It has been around two months since the passing of Solomon Pappaiah, the scholar and debate moderator, who is also known for his role in Sivaji with Rajinikanth. On Sunday, actor Dhanush shared that a festival such as Pongal or Diwali is not complete for him without reminiscing about the late scholar, most popular for his moderation of Pattimandram (debate) on national television.
Taking to X, the actor wrote, "Professor Solomon Pappaiah, who revered Tamil. I cannot remember a Diwali or Pongal without him since childhood." Going off on a tangent, the actor said that he found Raja, who participated in Pattimandram that Solomon Pappaiah mediated, an appropriate choice for his role in Sivaji. "Pappaiya sir, your voice and memories will live in our hearts forever," Dhanush signed off.
This is not the first time Dhanush reminisced about the scholar on social media. In 2016, the actor said that he watched Pattimandram with Solomon on Diwali. "Yet another festival with Solomon Pappaiah Pattimandram. Certain things never change," the actor wrote at the time, while mentioning childhood memories with a hashtag.
Dhanush has not starred in a film with Solomon, but his posts about the scholar cum orator indicate a deep connection with the latter. Speaking of films, Solomon had reportedly rejected more than 200 film roles, but he made memorable appearances in Shankar's Sivaji: The Boss with Rajinikanth and the filmmaker's own Boys. Solomon once told The Hindu that he did not accept numerous film offers, as he did not feel like belonged in that sphere.
Interestingly, he expressed regret for being part of Sivaji for the level of body shaming and colourism from his character towards his onscreen daughters. Taking accountability for it, he publicly apologised multiple times on television for taking part in the scene, which played a part in him quitting acting altogether.
