Carrying forward the message of love

Kanchanamala, whose life story was made into a hit movie Ennu Ninte Moideen (Yours Truly, Moideen) was in Dubai to share her love story firsthand

The real-life love story of Kanchanamala and Moideen portrayed in the film Ennu Ninte Moideen was a major commercial success. Both of them belonged to prominent families of Mukkam, near Kozhikode, Kerala. Kanchanamala was from a Hindu family while Moideen was from a Muslim background. Initially, their families were close friends, and this helped the young children to bond.
However, as they grew up and matured, love stirred in their hearts, but the religious divide separated them. The youngsters were advised by their respective families to end their friendship. However, both of them communicated through letters and script that they had personally developed.
Meanwhile, unable to fulfil his wishes without family support, Moideen turned to social work among the poor and needy in the area. He wrote features in Malayalam for periodicals and was also involved in producing Malayalam movies. On July 15, 1982, while crossing the Irumizhinjippuzha in a country boat, the boat capsized. Moideen saved many lives before he tragically drowned.
Though advised by her family, Kanchana refused to enter into marriage. She tried to commit suicide but failed. In the end, she left her own home to live in Moideen's house as Moideen's unmarried widow. Currently, she is involved in social service carrying forward Moideen's legacy.
She has set up a Seva Mandir for the destitute. Now in her 70s, she serves as a volunteer for organisations that work towards the upliftment of women. It is the memory of Moideen that continues to inspire Kanchanamala and add sparkle to her life. A love story that continues despite the passage of time. 
-suchitra@khaleejtimes.com

• Supplements