Balabhaskar's fans bid emotional farewell

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Grief-stricken relatives and fans filled the premises of the Santhi Kavadam to bid farewell to violinist and music composer Balabhaskar who died early on Tuesday.

Crying and embracing each other, men and women turned out on Wednesday as Balabhaskar's body was brought to the cremation. They had begun trickling in from early morning to have a final glimpse of their favourite musician. The rush even affected the cremation ceremony at times.

When the ambulance carrying his body arrived, the people who had assembled at Santhi Kavadam gathered around the vehicle hoping to see him for one last time. Chaotic scenes played out even as wailings rented the air when the people saw Balabhaskar's body with a violin placed on his chest.

He was laid to rest with state police's guard of honour around 11am. State police chief Loknath Behera paid his last respects to the musician during the occasion. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan also turned up.

Several of his closest friends including Sivamani, Stephen Devassy, Renjini and Rajalakshmy were also present at the crematorium. Sivamani, known for his exuberant display of energy on stage, broke down while the last rites were performed. Actor and MP Suresh Gopi, Maniyanpilla Raju and political leaders from all major parties were also present during the occasion.

Police struggled to contain the crowd at times, which swelled towards the area where the rites were being performed.

Balabhaskar's body was carried towards the cremation grounds after he was given a guard of honour. A remembrance meet was organized at the University College after the cremation.