Veteran Malayalam actor and sitting MLA Mukesh has shared a deeply emotional tribute, remembering the profound 43-year bond he shared with legendary actor, writer, and filmmaker Sreenivasan, who passed away recently. Mukesh described the relationship as central to both his personal life and cinematic journey, stating that Sreenivasan was an irreplaceable figure.
A Friendship That Defined a Career and Worldview
In a heartfelt conversation, Mukesh reflected on how decades of friendship with Sreenivasan fundamentally shaped his thinking, sense of humor, and outlook on the world. He revealed that his initial career ambitions were not centered on stardom. "When I started my career, I never dreamed of stardom," Mukesh told The Indian Express. His primary desire was simply to be in the company of great minds, share jokes, and cherish those moments. He stated that his greatest joy today stems from memories of shared "love, humor, thoughts, and observations" with close ones, a journey where "Sreenivasan played the most important role."
From Unwavering Support to Cinematic Collaborations
The actor reminisced about their first meeting on the sets of the 1984 film 'Odaruthammava Aalariyam,' directed by Priyadarshan. At the time, Priyadarshan viewed Mukesh primarily as a theater actor and was hesitant to cast him. It was Sreenivasan who firmly advocated for him. "Sreeni told Priyan clearly that he was mistaken. He belongs here. He has the wavelength," Mukesh recalled. Priyadarshan later acknowledged his error, a pivotal moment that Mukesh said shaped everything that followed in his film career.
Mukesh highlighted Sreenivasan's fierce honesty and principles, noting he never hesitated to appreciate genuine talent, offered fearless criticism when needed, and would quietly disengage from situations that conflicted with his morals. This integrity, Mukesh asserted, defined both Sreenivasan's life and his vast body of work.
Transforming Jokes into Legacy: 'Vadakku Nokki Yanthram' and 'Kadha Parayumbol'
One of the most cherished memories involved a simple college anecdote. Mukesh shared a joke from his youth about an elderly man confusing a barber shop for a hotel. Sreenivasan, with his unique genius, transformed this into a legendary comic sequence for the film 'Vadakku Nokki Yanthram.' "He personally called me late one night to seek permission before using it," Mukesh said, adding that only Sreenivasan had the talent to turn "the worst joke in the world" into a scene that made audiences roar with laughter.
Their collaboration later evolved into production. Mukesh recalled suggesting they create a meaningful, enduring film together, which led to the iconic 'Kadha Parayumbol.' "When Sreeni narrated the story to me at a wedding, it brought tears to my eyes," he shared. Mukesh told Sreenivasan that this film should define friendship globally. He also remembered how superstar Mammootty agreed to act in the film without any remuneration, and how the movie was successfully remade in several Indian languages.
The Irreplaceable Void and a Final Conversation
Mukesh described Sreenivasan as a man shaped more by the rich tapestry of lived experience than formal education, drawing profound insight from friendship, poverty, politics, and human dignity. "It is impossible to replace someone who has lived, observed, and created like him," he stated, summarizing the immense void left behind.
Reflecting on his final interaction, Mukesh revealed they spoke just a day before Sreenivasan's passing. The call was regarding an old document from Sreenivasan's wife, Vimala, who also mentioned he had fallen and injured his leg. "I would have visited him one of these days," Mukesh said softly, concluding with the poignant acknowledgment, "I lost someone truly irreplaceable."
