Innocent’s death marks end of an era in Malayalam cinema
A golden era of humour in Malayalam films has ended with the departure of actorproducer, politician and author, Innocent, creating a void that is unlikely to be filled for a long time to come and sending the entire Malayali society to grief.
Innocent breathed his last at 10.30 pm on Sunday night, after spending the last few days with life support at the Lakeshore hospital in Ernakulam, where he was admitted with pneumonia and other complications while returning from a brief US visit. He was 75.
His sense of humour transcended the silver screen and had his audiences spellbound with his observations and remarks at chat shows, television programmes and live performances. His characters lived beyond the films in which they were portrayed and had become part of the day-to-day life of Malayalis.
He acted in over 700 films in various languages. Although with limited schooling, Innocent was an embodiment of wisdom and wit, which made interactions with him a delight for anyone who had a chance to meet him. Innocent was an essential part of any successful movie in Malayalam.
A cancer survivor, he has been described as a masterclass by his doctors on how to face the deadly disease. He had such courage that he could joke about the disease, which had afflicted his wife Alice as well, with typical nonchalance.
His book titled ‘Laughter in the Cancer Ward’ was prescribed as text book in schools and has been translated into multiple languages, including Italian. Altogether, he has authored seven books.
He distinguished himself with his organizational abilities as well, by serving as the president of the organization of Malayalam movie artists named AMMA. His election to the post was unopposed throughout, indicating the high level of his acceptance among colleagues.
Innocent was literally all that was meant by his name and he endeared himself to all kinds of people, young and old, and belonging to various shades of opinion. In 2014, he was elected to Lok Sabha from the Chalakkudy constituency with the support of the Left and did pioneering work in creating awareness about the disease as well as setting up test and treatment facilities throughout his constituency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was pained by the passing away of the noted actor and former MP and that he would be remembered for enthralling audiences and filling people’s lives with humour.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who came with his wife to pay respects to the actorpolitician at his hometown of Irinjalakuda, said Innocent gained an unforgettable place in the hearts of his audiences. As a politician too, he managed to touch the lives of the people and his social environment, Vijayan added.