Goodbye, my dear friend Pratap!

Hey Pratap,

I never dreamed that I would write a tribute for you.

I met you in 1979, I think. You were a young actor and I was Ashok Kumar’s camera assistant. After crossing a few bridges and turning several tables, I ended up starring in Mahendran’s film And You Played My Husband.

In the movie, I refused to communicate with you, but in reality we were chatting endlessly.

you were my first friend Movies industry. Your intelligence, your sense of humor and joie de vivre reflect on us. You illuminated every set with your knowledge and wisdom.

You made friends very easily.

From my uncle Kamal to Prabhu, from Satyaraj to Mani Ratnam to K. From Balachander to Bharathiraja… you have won hearts so easily.

You were the most reluctant star sensation in the South Indian film industry. Every director wanted to cast you, every heroine wanted to work with you. You were the actor of a technician’s dreams. From Stills Ravi to BR Vijayalakshmi, everyone adores you.

you, with you Lawrence School Upbringing and MCC background, your innumerable friends, we were all very jealous of you. You were royal and so classy. For the first time in my life I saw a black velvet jacket, which glided so beautifully over your shoulders.

You were always there for me as a friend.

Nothing changed over the years. I hope my other friends were lucky enough to have you as your first film co-star, a star like you. Maybe I was lucky.

You wrote, directed and won a National Award for your very first film.

I wouldn’t say you were an under-rated genius, but you definitely underestimated your talent. You had many nick names for many of us but you will never forget my name. He was Jolly Kutty Mathews.

Thank you for spreading so much happiness as never before… Goodbye my dear friend… We love you wherever you are.

Trust me the room will be filled with laughter and happiness.

yours,

suhasini

(Jolly Kutty Matthews. Sometimes, Mary Kutty Joyce)