Rajinikanth has extended financial support to veteran actor-director Mohan Sharma, who has been living in an old-age home after facing severe financial hardship in recent years.
Mohan Sharma, who has appeared in over 170 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam and produced more than 15 films, is a familiar face to South Indian cinema audiences. In Tamil, he is known for his performances in Akkarai Pachai (1974), Nadakame Ulagam (1977), Thoondil Meen (1980), Suyamvaram (1999), Friends (2001), Parthiban Kanavu (2003), and Priyamana Thozhi (2003), among others. He also played Genelia's father in Vijay's 2005 hit Sachien. His Tamil-Malayalam bilingual Gramam/Namma Gramam earned widespread acclaim, winning two National Film Awards and two Kerala State Film Awards, among several other honours.
Now in his 80s, Mohan Sharma recently returned to the spotlight after videos highlighting his financial struggles went viral online. Currently residing in an old-age home in Gummidipoondi, Chennai, where he receives free food and accommodation, the veteran actor revealed that he has been unable to afford even essential medicines due to his financial condition.
After learning about his situation, Rajinikanth reportedly extended financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to the veteran actor.
Speaking about his life, Mohan Sharma recalled that he once owned a house in Chennai's upscale Poes Garden locality. He also shared an anecdote about his award-winning film Namma Gramam, revealing that former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was deeply moved after watching the film and had expressed interest in acquiring its satellite rights for Jaya TV.
"Unfortunately, before that could happen, she passed away," he said. Reflecting on the difficult years that followed, Mohan Sharma added, "After my first innings in cinema, I moved into television and directed several serials. Though films and television kept me professionally busy, my family life never gave me peace or happiness. I went through immense personal suffering that I could never speak about publicly. Eventually, I had to sell my Poes Garden house."
He further revealed that he has neither close relatives nor friends to care for him during illness, making his old age particularly difficult.
Apart from his contributions as an actor and filmmaker, Mohan Sharma has also served as a member of the National Film Awards jury and the selection committee for the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). He also played a significant role in securing South India's representation in the selection process for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. In addition, he previously held a position in the Film Chamber.
Recalling his time there, he said, "We had passed a resolution to provide Rs 5 lakh as financial assistance to members suffering from serious illnesses or hardship in old age. I wrote to the Film Chamber seeking help, citing that resolution. However, I was informed that the resolution has since been amended. Now, they say the money will be given only after a person passes away."
Questioning the decision, he said, "Why not help someone while they are alive and struggling? After they die, who will receive that money?"
Mohan Sharma has now appealed to members of the film fraternity and well-wishers to purchase the satellite rights of Namma Gramam, saying the proceeds would help him meet his medical expenses for the remainder of his life.