Sandalwood’s last salaam to Kalam

 

  It was one such great moment for versatile south Indian actress turned politician, presently the MLC, Anooradha, popularly known by her stage name Thara when she received the national award for best actress in 2004 for her role in Kannada film Hasina. She shares, “I was happy that I was selected for the national award for the best actress category, which is a proud moment for any actor. But, the happiness was doubled when I realised that I will be awarded by Abdul Kalam sir. I always had great regard and highest respect for his simplicity. The day before the award ceremony, we were rehearsing on the protocol to follow while being awarded by the president. There were strict rules. We were told not to talk to the president while receiving the award.”

 

However, when the moment finally arrived for Thara, who was dressed in a traditional  sari, she sought his blessings by touching his feet. “He was such an inspirational personality and despite attaining such great fame, he remained simple. I had to seek his blessings. To my surprise, he spoke to me and appreciated my traditional attire. He said to me in Tamil, that it was nice to see me in a sari. I just continued my conversation, informing him that it was my wedding sari, and I had chosen it for the finest moment in my life. He even promised me that he would watch Hasina, the Kannada movie.”

 

Crazy star Ravichandran remembers Mr Kalam for his visionary ‘dreams’ and most of all, his love for children. Ravichandran, who is also popularly known as the Kanasugara (dreamer) and believes in doing things different, a quality which he says is similar to Mr Kalam. “I never had the opportunity to meet Mr Kalam in person. But, he was a great person with a child like smile and always positive, who thought of the nation and its growth. I feel close to him when I talk about dreaming big and staying positive. I feel, that personalities like him should not be neglected while they are alive and we miss them dearly after they are gone,” says Ravichandran.

 

Several Sandalwood actors are expressing their condolences through various social networking sites. Actress Parul Yadav, says, “A huge loss to the nation. A true inspiration and a countryman. You will be remembered for generations to come.”

 

Real Star Upendra, who on several occasions talked about personalities like Mr Kalam, expressed his grief, “We lost inspiring guru, respected scientist, people’s president and a holy athma Abdul Kalam.” Actor Ramesh Arvind, tweets, “He inspired us to do great work and also be loved respected by all.”