Thiruvananthapuram, May 22 (PTI) Malayalam cine actor Salim Kumar, who bagged the national award for his touching portrayal of an elderly Muslim yearning to travel to Meccah in the movie 'Aadaminte Makan Abu' (Abu, son of Adam), will be sponsoring a Haj pilgrim this year.
Directed by Salim Ahmed, the movie, which was also adjudged as the best feature film, the actor essayed the role of a street vendor who saves every possible penny to fulfil his life-long wish of performing the Haj with his wife.
"During the shooting days I could understand and empathise with the agony and ecstasy of a devotee who intensely longs to make the trip to Holy Meccah despite his strained circumstances. So, on being awarded for the role, the first thought that crossed my mind was of bearing the expenses of a Haj pilgirm", Salim Kumar told PTI.
"I am a devotee myself."