Versatile theater icon Alleppey Benny passes away

PATHANAPURAM: Renowned singer, actor and music director, Alleppey Benny (Benny Fernandes- 72) passed away. Death was reported 3.30 pm yesterday in the palliative care unit of Pathanapuram Gandhi Bhavan, Punalur Taluk Hospital. Benny, admitted to Gandhi Bhavan two weeks ago due to various ailments succumbed to his illness.

Born to Robert Fernandes and raised by a Jain couple in Poonkaavu, Alappuzha, Benny inherited his musical talents from his father. Initially starting as a harmonist in V Sambasivanan's group, he later ventured into the film industry as an assistant to MS Baburaj. Benny's theatrical journey began with Kayamkulam Kerala Theatres leading him to perform significant roles in plays organized by Seithan Joseph's Alleppey Theatres, Kayamkulam People's Theatres and Kollam Universal.

Tragedy struck Benny on March 10, 1996 when a car accident resulted in the amputation of his left leg at the knee prompting his departure from theater. Subsequently, he transitioned to devotional music composing over 500 Christian hymns. Notably, Mohanlal's initial Christian devotional song was composed by Benny. Several well-known personalities including music director Sarath counted themselves as Benny's disciples. His body is kept at Punalur Taluk Hospital Mortuary.