Actor Salim Kumar disclosed that the late actor Kalabhavan Mani battled with the same illness which affected him and could have been cured easily. 

 The actor shared his memories of Mani in an interview given to a Youtube channel.

Kumar expressed shock at Mani's sudden passing, reflecting on the missed opportunity for treatment. Recalling Mani's reluctance to seek medical help, Kumar revealed that doctors had advised him to encourage Mani to undergo treatment for their shared condition. Despite the scope for cure,  Mani opted to continue without intervention, even performing in stage shows while seated.

According to Kumar, Mani's refusal to acknowledge his illness stemmed from concerns about public perception and his career in the film industry. Kumar asserted that if Mani had sought treatment, he might still be alive today.

On March 5, 2016, Kalabhavan Mani was found unconscious in the guest house 'Paddy' near the house, vomiting blood. He was immediately admitted to a hospital in Ernakulam but passed away the next day.