The long absence of veteran comedian Brahmanandam from films gave rise to many speculations. During this period many newcomers made their presence felt. An artiste commented that extra buses ply only during festive season; original buses keep on plying and are back in operation once the peak season ends. So it is with Brahmanandam; he too will be back in action soon.
The star comedian had a cardiac issue and chose to undergo a procedure in Mumbai, instead of Hyderabad, so that he could be away from the media glare. An amused Brahmanandam shares, “I went to Mumbai thinking I will be away from media and fans, but right from the Governor of Maharashtra to aam janata , at least 60 people would come to visit me every day. There were calls, messages and I was so touched. I didn’t know that people loved me so much and they want to see me back in action. I have made up my mind to do films for them now. I don’t mind if my remuneration is less. I will be particular about my timings though, as I have just recuperated. I want to be visible to my fans,” he says in gratitude.
Brahmanandam shares that he had been neglecting a pain in the chest for a long time and when it refused to subside, he went for a checkup and was told it was a cardiac issue that needed surgery. He rushed to Mumbai with both sons by his side and underwent surgery. Now that he is active, fit and fine, he has visited Tirumala for divine blessings.
Pilgrims in the temple town were delighted to see the actor in their midst. He was smiling and cracking jokes with them. This is his first outing after three months. Brahmanandam says, “I am a Venkateswara Swami devotee. I wanted to thank Him first before I face the public again. I also want to thank the media for being instrumental in changing my mind. Had they not written about my illness, I wouldn’t have known that so many people loved me and missed my work. This is like a re-birth.”
As a result, he will be back in action from June. Venky Mama and Manmadhudu 2 are his next releases and he has signed another half a dozen big projects. Ask him what he did in the interim and he asks us to come over and see his recent sketches. Not many know he is a gifted artist who draws and makes idols too. When we enquire about his grandson, he says, “ Vaadu mamoolodu kaadhu, vaadu Brahmanandam ki tatha .”
Published - April 03, 2019 03:13 pm IST
