Mammootty's one-line motivation pushed his Malayalam co-actor to fight back and beat cancer

Time of India

25-05-2025

Support That Went Beyond Words
A Determined Return to Cinema
Veteran Malayalam actor and producer Maniyanpilla Raju has revealed how a brief yet powerful message from his close friend Mammootty became a turning point in his fight against cancer. Speaking in an interview with Vanitha, Raju opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced after being diagnosed and how a single phone call helped him find the strength to carry on.The moment he was informed he had cancer, Raju was devastated. He described the feeling as one of collapse and despair, unsure of what the future held. However, what pulled him back from that dark place was Mammootty's immediate response when he shared the news: "Eda, you need to fight and come back."Raju said Mammootty's words lit a fire in him to resist giving in to fear. He remembered how the megastar traveled from Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram just to visit him. Mohanlal also made time to be by his side despite his packed schedule. The fact that two of Malayalam cinema's busiest actors took time out for him left Raju deeply moved. Their visit was not just a gesture; it gave him a renewed sense of worth.Because of his low immunity during treatment, only a few friends could visit him. Among them were Ganesh Kumar, Ranjith, and Achankunju. Their quiet presence offered much-needed comfort. But not every interaction was supportive. He recalled a disturbing phone call from someone who bluntly asked, 'Heard you died, is that true?' and a wedding guest who shouted, 'Sugar, right? You've really wasted away!' Raju didn't stay silent and responded just as publicly, 'It's not sugar. It's something bigger. Cancer. I beat it, and I'm still standing.'Even during hospital stays, Raju never lost his playful nature. The nurses often pointed out how he still had a childlike spark. He said their affection and prayers were among the many things that helped keep his spirits up. In their eyes, he was more than a patient — he was someone to root for.He also found inspiration in the late actor Innocent, who lived more than a decade after his cancer diagnosis. Raju often recommends Innocent's book Smile in the Cancer Ward, which he believes should be read by anyone facing a similar challenge.Despite losing 16 kilograms and being unable to eat spicy food, Raju remains optimistic. He says his wife now feeds him like a child, a drastic change for someone once so particular about meals. He has resumed workouts and is gradually regaining his strength. 'Health is wealth,' he reflected, noting that acting requires more energy than people realize.Public reactions also played a big role in his recovery. He shared that strangers on the street often stop him to say, 'May your health be fully restored' or 'We want to see Rajuvettan back.' These heartfelt wishes kept his motivation alive.Raju made it clear that he doesn't see his life as over. He's committed to acting and producing again. The mindset he carries now is one of resilience, not resignation. 'We're not here to live for 200 years,' Mammootty had told him, a line that stuck with him through every difficult moment. And with that, Raju chose to fight — and win.