Kochi: Kerala on Sunday bid an emotional farewell to veteran Malayalam actor, screenwriter and filmmaker Sreenivasan, whose cremation was held with official honours amid a large public turnout.
Sreenivasan passed away on Saturday morning while being taken to hospital for routine dialysis. He was rushed to Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death. He was 69.
His mortal remains were first brought to his residence at Udayamperoor, where family members, relatives and close friends paid their last respects. Later, the body was taken to Ernakulam Town Hall for public homage. Thousands of people, including film personalities, cultural figures and admirers from across the state, gathered to bid him farewell.
The cremation was held on Sunday morning at his home premises with official honours accorded by the Kerala government in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Malayalam cinema and culture. A ceremonial guard of honour was given before the final rites. His elder son, filmmaker and actor Vineeth Sreenivasan, lit the funeral pyre.
Sreenivasan is survived by his wife Vimala and sons Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan. Both sons were present throughout the funeral proceedings, along with close family members.
Leaders from the political, cultural and film sectors expressed deep sorrow over his passing. Several prominent actors and directors attended the funeral in person, while many others shared messages remembering him as a sharp writer, a versatile performer and a voice of the common man.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Malayalam cinema, Sreenivasan was known for his realistic storytelling, gentle humour and socially conscious themes. Over decades, his work shaped generations of filmmakers and left a lasting imprint on Kerala’s cultural life.
As the final rites concluded, Kerala remembered not just a celebrated artist, but a storyteller whose characters and words reflected everyday life with honesty and compassion.