'He believed everything could be easily tackled, that was a misconception'

Actor Salim Kumar revealed that he too suffered from the same illness as Kalabhavan Mani. While sharing memories of Kalabhavan Mani, who passed away, Salim Kumar disclosed more information to the YouTube channel Milestone Makers.

"Mani was not properly treated by the doctor. He was afflicted with the same illness as I was. It could have been easily cured. He was fearful and didn't confide in anyone. It's said that even then, Mani was fulfilling his commitments, refusing to acknowledge his illness.

Upon learning this information, what will people and filmmakers think? Mani was afraid that if his condition became known, he would lose opportunities in films. He harboured such misconceptions. If he had faced reality, he might still be alive today," remarked Salim Kumar.

Kalabhavan Mani passed away in 2016, leaving the film world and Malayalees in shock. He rose to prominence as a mimicry artist at Cochin Kalabhavan before transitioning into roles as a comedian, leading actor and folk singer in films. He made his Malayalam cinema debut in 1995 with the film 'Aksharam,' directed by Sibi Malayil. Subsequently, he appeared in numerous roles in both Malayalam and South Indian cinema.