Cancer must have been definitely an unusual choice of material for comedy to actor Innocent. But it now seems they were clearly on intimate terms with one another.
An out-of-the-blue diagnosis of cancer would have turned anyone's world upside down. But in a stark example of the ‘Innocent touch', the gifted actor found himself fighting for his life, all the while keeping the sense of humour he is well known for.
In fact, the disease has touched many of us one way or another and most of us fear it's out there, lurking somewhere in our future. We superstitiously keep silent about it as if that will somehow make us immune.
But this extraordinary man was painfully honest about himself, his illness, and how it changed him. And he has been able to strike a chord even with perfect strangers this way.
I still remember the day he called to inform me about being diagnosed with the disease. I was shocked and unable to stand on my feet, but he was composed, asking me "don't bother to come to meet a patient".
A few moments later, I rang him back but it was Alice, his wife, who picked up the call and confirmed the news. I never violated his advice and kept praying for him.
I remember we had our first meeting when he came to my house in the early 1980s, as a producer to meet’ Bharathettan' (Lalitha's late husband and director). And soon, we became the most celebrated couple in Malayalam film world.
That coupled with the similarities in our characters made us friends.
The acting talent apart, Innocent is a great personality as well. The specialty of his character is that he never refrains from stating opinions and we could never turn down his opinions.
Being the most celebrated on-screen couple in the Malayalam film industry for nearly 25 years, my personal favourites among his roles were as a hapless mahout in Gajakesariyogam, Unnithan in Manichithrathazhu and all those in Sathyan's (Sathyan Anthikkadu) films.
It is his sheer sense of humour that got him through the toughest journey of his life and I am sure he will continue to fight back against all the odds stacked against him for the coming many years.
I am looking forward to start sharing screen space with him once again and work out the magic.
Accept, face and fight
Actor Innocent has documented his fight against cancer in the book 'Cancer Wardile Chiri' in a humorous and pleasant way. One of the incidents he referred to was after he came out of the hospital. Within 48 hours he came to know that his wife Alice also had cancer. To add to their sorrows, the lady doctor who treated Innocent was also diagnosed with cancer. However, all three maintained calm and consoled each other.
His message through the book is simple; "First accept you are sick, then face it and fight it. There is no way one could completely prevent serious diseases. But if one is shattered then illness will conquer you. It is the fear of the disease that often drive patients to fake physicians and 'faith healers' who exploit gullible patients. There is no harm in believing in prayers but medication is mandatory.'' To prove his point he narrated an incident; "A team of preachers approached me claiming they would cure the disease. They said God had approached them and directed them to cure me. I asked the time when God approached them. When they told a particular time, I said how could God be with you as he was with me at that time. I took their phone numbers.''
The next day Innocent called one of the preachers and asked; "Do you have anything to say to God ? Tell me I will convey to him. He is with me now." The preacher banged the phone and never called Innocent again.
Reality check
- 50 to 60 per cent of cancers commonly found among Keralites are detectable and curable.
- Out of 220 types of cancers identified, five - cervical, breast, intestinal, prostate and lung cancer - are more prevalent in the state. Tobacco responsible for 50 per cent and diet for 10-20 per cent of cancers in state
- An estimated 35,000 new cancer cases occur in Kerala every year
- Among males 50 per cent of cancers in the mouth, throat and lungs are caused by tobacco and alcohol habits
- Among women tobacco-related cancers are 15 per cent
- Among cancers in women, breast cancer accounts for about 30-35 per cent
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Kerala women, with 1,200 new cases registered at Regional Cancer Centre alone annually
- Absence of mandatory screening or fixed detection programmes is a major disadvantage. More funds and resources are used for palliative care which is needed only in the final stage. Lack of awareness on proper preventive and curative approach is a major issue the state is facing
