An evening with the son of the late legendary Malayalam actor Sathyan — my film idol

By K.R. Nayar

Thiruvananthapuram.  Malayalam film actor, the late Sathyan, was a genius, whose acting skills I have always idolised. Though I took on journalism as my profession, my passion for acting was ignited by Sathyan Master, as everyone would respectfully address him. He was truly a master of acting. I have lost count of how many times I’ve watched his classic movies. The ease with which he brought life to any role he played is a lesson for any actor. 

 

With Satheesh Sathyan at his residence.  

To give a context to the excitement and thrill I experienced on meeting his son, Satheesh Sathyan, in Thiruvananthapuram early this week, let me explain the influence Sathyan Master has had on me. I was fond of acting from a very young age, a passion that stemmed from watching Satyan Master’s films. 

 

Sathyan Master

I would participate is school plays, and later on went on to act alongside the great actors of that time in a professional drama group. I was also fortunate to be trained by the legendary Vaikom Mani (father-in-law of the fantastic director and lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi), and act alongside T. R. Sukumaran Nair, a great drama artist. 

At the grave of Sathyan Master before meeting his son 

I was not fortunate to see Sathyan Master alive, but I was among the thousands who had gathered when his body was taken for burial at the LMS Church cemetery in Trivandrum. He died of leukemia on June 15, 1971, at the age of 58. I lived very close to the LMS Church, and on hearing that he would be buried there, I ran to catch a last glimpse of him. Since I was a very small boy, I could not reach anywhere near the casket carrying his mortal remains.

 

In the unforgettable role as Palani in the Malayalam classic Chemmeen

Many days later, when the number of visitors to his grave reduced, I went and stood there for long, recalling many of the scenes from his movies. In fact, I continue to do this even today. Whenever I visit Trivandrum, I make sure to visit his resting place and seek his blessings.

 

Sathyan Master in the role of Narayana  Kaimal in Kadalpalam  

I believe it could be his blessings that gave me the opportunities to act in movies like 2018 and Rekhachitram, both of which were super-hit films. When I portrayed a priest in Rekhachitram, the dialogue I had to deliver made me recall a scene where Sathyan Master was speaking to his servant, played by another brilliant actor Bahadur, in the famous movie Kadalpalam.

 

With Satheesh Sathyan and actor Nandalal Krishnamurthy at Satheesh's residence

Meeting Sathyan Master’s son, Satheesh, at his residence in Kunnukuzhi, was nostalgic. First of all, I was in awe of meeting the son of my idol. Secondly, he had lived close to my home during his school days. My brother, K. P. Nayar, and he, would go to school together, sometimes in our car, sometimes in theirs. Satheesh acted in four films as a hero before his eyesight began to deteriorate. His film Taxi Driver, directed by P. N. Menon, was a big hit.

 

With Shyamala Nair and Satheesh Sathyan. 

I went to meet Satheesh with my childhood friend and actor Nandalal Krishnamurthy. Though visually impaired, it was Satheesh who opened the gate to his house. He lives with Shyamala Nair, the 86-year-old wife of University College Professor Sridharan Nair, who is like a mother to him. Satheesh now sees the world through her eyes. His mother, Jessy, passed away in 1981. Nandalal and I were touched when Shyamala made tea and Satheesh served it to us and spoke about Sathyan Master.

Paying respects at Sathyan Master's grave during my visit to Trivandrum in 2023

Never did I think I would be blessed to hear tales of how Sathyan Master offered the lead role in the classic movie Aranazhika Neeram to Kottarakara Sreedharan Nair. Sathyan Master was someone who wanted everyone acting with him to also shine, and he always ensured that his movies won the hearts of audiences. Many of his films have inspired me to give my best in life.

 

Legends like Sathyan Master are God’s gift to the world to entertain. Like poet John Keats, who died at the age of 25, and Khalil Gibran, who passed away at 48, their works will live on forever. To meet Sathyan Master’s son—if not the legend himself—will remain an unforgettable experience.