Kaithapram sang, Jagathy enjoyed; Unnikrishnan Namboothiri Memorial Award presented to Jagathy Sreekumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 'Chandrikayil aliyunnu chandrakaantham... Nin chiriyil aliyum en jeevaragam...' sang Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, sitting next to Malayalam's one and only Jagathy Sreekumar. Jagathy enjoyed the song. The meeting was held at Jagathy Sreekumar's house in Peyad, where the award in the name of Unnikrishnan Namboothiri, the grandfather of Malayalam cinema, was given. Kaithapram informed that Minister MB Rajesh, who was to present the award, would be a little late. Jagathy shook her head as if he will wait. Jagathy listened with a small smile when those around him discussed movies and music. Presenting the award, Minister MB Rajesh said that it was a moment of pride to see the acting talent, who had only been seen from afar, so closely. The award consists of Rs 50,000 and a sculpture designed by Unni Kanayi.

Award committee convener and former MLA TV Rajesh, Unnikrishnan Namboothiri's elder son Bhavadasan and wife Indira, youngest son and High Court Justice PV Kunhikrishnan and wife Nita, Kaithapram's wife Devi, Jagathy's son Rajkumar and wife Pinky, MLAs TI Madhusoodanan, KV Sumesh, M Vijin and others were present.

Poem in hospital bed

Kaithapram said that once he and Jagathy were in the same hospital in adjacent rooms and had the opportunity to see each other every day. Kaithapram added that on the day he left the hospital, he wrote down a poem about Jagathy and Jagathy did not give the poem that was close to his heart, no matter who asked for it.