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Actor-turned-waiter finally returns home
Award-winning Malayalam film actor, M.R. Balachandran, who was working as a waiter in a dilapidated restaurant in Sharjah after hitting on bad times, has finally returned home.
Khaleej Times had reported on his plight on May 27 when he was diagnosed with severe renal failure requiring an urgent kidney transplant. An affliction was diagnosed in his spinal cord affecting his walking ability.
Before boarding an Indian Airlines flight to Kerala last week, Balu, as he was affectionately called by his fans, told Khaleej Times "the people of Dubai have been very kind to me. All my brothers and sisters have contributed so much in terms of monetary help but more than that, I have been touched by their love and kindness."
He expressed his relief on seeing his family again and thanked everyone who had helped him.
The Valley of Love, an Indian welfare organisation, managed to collect around Dh45,000 for his treatment.
According to C.P. Mathew, chief coordinator of the organisation, "People from all walks of life have contributed wholeheartedly for Balu. We would like to thank all the individuals and the organisations who have managed to give a new life to him."
Balu who was getting treatment at the Al Qassimi Hospital will be joining his wife and three daughters in India. He is still worried about their future as he would not be able to work for at least a year because of health reasons.
"Everyone depends on me for their livelihood. I have three daughters and an ailing mother. I'm quite worried about how to get my daughters married as I would not be able to work now. Acting is no longer an option," he said.
"I started acting career in 1986 and since my debut, I have worked with some of the best names in Malayalam cinema. From Mammooty to Suresh Gopi, I have worked with many of them. But it has all changed now. I won't be able to work any more because of my health," he added.
For many years, Balu had been a regular face in Malayalam films. As the acting career opportunities suddenly dried up, he took up the job of a waiter in the Samrat Restaurant in the Abu Shagara area of Sharjah.
"Out of sheer desperation, I came to Sharjah in 1999. I was never ashamed to work as a waiter but it was quite tough for some people to accept this fact. My colleagues were very supportive. I too was in good spirits despite my health problems," he said.
After an accident in Jebel Ali, Balu was diagnosed with severe kidney failure and a problem with his spinal cord. Doctors at Al Qassimi Hospital gave him the grim prognosis saying that it would take weeks for him to recover and until then he could do no heavy work.
With a salary of Dh700 per month, Balu managed to save just enough money to send back home to take care of his family. He will now need regular rehabilitation to get his movement back. "He will now be taking physiotherapy treatment on a regular basis in Kerala," said a volunteer.
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