#My first Guru in the Leather industry, who taught me the ABCD in Leather, lost his companion#
TJN (Annae) is how I call him fondly over the last 41 years of my life in Leather Industry.
Apart from the Leather Industry, TJN was always passionate about the film industry and his proximity to many stars and directors, were always respectful. In an industry, a small crossing of line would mean a lot of money and less of respect, Annae chose to have a respectful life. Anni, supported him well in pursuing his leather line and passionate filmi reporter.
Unfortunately, he lost his companion and wife, Mrs. Prema Kumari on 25th Aug. early morning, in sleep.
Such a great soul which departed without any pain or treatment to the body.
As a respect to her who I lovingly call as Anni (Elder Brother’s wife), I am writing this article.
As far as I knew them in 1982, they were living at Chintadripet, Singanna chetty Street.
Saturday nights, we all four to five of us, used to go to movies in Mount Road theatres and go over to his place to sleep in the night.
This Anni, understanding our arrival, leaves the house for us to her parents place which was also in the same street.
Her cooking was so popular among all of us friends in particular the prawns, rasam (boiled tamarind water, required salt and tadka with red chillies and Garlic) and fish kuzhambhu.
Since, i was a vegetarian she cared for me to make sure that, the unripe banana is made spicy with the same masala as was made for the prawns.
Those were days between 1983-86, we used to have night shifts running at the tannery on most of the days and she used to make the dinner for us in no time and serve us heartfully. We used to finish the day shift by 6pm, reach home relax, laugh a bit and have dinner to be back at 10pm. The travel used to be 100 minutes up and down.
She was always smiling and laughing at my jokes and pranks.
As a Mother, she was possesive of Priya her daughter and made sure to give her the best education at Aadarsh vidyalaya Convent and later at Venkateswara Engineering.
The famous Star Director of all times, Mr. SP. Muthuraman, observed during the release of TJN’s book (Nilavukku pakkathu veedu), the sync and connect with the family, by TJN being a filmi reporter, his wife a librarian and the daughter an information technologist.
Priya then flew off to US and now well settled with her Husband and 3 kids.
But, the sacrifices made by my Annae and Anni, to bring her up is immense. You may think what is great about a women to cook.
It is important to know that, she was working all through her life to support the family and the dream of her daughter.
Working for 8 hours, coming home, receiving us with a smiling face and make dinner for all of us (3-4 friends), is a task.
She has seen me growing in front of her eyes and occupying a better position in the organisation. My Annae was always blessing me and never felt envy.
Now, the Anni, though at times, might have chided Annae, but, was always happy for me.
Such is her love and affection and a special character. She was there at all of the functions and marriages at my family and was a part of us.
Annae, after all his hardwork have a house, car, scooter, bank balance, his lovable film journalism but, my Anni will be missed by him always.
Priya has her own compulsion to take care of her family like her Mother did for her and lives far in the US.
She also did exhibit her love for her Mother by lighting the pyre. Seldom, we find girls doing that. Since, she was the only girl donned the role of a son, when needed the most.
Anni, is a person born with 2 younger sisters and a brother, lead her life in a dignified manner and left the mortal coil in a quiet manner.
I am one, who never forgets any good incidents of my life and these were the ladder steps which pushed me up in life to where I am today.
God Bless! Annae should get all the strength to carry on his life. Priya will be blessed to be happy with her husband and children eternally by the loving Mother.
