couple had first met in the early 1970s when Sreenivasan was a teacher at a private tutorial college, long before his cinematic journey began.
At a public event, Sreenivasan later revealed that his wedding was solely facilitated by the timely help of two friends from the industry: Malayalam megastar Mammootty and the legendary character actor Innocent. Their support covered the essential costs that the struggling artist could not afford.
The Rs 400 from Innocent and Rs 2000 from Mammootty
The financial aid came in two crucial parts. First, Innocent, who was a Christian, gave Sreenivasan Rs 400. This money was arranged by Innocent pawning his wife Alice's bangles. It was meant for Sreenivasan's travel expenses from Madras (now Chennai) and other immediate needs.
However, a significant expense remained. Sreenivasan's mother insisted on a golden tali (mangalsutra) for the wedding ceremony. With no money left, Sreenivasan approached Mammootty. "I went to Mammootty's house at night and told him I needed Rs 2,000 because I was getting married the next day," Sreenivasan recounted. Mammootty, a Muslim, immediately provided the sum without hesitation.
This allowed the wedding to proceed at a registrar's office the following day. Reflecting on this, Sreenivasan famously stated, "All I'm saying is... With Rs 400 from a Christian and money given by a Muslim Mammootty, I tied a golden tali around my Hindu wife. What religion, whose religion, where's religion?"
Why Sreenivasan Asked Mammootty Not to Attend
An interesting twist to the story is that Sreenivasan specifically requested Mammootty not to attend the wedding ceremony. When Mammootty offered to come after giving the money, Sreenivasan pleaded, "Please don't; the wedding will get cancelled."
He explained that the registry wedding was a quiet affair, unknown to the public. "You are a big star. If you come to the wedding, everyone will know. So, please don't come," he reasoned. Mammootty finally agreed, respecting his friend's wish for a discreet ceremony.
This deep bond between the two artists was evident until the end. Following Sreenivasan's demise on December 20, 2025, Mammootty shared an emotional post on social media that simply read, "Can't help but remember you, my friend."
Sreenivasan's wedding story, narrated with his characteristic wit, remains more than just an anecdote. It is a powerful testament to human kindness and friendship that transcends religious identities, a narrative as impactful as the iconic dialogues he wrote for films like Nadodikkattu (1987). His legacy includes not just cinematic gems but also real-life lessons in unity.
