He would reach studio at 7am with a bowl of porridge

He was a man of great character and strict discipline, who treated his juniors with kindness, remembers make-up artist

M P Viswanathan

about Cho. Viswanathan, 68, had worked with Cho in the 1960s.

Based in Arasaradi, Madurai, Viswanathan was closely associated with Cho during the peak of his acting career.Of the senior journalist and political commentator he said, “He was a multi-facited man -an actor, advocate, film director, writer, veteran journalist and political satirist“.

“He was like God to me. His death is a personal loss to me.In 1974, when I wanted to leave Chennai to enter the theatre scene in Madurai, he gave me his blessing and `500. I will never forget his kindness,“ said Viswanathan.

Having worked with many leading actors including Cho, Major Sundarrajan and T S Balaiah, Viswanathan said: “I have worked as assistant make-up man in many of Cho's movies, including `Manam Oru Kurangu. I was paid a standard wage of `70,“ he said. Viswanathan remembers the satirist and playwright as a down-to-earth person who ate the same food as the rest of the crew, at a time when stars demanded customised food.He was also punctual and disciplined. “He would turn up at the studio at 7am sharp with a bowl of ragi porridge which he would eat at 10am,“ said Viswanathan.

Cho would always make everyone feel at home on the sets. “Sometimes he would have meals with us. He also helped a few workers financially, giving them `50 or `100 whenever they sought his assistance“ Viswanathan said.

Unable to make it in the movies, Viswanathan wanted to leave Chennai in 1974. And he approached Cho for financial help, who asked him to visit his

Thuglak office

. When Viswanathan got there, he was surprised when Cho gave him `500, a huge sum in those days.This money went a long way in helping him start his career in theatre.

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