Malayalam writer-actor Madampu Kunjukuttan dies of COVID-19
Thrissur, May 11: Eminent novelist, actor and screenplay writer Madampu Sankaran Namboodiri alias Madampu Kunjukuttan, who had been under treatment for COVID-19, succumbed to the viral infection at a private hospital here on Tuesday.
He was 81.
He was admitted to the hospital following fever and breathing difficulties and tested positive for the virus recently, hospital sources said.
Kunjukuttan, fondly called as Madampu by his admirers in the literary and film world, had over 10 novels and five screenplays to his credit.
As an actor, he was known for his roles in the movies like "Paithrikam", "Vadakkunnathan", "Karunam", "Deshadanam", "Aaramthampuram" and so on.
He penned screenplays for critically acclaimed movies such as "Gourisankaram", "Deshadannam", "karunam" and "Makalkku".
Hailing from a traditional Namboodiri family in Kiraloor in Thirssur district,Madampu Kunjukuttan was generally considered as a person and writer who stood for reformation in his community.
His well-known book, 'Bhrashtu", which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for the best novel in 1983, revolves around the real story of Kuriyedathu Thathri, who fought against the patriarchy and rigid and conventional norms in the community.
His other literary works include "Ashwathamavu", "Mahaprasthanam", "Nishdam", "Aryavartham" (all novels) and so on.
Kunjukuttan won the national award for his screenplay for the Jayaraj-directed movie "Karunam" in the year 2000.
A scholar in Vedas, Sansrit, Indian philosophy and Mathanga Leela (Elephant Science), Kunjukuttan was also known for his fascination for elephants.
He unsuccessfully contested from Kodungallur as a BJP candidate in 2001 assembly elections.
Several persons from various walks of life including Governor Arif Mohammed Khan condoled the death of Madampu Kunjukuttan.
"RIP! Folded hands #MadambuKunjukuttan Sir.
PS: Social media timelines are beginning to look like obituary columns. Prayers for the departed and their families.. and hope that times change for the better soon (sic)," actor Prithviraj Sukumaran tweeted.
RIP! ??#MadambuKunjukuttan Sir. PS: Social media timelines are beginning to look like obituary columns. Prayers for the departed and their families..and hope that times change for the better soon. ? pic.twitter.com/As1z9oT44f
— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) May 11, 2021
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bengaluru: Man held for killing uncle over house dispute, tried to pass it off as accidental death
Bengaluru (PTI): A 22-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing his uncle following a dispute over vacating a house and attempting to pass off the death as accidental, police said on Wednesday.
The accused has been identified as Masroor Ahmed.
The victim, Inayath Pasha, was living alone on the ground floor of his sister’s house in Austin Town on a lease basis. Police said he had a disability in his left leg due to polio since birth, and earned his livelihood as a two-wheeler mechanic.
According to the complaint, on the evening of March 1, Pasha’s son visited him at home and found him lying unresponsive.
On checking, he discovered that his father had died. A case of unnatural death was initially registered at the Viveknagar police station.
During further investigation, police questioned Pasha’s sister, her son, and other relatives.
A relative raised suspicion about the circumstances of the death, following which a murder case was registered, a senior police officer said.
During interrogation, it emerged that an argument had taken place on March 1 between Pasha and his nephew, Ahmed, over vacating the house.
Police said that during the altercation, Ahmed allegedly assaulted Pasha, causing him to lose consciousness and collapse.
The accused then placed him on the bed and left the scene, police added.
