Kerala bids adieu to filmmaker Shaji N Karun

T'puram: Kerala on Tuesday bid a solemn and heartfelt farewell to Shaji N Karun, one of its most celebrated filmmakers whose poetic visual storytelling earned him a revered place in the history of Indian cinema.
The cremation took place at Shanthi Kavadam in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, with full state honours. The state's political, cultural, and film fraternity came together to pay their last respects.
From early morning, crowds gathered at Kalabhavan in Vazhuthacaud, where the late director's body was placed for public homage. Minister V Sivankutty offered condolences on behalf of the state govt. Film icons, politicians, writers, and fans were also present.
At 12.30 pm, the body was taken to his residence ‘Piravi', named after his debut film, on Udara Shiromani road. The cremation was held at 5 pm.
On May 4, a remembrance event titled ‘Sneha Sangamam' will be held at his residence. Among the dignitaries who paid homage were CPM state secretary MV Govindan, LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan, ministers Saji Cherian, R Bindu, Chinchu Rani, KB Ganesh Kumar, filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, veteran Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, MPs Adoor Prakash and K Muraleedharan, and filmmakers Hariharan, Blessy, TK Rajeev Kumar, and Madhu Pal.
Tributes also came from cultural icons including poet V Madhusoodanan Nair, artist Pattam Rasheed, and former chief secretary K Jayakumar.