The passing of veteran Malayalam actor, director, and screenwriter Sreenivasan at the age of 75 has left a void filled with the very elements that defined his career: satire, irony, and public conversation. Known for his sharp wit and self-deprecating humor, Sreenivasan spent decades challenging societal and political norms through his work in cinema and theatre. In a twist befitting his legacy, his death was met not just with grief but with a wave of ironic humor and an unexpected public debate over one simple fact—his correct date of birth.
A Legacy of Laughter and Social Commentary
Sreenivasan was a multi-faceted artist—a director, screenwriter, filmmaker, and actor—who constantly challenged and reshaped the perspectives of Malayali society. His unique brand of satire and self-deprecation made him a beloved figure. Following the news of his death, discussions on social media quickly veered into confusion and disagreement regarding his age. Many news sources and personal information websites had incorrectly listed his birth year, leading to widespread misinformation that he was younger than he actually was.
The Ironic Social Media Debate and His Playful Retort
The debate over Sreenivasan's age became heated online, with users expressing disbelief at the conflicting reports. This confusion, however, was perfectly addressed by the man himself in a past anecdote recalled by friends. When acquaintances pointed out that several websites wrongly listed his birth year as 1956, Sreenivasan responded with his trademark playful wit: “Why miss a chance to be four or five years younger?” This statement perfectly encapsulated the self-deprecating humor that characterized both his public persona and private life.
Archival Evidence and College Records Provide Clarity
To settle the controversy, a deeper look into historical records was necessary. A crucial piece of evidence emerged from his early artistic career. Sreenivasan was selected as the Best Actor at the Calicut University Kannur District Regional Youth Festival on November 30, 1970, for his performance in the play ‘Vyroopyangal.’ A photograph of him receiving this award was published in the Mathrubhumi newspaper on the same day, establishing a clear timeline.
Academic documents provided further confirmation. Sreenivasan joined Mattannur College on August 14, 1968, to pursue a BA in History and Economics and completed his studies on March 31, 1971. His classmates, including C. Umapathi, former regional manager of the North Malabar Gramin Bank, confirmed his graduation year. Friends from his native village of Kongatta in Pattyam and former classmates from Pazhassi Raja NSS College, Mattannur, were surprised by reports claiming he was only 69 at the time of his death.
Official Document Ends All Confusion
The definitive proof came from an official academic record. The inquiry ultimately led to Sreenivasan’s discharge certificate issued by Pazhassi Raja NSS College, Mattannur. According to this document, his confirmed date of birth is May 2, 1950. Thus, the beloved artist, known for iconic films like ‘Vadakku Nokki Yanthram’ and ‘Kadha Parayumbol,’ was indeed 75 years old when he passed away.
In the end, Sreenivasan managed to leave behind one last wave of laughter, irony, and conversation—a fitting tribute to a life and career dedicated to holding a mirror to society with a smile. The debate over his age, resolved by the very records he created in his youth, stands as a final, ironic chapter in the story of a man who never shied away from life's complexities, choosing instead to laugh at them.
