Vinayan questions Sukumari’s death; asks, ‘Was the news that she died after her clothes caught fire really true?’ | Malayalam Movie News
Veteran Malayalam filmmaker Vinayan remembered the late actress Sukumari in a recent social media post. The director recalled her contribution to his 1998 movie ‘Aakasha Ganga’.Sukumari was among the most recognisable performers in Malayalam cinema. She died on March 26, 2013, while undergoing treatment after suffering serious burn injuries.The actress reportedly sustained the injuries after her sari caught fire while she was praying in her pooja room. Vinayan has now shared his personal memories of Sukumari. He also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Sukumari helped find Mayoori for ‘Aakasha Ganga’
Vinayan recalled the casting process for ‘Aakasha Ganga’. According to the filmmaker, the production had already completed eight days of shooting when the team finally found the actress for the role of Ganga.Several actresses had been considered before Mayoori was selected. Vinayan said Sukumari played an important role in bringing Mayoori into the project.He recalled how Sukumari suggested that the team consider a young actress from Chennai. Mayoori eventually took on the role of Ganga and became an important part of the movie.
Vinayan recalls Mayoori’s tragic death
Mayoori went on to appear in several Malayalam movies after her work in ‘Aakasha Ganga’. Vinayan remembered being shocked when he learned about her death in 2005.Mayoori died by suicide at the age of 23. Vinayan said he struggled to believe the news at the time.The filmmaker then connected Mayoori’s death with his memories of Sukumari. He said Sukumari’s death also remained difficult for him to accept.
Filmmaker raises questions about Sukumari’s death
In his post, Vinayan spoke about Sukumari’s final years. He recalled her as someone who cared for and supported others.Vinayan wrote, “Chechi, who loved and helped everyone, was very sad during the final period of her life. Was the news that she died after her clothes caught fire in the pooja room really true? I don’t know. Or had Chechi herself made some decision?”Vinayan is preparing a new fantasy movie. He is currently searching for an actress to portray a main character in his upcoming movie.“The character of Ganga from ‘Aakasha Ganga’ appears in the fantasy film I am about to begin, and I am currently looking for an actress for that role. That is where I happened to remember the old Ganga and the person who introduced her to me…,” Vinayan concluded.
