Indian Expat Family Shares Untold Stories of Actor Sreenivasan’s Humble Life
Personal Reflections on Loss
The recent passing of the renowned Malayalam actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan resonates deeply for many, including the family of Pooja Jenson, an Indian expat living in the UAE. Pooja expressed that this loss transcends celebrity status, emphasizing the profound personal impact it has had on her family. Her father, Cyriac Philip, a retired assistant bank manager, is mourning the loss of a dear friend from their college days in Kerala during the early 1970s.
Cyriac, currently visiting Pooja’s family in Sharjah, reminisced about their long-standing friendship. “It is a great loss to the Malayalam film industry, but it is a big personal loss to us, especially my father,” Pooja noted. “He would have gone to see Sreeni uncle had he been in Kerala. He is still struggling to come out of that grief.”
A Friendship That Began in College
The roots of their friendship trace back to 1972 at Pazhassi Raja NSS College in Mattannur, Kannur. At the time, Cyriac was a newcomer, enrolling for his BCom degree. Sreenivasan, having completed his degree the previous year, was already a celebrated figure on campus, serving as the arts club secretary and winning accolades for his acting.
Cyriac recalled, “He was very famous in college. Then Sreeni came back to the college campus to work as the canteen manager cum cashier. That’s when we became friends.” Their bond became stronger during daily visits to the college canteen, where they engaged in shared routines and laughter.
Weekend Gatherings and Close Bonds
As time passed, Cyriac and his friends transitioned from the college hostel to VR Nair Lodge, where Sreenivasan became a regular weekend guest. “He would spend Saturday and Sunday with us. He continued coming to us and even came to my house in Mananthavady and stayed with us,” Cyriac reminisced fondly.
Despite the demands of Sreenivasan’s growing career, which included teaching at a parallel college in Kuthuparamba, their friendship endured. When Cyriac began working as a contractor, Sreenivasan was preparing to attend the film institute in Madras to pursue acting. “He came to meet me before he left for Madras. I did help him in some way,” Cyriac said, hinting at the support they provided each other.
Unexpected Reunion on a Film Set
Years later, fate brought them together during a film shoot in Mananthavady. Cyriac recalled the moment when Sreenivasan, who was filming a small role in Ottappettavar, stayed at a nearby Tourist Bungalow. “He came to my home in the evening… We met and spent some time together,” Cyriac said, highlighting the gratefulness he felt for their rekindled connection.
A Friendship Across Distances
As Cyriac’s career progressed, he moved to various cities, which strained their connection. However, a cousin’s initiative sparked a reconnection when Metty Grace encouraged Cyriac to invite Sreenivasan as a guest for a Kerala Samajam event in Bangalore.
“I did not know where Sreeni was, and I sent a letter to his Pattiom address,” Cyriac explained. A month and a half later, he received a phone call from Sreenivasan, who had just returned from being out of town. “We got reconnected,” he remembered, emphasizing the essential nature of their friendship.
Sreenivasan later attended a Kerala Samajam event in Mysore, aligning with Cyriac’s new home after marriage. He visited again with his family during their travels to Chennai, creating lasting memories.
Cherished Family Interactions
The interactions extended beyond Cyriac and Sreenivasan, as families intertwined with each other’s lives over the years. Cyriac recalled how they hosted Sreenivasan and his family for a day. “We were so happy when Sreeni came for Pooja’s engagement. We were invited for both his children’s weddings,” Cyriac said, reflecting on their closely-knit relationship.
Pooja holds fond memories of these family encounters. Although she was young during Sreenivasan’s first visit to Mysore, she vividly remembers his second visit when he came with his family. “I clearly remember the next time when he came with family,” she recalled, adding how they spent delightful moments at the park.
As Indian expats in the UAE reflect on their lives, the memories of a beloved actor and friend like Sreenivasan weave a beautifully intricate tapestry of friendship and shared experiences that transcend the boundaries of fame and fortune.
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