Mohanlal's 'Thoovanathumbikal' memories: Padmarajan's son shares THROWBACK pics, calling it ‘A rare moment when a mother visited her son’s film set'

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s mother, Santhakumari Amma, passed away on Tuesday, December 30. The news brought deep sadness to his family, friends, and fans.

At this emotional time, an old memory from the classic film 'Thoovanathumbikal' has come back into the light. It was shared by Ananthapadmanabhan who is the son of legendary filmmaker Padmarajan.

An old photo and a rare set visit

Sharing old photos on Facebook, Ananthapadmanabhan spoke about a rare moment from the shooting days of 'Thoovanathumbikal'. The film was directed by Padmarajan. In these pictures, Mohanlal’s mother Santhakumari Amma can be seen visiting the film set. She had come there while travelling in connection with Mohanlal’s marriage proposal.



Ananthapadmanabhan wrote, “I first met Amma in 1979. It was at Unni Valyachan’s house in Jagathy. A deep bond that existed even before cinema. A friendship that lasted half a century between them.”

Memories that never fade

He also shared a very personal memory. “When I met Shanta Aunty last May, I took this photo. She was holding Amma’s hand tightly. When it was time to leave, she became sad. She cried. For those who never leave the heart, goodbyes are not really needed.” These lines felt heavy with emotion, yet very gentle.

In another note from 2023, he recalled how Amma and Shanta aunty sat in a college corridor during the shoot. They spoke about stories and about “Lalu’s marriage proposals.” He remembered Mohanlal coming by between shots, joking and smiling, with his uncle Radhakrishnan beside him. Soon after Thoovanathumbikal, the marriage was fixed.

His note read, "A rare moment when a mother visited her son’s film set.

#KeralaVarmaCollege, Thrissur. In 1977, my father and mother first met Vishwanathan Nair uncle and Shanta aunty. It was at the house of our relative M. Sekharan, known as Unni Valyachan, in Jagathy. He was a Law Secretary at the Secretariat and a colleague of Vishwanathan Nair uncle. Lalettan had not entered films at that time. In the years that followed, Amma and Shanta aunty became close and good friends. Since Amma had come to the Thrissur set that day, they sat together and spoke about stories. Stories from Poojappura."



He further wrote, "During breaks between shots, Lalettan would come by, crack a joke, and leave. His uncle Radhakrishnan was also with him. This was during the shooting of the ‘Moolakkuruvinte Askitha’ scene in 'Thoovanathumbikal'. The happiness of Amma’s presence could be clearly felt in that performance."

"Shanta aunty and Amma did not stand to watch the shot. They sat in the college corridor and talked. The topic was ‘Lalu’s marriage proposals’. If I remember correctly, Amma and ammavan (her brother) got down there midway while travelling north in connection with one such proposal. Soon after Thoovanathumbikal, the marriage was fixed. In the photo are Lalettan, Shanta aunty, Radhakrishnan sir, along with Amma and Mathu,” he concluded.

Words of comfort from friends

Many film stars stood with Mohanlal in this painful time. Kamal Haasan wrote, “Brother @MohanLal only you can console yourself. Friends will stand by you as always. No amount of comforting can compensate a loss like this. Take care we all love you. Kamal Haasan.”

Chiranjeevi also shared his feelings. He wrote, “My dear friend @Mohanlal, My heart goes out to you on the loss of your beloved Amma.” He spoke about a mother’s love staying forever as strength and guidance.

Superstar Mammootty visited Mohanlal’s home and paid his last respects. He spent time with the family in silence and support.

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