On the first death anniversary of Malayalam actor, mimicry artist and singer Kalabhavan Navas, his elder brother Niya Backer shared an emotional tribute remembering their lifelong bond. Calling Navas his “right hand” and “childhood companion,” Niya reflected on the pain of losing his brother while also offering words of comfort to others grieving loved ones.
‘I lost my right hand,’ writes Niya Backer
In his emotional tribute, Niya described how deeply his brother’s absence has affected him, saying that he had lost much more than a sibling.He wrote, “Today marks one year since our Navas left us. What I lost was not just a younger brother. There was only a two-year age difference between us, and he was also my childhood companion. As we grew older, he became my colleague in our profession as well.Whenever there was a family matter that required a decision, my strength came from Navas and Nizam. I have lost my right hand.Death is the Almighty’s inevitable decision. We ordinary human beings have no choice but to come to terms with it.”
Niya backer on the sibling bond
Niya also wrote about the lifelong connection between siblings.He continued, “The Almighty has left a mark on the bodies of me, Navas and Nizam in the form of our belly buttons, reminding us that we were once one with our mother’s body. No matter what, those marks can never be erased.Until we return to the earth, the roots of that mark will remain deeply embedded in our hearts. Siblings don’t need to make grand gestures to prove the depth of their bond and they never will.I don’t believe there can be a greater symbol of that relationship than this. All that is needed is the realization of it.”
Niya Backer’s message of comfort for those who have lost loved ones
Towards the end of his note, Niya extended his thoughts to others who have experienced similar loss.He wrote, “To mothers who have lost their children, and to brothers and sisters who have lost their siblings, I have nothing more to offer today except this small note of comfort—that those we have lost continue to live with us.He is always remembered in the prayers of those who love him. Even so, I wanted to remind everyone that today marks one year since our Navas passed away. I hope you will remember him especially in your prayers today.”His words struck an emotional chord, with many remembering Navas’ contributions to Malayalam entertainment.
Kalabhavan Navas’ career spanning stage and cinema
Born on April 27, 1974 Kalabhavan Navas began his career as a mimicry artist before joining the renowned Kalabhavan troupe, from which he adopted his stage name. He later performed with the Cochin Arts troupe alongside his brother Niya Backer. Apart from acting and mimicry, he was also known for his singing talent. Navas made his Malayalam film debut with ‘Chaithanyam’ (1995) and went on to appear in nearly 50 films.