Ace film-maker’s wife forced to sell house in Aluva to repay loans taken by him
Sindhu lohitdas. (photo: DC)
Alappuzha: Five years ago, on June 28, the bigwigs of Malayalam film industry had made a beeline to Amaravathy’ in Akallur near Lakkidi, Ottapalam to pay homage to writer-director A.K. Lohithadas, during which many of them had also offered to financially support his family as they knew it was in dire straits.
It seems, none of them cared to follow up the words with action. Sindhu Lohithadas, widow of the late master craftsman, told DC that she had to sell a house in her name in Aluva as pressure for repayment of loans mounted by a bank and Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE). Only solace for Sindhu is that she managed to get their children, Harikrishnan and Vijayasankar educated.
The elder son Harikrishnan has completed his cinematography course and the younger one is pursuing script writing.
“Nobody from the film industry has come out in support of us so far. We had also approached Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office in August, 2012, seeking financial help. But nothing has materialised forcing me to sell the house. The property in Lakkidi, Ottapaalam, still bears a loan of Rs 15 lakhs which was taken by Lohi,” the hapless widow said.
“I will not approach anyone for any assistance now. Lohi sir was always committed to his works. He never haggled over the fees or fought cases in court over bounced cheques with the producer. He used to say that he would not be able to concentrate on writing and direction if he goes after cases. I have never seen him bowing his head in front of anybody. He used to take life as it comes. He taught the same lesson to me and his children. His teachings still help us to carry on. I have no grouse against anyone who forgot him. We will cherish his memories at Amaravathy, where he was laid to rest,” she said.
Sindhu, who is staying alone at ‘Amaravathy’, makes a living by cultivating paddy, tapioca, vegetables and fruits on the 1.5 acre land left with the family. While he left the world, Lohitadas had a liability of more than Rs 55 lakh, she said.
Lohithadas had written screenplay for 45 films and 13 of them were directed by he himself including national award winning film Bhoothakanadi.
( Source : dc )
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