with Lohitadas at Ottappalam in 2008

We(myself, my parents,brother,sister-in-law and brother-in-law) stopped at a restaurant in Ottappalam for lunch after visiting some of the famous film locations. After having lunch while coming down to ground floor, my eyes fell on a bearded figure sitting at a table relishing fish fry, simultaneously conversing over mobile. My excitement broke all social barriers and i shouted loudly:LOHITADAS!!!! With shyness and awe i went towards him, stood for a while. Noticing Respecting my presence, he ended the phone call saying: " i will call you back". He gestured me to sit and asked: "Yes, tell me.." I was lost for words. Still i introduced myself and told him how much i liked his films and writings. My brother-in-law was capturing this wonderful meeting with a legend. I told the great writer, "sir, i have written a script for a film. But.." He motivated at once, "then..why don't you go ahead?" i replied,"sir, i don't know the techniques of films and script writing".

Then came out those great words from him which i cherish like a treasure:
"All the techniques are inside us. Go ahead"

I got up thanking him and wishing him the best in future. I was so surprised and awe-struck that i didn't have the guts to ask him his mobile number.

He is a rare writer or a real writer. His body language itself speaks clarity of perception like that of a good teacher or a yogi.

I can't accept that he is physically absent even today. May his soul rest in peace.

SANTHOSH KANA.