Narayani and I talked to each other from both sides of the wall. I am Basheera and Lalitha Chechi is Narayani. Basheer and Narayani break up without seeing each other. The news of my demise came to me last night, similar to that separation written on the silver screen. The simple cheetah is gone. Someone who was there crying, laughing, joking and swearing. A genius who amazed both with his voice and expression. As if a day had suddenly set in when they knew they were no more. Like darkness in the islands of light. Death, why do you build such a wall between men?
As a mother, wife and acquaintance, Lalitha Chechi has shared the screen with me. Basheer’s girlfriend Narayani in ‘Mathilukali’ and Omana, Nath’s wife in ‘Kanalkaatti’ … The characters they played together during the time they were acting together … How can you forget all this. The care that Chechi gave us at the locations, the tastes that were served … Memories are flowing. Every death awakens a deep indifference inside. Intense, colorless indifference has been growing in my mind ever since I learned of my sister’s death. Chechi was always amazed inside and outside the stage. I was amazed by both the actress and the person in them. They did not despair regarding life, even when it came to unexpected shocks. Perhaps through the tears of the sought-following characters, what they shed was an unresolved mess of life.
I was amazed that he was always a simple cheetah with mental strength. She always kept a smile on her face in every ups and downs of life. I have not seen them except with the light of that smile. They were always the same. Maybe that’s why their pain, laughter and tears are so deeply ingrained in us. In the locations they were a sheltered shade for all of us without hesitation. It held everyone together like a group. They will not be able to get out of the deep memories so easily. No one will allow them. I’m sure Lalitha Chechi will be here with the remaining memories and memorable characters.