Veteran Malayalam director KG George was cremated with state honours on Tuesday 26 September, at 5:00 PM. As per his last wish, George’s body was cremated at Ravipuram crematorium and not sent to church for last rites.
The mortal remains of the filmmaker were brought to the Ernakulam Town Hall at 11 AM on Tuesday morning, 26 September, for the public to pay homage. People from various streams of life paid their last respects till 3 PM.
Later, George’s body was cremated in Ravipuram crematorium, Ernakulam.
KG George passed away at an old age home in Kochi’s Kakkanad on Sunday, 24 September. He was 77. He was undergoing treatment for the last two months and was put on oxygen support on Sunday when he breathed his last.
MACTA (Malayalam Cine Technicians Association) and FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) are jointly organising a commemoration which will be held shortly after the funeral at the YMCA Hall.
Earlier, Mammooty termed KG George his teacher and mentor. Mohanlal, too, shared his grief on social media.
Related: Filmmaker KG George passes away at 77, leaving behind a rich legacy
Wife on rumours
Meanwhile, KG George’s playback singer-wife Selma George said her husband won’t be sent to the church cemetery for final rites, as per his wishes.
She also clarified that she was not enjoying her life in Goa when her husband was kept in an old age home.
According to Selma George, it was difficult for her to look after her husband as he suffered from a stroke and her family, including their children, took the decision to keep George in a well-equipped old age home that had all the facilities.
Selma added that she did everything to keep her husband well.
George’s family members arrived from Goa and Qatar for the final rites.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised George for addressing socially responsible issues though his movies.
Also read: As actor Madhu turns 90, here’s a lowdown on his iconic films
Path-breaking films
KG George was born in Thiruvalla in the Pathanamthitta district.
He was known for his significant contributions to Malayalam cinema.
He made his directorial debut with the 1976 film Swapnadnam. Later, he directed films such as Ulkadal (1979), Mela (1980), Yavanika (1982), Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback (1983), Adaminte Vaariyellu (1983), Panchavadi Palam (1984), Irakal (1986), and Mattoral (1988).
KG George was known as a daring filmmaker who didn’t care about commercial success. He was considered one of the directors who started a new school of filmmaking in Malayalam Cinema.
His film Swapnadanam (1976) won both the National and Kerala state film awards for his debut film.
He made some revolutionary films in Malayalam which helped Mammootty hog the limelight. Together, they delivered memorable movies like Mela, Yavanika, Kathakku Pinnil, Mattoral, and Adaminte Vaariyellu.
