KOCHI: Nedumudi Venu is an actor who is still in the minds of the Malayalees even after two years since he had left us. Various cultural organizations organized commemorative programmes on his death anniversary yesterday. Noted poet and actor Balachandran Chullikkad shared the memories of his dear friend in the program 'Ormayil Nedumudi' organized by Edappally Changampuzha Cultural Centre.

Balachandran Chullikkad said Nedumudi Venu is one of the rare actors in Malayalam cinema who has played diverse characters in every aspect. He said the strength of close observation of life is from Chellappanashari in Thakara to the characters he played in his last days.

Chullikkad said that when he came down after reciting a poem along with Sankara Kurup, Kunhiraman Nair and Vylopilli at Ernakulam Sahitya Parishad conference venue while studying in college, a youth with a long hair and a beard came towards me. He introduced himself as journalist K Venugopal. Seeing my shabby dress, he bought me a new shirt and a mundu and accommodated me in his own room. When I went to his house after his death, his wife Susheela gave me a packet and told me that Venu chettan bought this. It is not used; this is for you. There were three shirts in that packet. I was in tears. Ours was a friendship that will never be forgotten, he said.

Director Sibi Malayil said that he still could not accept the death of Nedumudi Venu. When people come with new stories, the face of Nedumudi Venu comes to mind in many of its characters. Director Kamal said Nedumudi often helped in script discussions and writing and his presence gave them courage.