The world of Indian cinema bid farewell to Parayarukandi Vettath Gangadharan, a legendary Malayalam film producer who died peacefully at the age of 80 in a private hospital. The producer, who is well-known for his outstanding contributions to Malayalam film, was brought to the hospital a week ago owing to age-related problems.
Gangadharan was born in 1943 to Madhavi Sami and P V Sami, a notable businessman and the founder of the KTC Group of Companies. He was the younger brother of P V Chandran, the managing editor of Mathrubhumi. The late producer was also a filmmaker who worked closely with Mathrubhumi.
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He made 22 engaging Malayalam films under his acclaimed production label, Grihalakshmi Films, earning a slew of significant awards, including two National Film Awards and five Kerala State Film Awards. To name a few, his legacy includes ‘Angadi’ (1980), Mammootty's ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’ (1989), ‘Kattathe Kilikkoodu’ (1983), Mohanlal's ‘Adhwaytham’ (1992), ‘Thooval Kottaram’ (1996), Jayaram's’ Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal’ (2000), ‘Achuvinte Amma’ (2005), and ‘Notebook’ (2006). ‘Janaki Jane’ (2023) was his final film for the public.
Kanakkinavu, the Nargis Dutt Award-winning film directed by Gangadharan, was praised for its representation of national cohesion. He also received praise for ‘Shantham,’ which was named Best Feature Film.
Gangadharan was a founding member of the International Film Producers Association (FIAPF) and held key positions in the film industry, including chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, president of the Film Federation of India, president of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce.
He wasn't just restricted to the realm of movies; he also made a political mark by running for Kozhikode North in the 2011 Assembly elections. Gangadharan's impact stretched beyond the silver screen. He was an active member of the All Indian Congress Committee and a former Kerala Students Union leader during his undergraduate days.
Gangadharan is survived by his beloved wife, P V Sherien, and their children, Shenuga Jaythilak, Shegna Vigil, and Sherga Sandeep, who co-manage S-Cube Films.
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The lifeless remains of this cinematic great will be taken to Gangadharan's Azhchavattom mansion at 10 a.m., after which they will be put at the Town Hall for the people to pay their respects at 4 p.m. The ultimate farewell will take place on Saturday, with the cremation symbolizing the end of an era in Indian film.