Kochi: Remembering the late actor Kalabhavan Navas, actor and writer V K Sreeraman shared heartfelt memories on Facebook. He spoke of how his friendship with Navas and his brother Niyas began through his connection with their father Aboobacker. Sreeraman wrote that Navas was still young enough to be his son and that all he remembers is Navas’s smiling face.

In his Facebook post, he expressed:
 

“A long time ago, I saw a play at the Kunnamkulam Municipality’s anniversary which left a deep impression on Aboobacker. He played the lead role as a railway station master in that production. Many years later, I acted alongside him in a few films. Then Navas and Niyas became friends.

I was happy to witness not just a friendship but the shadow of a family in their growth. The last time Navas came to my house, it was with Saleema from Muthuvamala, invited to the preview of the film Prakampanam (‘Tremor’).

He didn’t come for the preview.

You still have the age to be my son.

All I carry in my heart is your smiling face.

Farewell, dear friend.”

Navas was found dead in a hotel room in Chottanikkara. He had arrived there for the shooting of the film Prakampanam. On Thursday evening, after leaving the location, he returned to his hotel room, mentioning he would check out by 8 pm. When he was not seen past that time, the room was opened and he was discovered lifeless on the bed.

Navas was the son of the renowned theatre and film actor Aboobacker. He first came to the big screen with his role in Mimics Action 500 and went on to deliver notable performances in several films. His wife is the actress Rehna. They have three children: Nahreen, Ridwan and Rihan. Navas’s brother Niyas Bakker is also an actor.