K.T.C. Abdulla, who died here on Saturday at the age of 82, may not have acted in that many movies, nor were his roles particularly lengthy, yet he made the best out of the opportunities that came his way.
Those who have seen Sudani from Nigeria , one of the finest Malayalam films in recent times, are unlikely to forget the old man who is made to feel uncomfortable in his own home by his stepson. Only a talented actor could have portrayed the helplessness and the yearning of love of an unfortunate man so vividly.
Abdulla was also impressive in films like Arabikkatha and Khaddama .
His primary role, however, wasn’t that of an actor. He was the liaison manager of the Kozhikode-based film production company KTC – the name of his employer became part of his name, too.
He was part of the making of virtually every film that KTC made.
Abdulla used to act in plays though, having made his debut on stage while still at school. In his first drama, he had played a female role.
His was an active presence on the cultural scene of Kozhikode, till a few months ago. He would be there, often in the front row, at the Town Hall or the Tagore Centenary Hall, be it for a play or a music show.
And he would always treat you with that disarming smile of his.
