A moving tribute – Kamal Haasan

Met her a week back. We were hounouring veteran film journalists. Manoramaji surprised us by visiting us on stage. She, then with audience’ permission, spoke a 3 page dialogue written by Mr. M. Karunanidhi 65 years back. She spoke from memory. I think the whole exercise was to show her audience that she could still perform She has been acting for more than 60 years and the past few years of haitus had affected her. The house thundered with applause when she finished her three page Soliloquey. I had tears in my eyes when she turned to me for approval. She had known me as a 3 year old child actor. A loving woman a great performer. I would say that She and Nagesh are the mummy and daddy of Tamil cinema comedy. I am honoured that they both admired my work , commented on it and cheered me on. They argued my case with my critics behind my back. Manorama ji especially. I am one among the millions of fans who’ll miss her. I have done many films with her She had crossed a 1000 films some years back. Her’s was a full life yet weve not had our fill as her admirers. Many, even in her funeral will inadvertantly have a smile on their faces when they reminicise those memorable screen moments she had given us. Thanks for the smile you etched on faces with your sharp wit mama. Thanks for everything funny and sad you shared with us. Soon your comic images will superimpose itself on this temporary sadness. Bye bye my loving funny mama.

 – Kamal Haasan