'Sreenivasan was the GOAT in cinema': 'Keedam' director Rahul Riji Nair remembers the legend - Exclusive

Legendary Malayalam actor Sreenivasan passed away on Saturday, December 20. As tributes pour in from all sides, Keedam director Rahul Riji Nair has shared deeply personal memories of working with the icon, calling him the “GOAT in cinema.”

Keedam: A comeback marked by kindness

Keedam was one of Sreenivasan’s comeback films after facing health issues. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Rahul Riji Nair recalled how thoughtful and caring Sreenivasan was during the shoot.




Sharing a touching moment, Rahul told us, “During the shoot, it was around 11, 12 time and that time Sreenivasan sir called me and asked me ‘Did you eat anything’?” When Rahul said no, Sreenivasan replied, “I have no issues in waiting for you guys. Go and have something.”

He added with a smile, “We are not fighting for independence or anything. Go and have something first.”

Professionalism even in tough times

Rahul revealed that Sreenivasan was not fully healthy during the shoot, yet his concern for others never changed. Recalling a difficult day, he said, “There was a huge crowd. We couldn’t control it. He came at 5.30 and started waiting in the car. We couldn’t take a shot till 8 at night.”

Rahul thought he would be scolded but instead, Sreenivasan calmly said the entire day was meant for the shoot and there was no pressure at all.

Rahul also spoke about Sreenivasan’s dedication to cinema. “He told me he read the shot at home and even suggested a small dialogue. I don’t know whether to call it professionalism or something else. It’s a dedication to his life with art.”

A memory for a lifetime

Rahul shared a lighter moment too. When he wanted to appear in a frame with Sreenivasan, the legend joked, “Oh so this scene will be having a competition of two equal strengths right.”



Ending on an emotional note, Rahul said, “I had only spent 10 days with him and those 10 days are the biggest achievement in my life. I consider him as the GOAT in cinema.”

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