Hometown bids farewell to Mamukkoya; body laid to rest will full state honours, thousands pay tributes

KOZHIKODE: The hometown of actor Mamukkoya bid a tearful adieu to him. The body was laid to rest at the Kannamparambu kabarsthan in Kozhikode will full state honours. After the prayers held at the Arakkinar Mujahid Masjid, the body was taken to the kabarsthan. Hundreds of people reached Kozhikode to pay tributes to the actor.

The actor passed away at 1.05 pm yesterday at the Meitra Hospital in Kozhikode. The actor, who collapsed on April 24 at the inaugural function of all India sevens football in Malappuram’s Kalikavu Poongad, was immediately admitted to a private hospital in Wandoor and then to the Meitra Hospital in Kozhikode, However, his life could not be saved. He suffered a heart attack followed by a brain hemorrhage. He was 76. He was previously treated for cancer and heart ailments.

The body was kept for public homage at the Kozhikode town hall from 3 pm yesterday. Thousands of people, including prominent people in the fields of cinema, music and theater, paid their last respects. The body was later taken to his house in Arakkinar at 10 pm.

He was born on July 5, 1946 at Pallikandi in Kozhikode to Muhammad and Imbichi Ayesha. Iconic writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was his guru. Mamukkoya, who played important comic roles, conquered Malayalam hearts not only as a comedian but also as a character actor. Mamukkoya was the first to receive the award instituted by the state government for comedy. He has won the state award for the films Perumazhakkalam and Innathe Chintha Vishayam. He started his film career with the film 'Anyarude Bhoomi' directed by Nilambur Balan. He is more notable for his Kozhikode dialect.