He was more than a performer: Suraj recalls his bond with Kalabhavan Navas

Suraj Venjaramoodu shared a heartfelt tribute in memory of Kalabhavan Navas, who passed away unexpectedly. Mourning the loss of his close friend, Suraj expressed his deep sorrow at not being able to see him one last time, and reflected on the special bond they shared.
“Navas was one of the very few friends who entered my life through cinema,” Suraj wrote. He described Navas not just as a talented artist but as “a truly kind-hearted human being who cared deeply for others.”

Their friendship began long before Suraj entered films. “When we first got to know each other, I wasn’t even in cinema. Back then, bringing the movie star Navasikka as a guest to our stage programmes was the biggest source of pride.”

He went on to praise Navas’s unique performance skills — especially his rare talent for effortlessly switching between male and female voices in the middle of a single breath. “He was more than just an impressionist. He was a genuine singer and a complete performer.”

Suraj recalled how, over the years, they would often look back fondly on the memories they created on stage together. “We would talk and laugh about those moments,” he said.

“In recent times, some incredible roles had started coming his way. He was happy. He shared that joy with me.” Suraj remembered how, during their last meeting, Navas had simply waved and walked away — a goodbye that unexpectedly became final.
“It’s still hard to believe,” Suraj wrote. “By the time I rushed to see him, it was already too late. The person who was always there in every moment left without saying a word.”

He concluded with a message for Navas’s wife and children. “I don’t know what to say to Rehna and the kids. I have no words to comfort them. I just hope they find the strength to get through this pain.”