Kochi, Dec 20 (NationPress) Sreenivasan, a unique voice in Malayalam cinema as an actor, writer, and filmmaker, passed away earlier on Saturday, signaling the conclusion of a remarkable five-decade journey that transformed the moral and emotional landscape of popular cinema.

The loss of the 69-year-old icon has plunged the film community and audiences throughout Kerala into deep mourning.

His funeral will take place at his residence in Ernakulam on Sunday, where he will receive state honors for a man who was a beloved figure both within the industry and among the public.

Sreenivasan often described his marriage not just as a personal milestone but as a quiet embodiment of the values that shaped his life and work.

At that time, he was a young artist facing financial challenges, standing on the brink of a career that was yet to unfold.

In preparation for a modest registered wedding, he found himself short on funds and approached friends born from shared struggles without hesitation.

Actor Innocent provided him with Rs 500, while Mammootty contributed Rs 2,000, a significant amount back then.

When Mammootty expressed his desire to attend the ceremony, Sreenivasan kindly requested him not to, explaining that it would be a simple legal affair, and the presence of a well-known star could attract a crowd that might disrupt it.

Mammootty respected this and refrained from attending.

Years later, Sreenivasan would humorously recall the incident, noting that with contributions from a Christian and a Muslim, he married a Hindu woman—an anecdote that subtly conveyed a message of human solidarity transcending identity.

This same spirit characterized Sreenivasan's role in Malayalam cinema.

A man who spoke his truth fearlessly and addressed uncomfortable realities, he maintained strong connections with his peers.

Rather, his honesty was softened by empathy, which earned him lasting affection across generations.

This was poignantly illustrated when his remains were placed at the Ernakulam Town Hall, where Mammootty, Mohanlal, Dileep, and many others stood in solemn tribute to their departed friend.

In that silence lay the essence of Sreenivasan's legacy—not only as a monumental artist but as a compassionate presence whose life consistently affirmed that humanity must always take precedence over labels.