Little Tom breaks his silence over being trolled for crying at Salim Kumar’s funeral; “People may not know any of that,” he says.
Actor Tiny Tom responded to the criticism he received after he became emotional during the funeral of veteran actor Salim Kumar. The actor said that many people made fun of him without knowing the long and meaningful friendship they had shared over several decades.Tiny Tom has been the target of many online trolls in recent years. One of the most discussed incidents occurred after Salim Kumar’s funeral, where his emotional reaction sparked criticism on social media.At Maharaja’s College, the actor explained why that moment affected him so deeply, according to Reporter.
Little Tom says he got really emotional
During the promotional event of the upcoming film ‘Ottam Thullal’, actor Binu Thrikkakkara performed an imitation of Salim Kumar.
The moment brought back memories of Tiny Tom, who spoke of their long association.He said: “I got really emotional. There was a bench there. Around this time every day, he would come and sit there and smoke a bidi. That’s how our relationship began. It was a friendship that lasted about 30 years. People probably don’t know any of that. Many were making fun of me because I cried when Salimitan’s body was put on the funeral pyre.”
But we lived as close friends. We entered the tradition together and competed in college competitions.
At that time, Salmitan, Bakru and I were regularly finishing first, second and third. “Losing someone with whom I shared such a friendship was heartbreaking.”
Tiny Tom remembers their first years together
Tiny Tom spoke about the years they spent together in the tradition and the memories they created before entering the film industry.He added: “I visited him in the hospital several times, hoping that he would recover and come back.
After work, he would come to Maharaja College to study.”According to the actor, he never expected the friendship to end so suddenly. He remained optimistic about Salim Kumar’s recovery until the end and continued to visit him during his treatment.
A friendship built through tradition and college competitions
Little Tom explained that his friendship with Salim Kumar began long before either of them became a well-known actor. They performed together in mimicry shows and also participated in university-level competitions.He noted that he, Salim Kumar and Bakru often secured top three places in those events. The actor said those years created a lasting bond that remained strong throughout their lives.Tiny Tom made these remarks during the promotions of G. Marthandan’s film Ottam Thullal. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 24.
