Exploring the life of Madhavikutty: Manju Warrier unveils new biography
Kochi: Acclaimed Malayalam actress Manju Warrier released the biography of celebrated writer Madhavikutty at the Mathrubhumi Books stall in Kakkanad. The moment turned more special when Manju Warrier’s eyes lit up on seeing Dr. Sulochana Nalappat, Madhavikutty’s younger sister, in the audience. Before stepping onto the stage, Manju warmly held her hand and exchanged greetings. For Dr. Sulochana too, it was a joyful moment to meet in person the actress who had portrayed her elder sister in the film Aami.
The book, Madhavikutty: Kadalinte Nirangal (The Colours of the Sea), written by Dr Asha K and published by Mathrubhumi Books, was formally released by writer Dr GR Indugopan. Handing over the first copy, Manju Warrier reflected: “The name ‘Madhavikutty’ has crossed my life at several stages. Yet I always feel a hesitation to address her; unknowingly, she remains Madhavikuttty Amma to me. More than a writer, I have heard many remarkable stories about her as a person, stories that brought me closer to her with admiration and affection. To have played her in Aami is something I still consider one of the greatest blessings of my life. The title The Colours of the Sea is most fitting, for her life too was filled with waves, storms, and whirlpools, much like the sea itself.”
Actor Ramesh Pisharody, delivering the keynote address, spoke about the power of reading and how it fuels imagination: “For those who read the novel Chemmeen, each reader imagined their own version of Karuthamma. But for those who saw the film, Sheela is forever Karuthamma. That is the difference between reading and watching.’’
He further added that “to see a writer we have known through her works from another perspective opens up many new possibilities. It is remarkable how a writer can live on not only through her own words but also through the words of others.”
While receiving the first copy, Dr GR Indugopan remarked, “Few books on Madhavikutty have ever conveyed such a sense of intimacy and lived experience. The relevance of a biography lies in how deeply it can touch life itself. This book does so in simple yet powerful language, even capturing how a writer is often hunted while writing.”
After the formal release, Dr Asha presented copies of the book to Dr Sulochana Nalapat and another copy of the book to Vinay Kumar, son of eminent teacher Dr M Leelavathi.
The event was attended by Dr Asha’s husband, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, along with their children Gokul and Parvathy.
Several prominent figures were also present, including writers Thanuja Bhattathiri and Babu Jose, film producer Anto Joseph, Mathrubhumi Vice President (Public Relations) P.V. Mini, Senior General Manager (PR) K.R. Pramod, Kochi Unit Manager Aishwarya Das, Senior News Editor S. Prakash, Mathrubhumi Books Senior Manager (Publications) K. Noushad, Congress leader Ajay Tharayil, and Lawyers Congress State President P.K. Abdur Rahman.