Memories of an old friend - Jose Prakash

My dear Jose Prakash, Bangalore,20/04/09,

Perhaps you may surprise this letter from a very old friend of Kottayam, when you were managing the Jose tailors, opp. to Indian Coffee house and Bank of Deccan, and beneath Palai Central Bank. When I was going to and back

MD Seminary, during my school days I noticed the shop with busy employees doing service to many people of the town. Though I wanted to enter the shop and get a shirt , I could not do so, as shirts were stitched then only once in 6 months and that too at the village tailor shop (at Thiruvarpu ) where the cost was only 4 chakrams (12.5 paise!) , whereas you charged 4 annas (25 paise).

Finally I got permission from mother and got stitched a shirt from your shop at 6 annas. and you reduced it to 4 annas on my negotiation. I do not know whether you are the same person, now in your Sathabishekam. I wish you all prosperity for your family and good health for another 10 years. or more.

I do not remember when you left the shop at Kottayam. Later when I saw you in the films, I identified you and become a fan. I very much appreciate many of your pictures; one among is your Father action with ungrateful children. It was shown in the TV some time back and I spoke to my wife and children about you and our connection for a small time (say b4 or 5 years). Even when I have no business at the shop I used to come and meet you during my return home to Thiruvarpu.

Among the lakhs of fans and well wishers for a person of your stature, you may not have a chance to remember this old association, and that too when I am not in the VIPs class . Any how I am really glad that I could at least remember you now from the Photo in Mathrubhumy and convey this message of good wishes on the occasion of your Sathabishekam. My best regards, and Prayers for your well being and convey this to your family members.

We are of the same age group (self 82), but I could not get an opportunity to meet you after you left Kottayam. I first joined Forward Bank and then in Travancore Bank and retired after 41 years service. Like you, I have 6 children (4 d and 2 s) and all well educated and well placed, two of them in high position. All my grand children are also well educated. I could not get higher education, due to non- availability of colleges at Kottayam then and the sudden death of my father and I compensated it by giving very good education to my children, by the Grace of God.

My wife, who is also an appreciator of your Cinemas, join with me to convey our Best Wishes on this happy occasion of your Sathabishekam and Pray God Almighty to shower His choicest blessings on you and your family, for many more years . If you have time and willingness, please write a reply to this old friend, who is away from you for the past 50 years. Now I am settled in Bangalore with my sons, who care us very well and we are indebted to the Great God, for giving such good opportunity, at the fag end of life.

With regards to all If I get a chance to visit Ernakulam, I surely desire to meet you to renew the relationship ,of 50 years back.

Warm Regards
Thatha