Mavelikkara: Years ago, when Vittal Das was a teacher at a parallel college, long before he became a familiar name in Malayalam television, he never imagined that life would bring him back to the same place — frail, forgotten, and living in a shed beside that very institution.

The once-acclaimed director, now 61, survives solely on the food provided by the college owner. Weak and barely able to walk, he spends his days in quiet solitude — a shadow of the creative mind he once was.

A native of Puthur Madam in Karunagappally, Vittal Das began his career as a teacher in parallel colleges across the Mavelikkara and Karunagappally regions, earning a reputation as a dedicated instructor. Around the same time, he stepped into the world of cinema, working as an assistant director in 28 films.

In 1991, he directed 'Aunty' for Doordarshan, marking his debut as a filmmaker. More television projects followed, including 'Eshanipuram Panchayat', 'Nanma Niranja Ponnu Thampuran', 'Aakaashathaazhvara', 'Amruthavarshini', 'Upanayanam', and 'Thaalam', which aired on various channels. He also received the Film Critics Award for his documentary 'Environment and Inhabitants'.

But life soon took a harsh turn. Personal setbacks fractured his family life, and he gradually drifted away from the film and television industry. With his savings depleted, he began living in a lodge, and later on, the verandah of a shop. His survival depended on the kindness of local organisations that offered him food.

As his health deteriorated, Nainan, the owner of Imperial College near Michel Junction, stepped in to help, offering him a small shed beside the college for shelter. Despite attempts to reach his relatives, none have responded.

Now, those who know him hope that a charitable organisation or a destitute home will come forward to offer the ailing director the care he needs.