Actor and mimicry artist Abi’s sudden demise came as a shock for the Malayalam movie industry and many actors have expressed their shock and sorrow. Kottayam Nazeer mourned his dear friend and called him ‘the brand ambassador of mimicry’.
He says, “It was Abi who realized the real potential in me as an artist and encouraged me in my endeavors. He was more like an elder brother than a teacher. We used to talk over the phone even when he was unwell and spoke about the hospital matters. This news came as an absolute shock to me.”
Nazeer said that very few of Abi’s close friends knew about his illness as he seldom spoke about it to others. Abi never showed that he was unwell and always managed to look cheerful. Nazeer added that Abi found time amid his illness to participate in TV shows and this may be the reason why the audience found it difficult to believe the news about his sudden death.
He says, “Abi had concealed his illness with a smile on his face always. He could easily be called the brand ambassador of mimicry, a thorough professional. He wouldn’t even like to see a fold or a crumble on the stage curtain. I used to look at him in wonder when he performed on stage.”
Kottayam Nazeer also fondly recalls how Abi had helped him secure an opportunity to perform with the Cochin Oscar troupe, and also a chance to act in movies.