Ernakulam, Dec. 21 -- Emotional scenes marked the funeral of celebrated Malayalam actor, screenwriter and filmmaker Sreenivasan, as family members, close friends, colleagues and thousands of admirers gathered to pay their final respects.

The last rites of the actor were conducted with full state honours at his residence in Kandanad, Ernakulam, on Sunday.

Veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikkad honoured his longtime friend with a deeply moving gesture, placing a pen and a small piece of paper on the funeral pyre, inscribed with the words, "May only good things happen to everyone forever."

The quiet tribute captured the essence of a friendship and creative bond that spanned decades and helped define modern Malayalam cinema.

Born and raised ...