Being a man of self respect Salim Kumar couldn't even imagine seeking the help of Mata Amritananda Mayi when he had to undergo a surgery for liver ailment.Actor-turned-director Salim Kumar is one of the few undisputed champions of comedy in Malayalam cinema. Off screen too, Salim Kumar, never fails to tickle your funny bone with his witty comments and genuine humor.
When life threw him curveballs, Salim Kumar overcame it in his own unique humorous style. Recently at a gathering, the actor shared a funny incident involving spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, and how he managed to make the philanthropist laugh.
He said, “My surgery for a liver ailment was scheduled at the Amrita hospital. The doctors there advised me to meet Amma as the surgery would be very costly. But being a person with great self respect I couldn’t imagine myself requesting Amma to help me.”
The Adaminte Makan Abu actor said that he always found it difficult to seek monetary help from somebody, and that he had never even asked his father, siblings or close relatives for assistance. Salim Kumar added that he decided to meet Mata Amritanandamayi after much compulsion from his doctors.
"She offered me a seat and asked me why I wanted to see her. When I told her that I had come with a grievance, she said, “tell me, son”. Then I told her that I was 46 years old at that time and my age is recorded as 56 in the register at the Amrita hospital. Hearing this, Amma began to laugh and she couldn’t stop for at least the next half-an-hour. Then she said that I shouldn’t worry at all about the money and should go ahead with the surgery. She said, 'I want you my son.' Nobody has ever told me that in my entire life. Since that day I am a devotee of Mata Amritanandamayi,” said the award-winning actor.
Salim Kumar said that he later thought about the incident and wondered how Amma had been able to understand his need. "Every person who meets Amma has a tragic story to tell, and in between those tragic stories I appeared with my comedy," he said.
