by Gladson D'Almeida - Daijiworld.com, Mangalore
Mangalore, Aug 16: It is often said that death befriends none. Rich or poor, good or bad, man or woman, everyone is just equal for death. That is why there is no great leveller than death. Everyone who is born in this world has to die. Though each one knows that he/she has to die one or the other day, no one can ever know his hour of death. There is no appointment but only disappointment. There is no proposing but only disposing and there is no planning but just submitting when death comes calling.
This is what could be said in the case of Johny Suratkal who breathed his last at 4.30 pm on Wednesday August 16 at Fr Muller Hospital. Christened as John Misquith, he had become familiar in Konkani world as Johny Suratkal. He was a great son of Konkani, having served her selflessly to the end. He was a writer, director and a well-known comedy actor.
But what set him apart from rest of the crowd was his unflinching spirit and noble attitude. He never sought recognition despite rendering yeoman's service to Konkani nor did he pursue titles or awards. He went about his work silently, first in Mumbai and then in Kuwait. In spite of achieving so much, he wished always to keep a low profile.
File Photo: Johny Surthkal seen in the picture during Daijiworld.com's fifth anniversary in Mangalore (07.01.2006)
Even his greatest critics would agree that Johny was selfless and upright to the core. He could have earned great name and fame in various ways. If he had wished he could have prepared a bed of garlands and shawls, for he was a generous giver to Konkani activities. He supported Konkani activities even financially. But never did he blow his own trumpet about his generous donations nor did he lobby with any organizer to call him and honour him. Even when opportunities beckoned, he declined them quietly wishing to remain behind the scenes.
But when it came to acting, Johny was second only to him. He had that uncanny gift of captivating the audience with his acting. Perhaps none of the spectators got bored as long as Johny was on the stage. He made everyone laugh with his humour, wit and acting abilities.
But he suffered owing to his illness. Perhaps he might not have dreamt in his wildest dreams that his life would be cut short by this deadly ailment at this early age. Though he was in the hospital for long, he always remained hopeful of getting back to the track and serving Konkani once again with the same zeal and fervour. After initial medication, he had been discharged from the hospital. But it was only a couple of days ago that he was diagnosed with blood cancer.
Johny's death has come as a rude shock to the entire Konkani community in Mangalore. It was only a few months ago that one of the greatest showmen of Konkani Mick Max had died an untimely death. Now Johny has followed him, plunging Mangalorean Konkani community into a state of daze. Apart from his long-time friends and well-wishers, even those who knew him only by seeing on the stage or through his literary works are now grief-stricken.
Daijiworld also spoke to a few friends of Johny who were in total shock after hearing this sad news. This is what they had to say:
Wilfy Rebimbus:
"I just can't believe that Johny is no more. I had visited him several times when he was in the hospital. My last visit was on Sunday August 13 evening. I spoke with him for long. Though I knew then that he was suffering from blood cancer, Johny did not have the slightest hint of it. He was hopeful of recovering and getting back to where he always loved to be - in the service of Konkani. But he is no more now," sobbed Wilfy.
"As a person, Johny was a rare gem. He was not into any kind of politics and name-game. He kept himself away from all these things. Yet he maintained a very good rapport with Konkani artistes and activists. I know him from his days in Mumbai where these three "Suratkals", that is, Johny Suratkal, Henry Suratkal and Rony Suratkal worked day in and day out to preserve and promote Konkani. They all were young in age, but were mature in their works. I think Konkani in Mumbai owes a lot to these. Johny continued his mission of promoting Konkani even after going to Kuwait. He supported Konkani activities, helped the musicians to sell their cassettes and joined hands with writers to market their books in Kuwait. He was part of my many shows in Mumbai as well as Kuwait. In his death I have lost a great supporter and friend. But Konkani at large has lost a staunch activists who never bothered about himself but worked for everyone," continued Wilfy.
Dr Edward Nazareth:
"My association with Johny was for long. He used to consult me for any of his medical problems. He was a good friend of mine. Even this morning, I went and visited him. I was with him to the end, that is, I was beside his bed when he breathed his last. He was not only an actor, writer but indeed a noble human being who knew how to keep his feet firmly planted on the ground despite success. Though he had his problems, especially of health, he never showed them to anyone. He ignored his own wounds but always nursed and cared for others. He worked with a true love for Konkani and never wished anything more nor did he crave for popularity," opined Dr Edward Nazareth.
Indeed, Johny was a noble person and a cheerful giver. He gave much more than he ever received. Despite his abilities and hard work, most of the times, he went unnoticed. This was largely because he maintained a low profile.
But with his death, Konkani has lost another great son who selflessly strived to promote Konkani wherever he went. The void created by his demise can never be filled. He is a shining example and a true role model to up-and-coming Konkani artistes. He preached more in his deeds than in words. His simple talk, noble deeds, unflinching spirits will always be missed by Konkani enthusiasts. The up-and-coming artistes should take a leaf out from his life to serve relentlessly without expecting any garland, shawl or honour in return. Johny knew it well that garlands will fade away and shawl will tear away. But true service and noble deeds would never perish.
Adieu to you,Johny. May your soul rest in peace.