Not many people can boast a new career at age 60, but for one daily wage earner from Kerala, Mammikka, it’s reality.
As he was on his way one day, a serendipitous meeting with photographer Shareek Vayalil led to a viral photo. Most people who commented on social media not only complimented the old gent but also pointed out that he bore an uncanny resemblance to the actor Vinayakan.
Even before he could take in his sudden Insta-fame, Vayalil returned to the worker asking him to model for a wedding clothes brand for whom he was shooting a campaign. The resulting makeover video catapulted both subject and photographer to fame and the photograph that sees Mammikka sitting in a suit on steps with an iPad in his hands seems to seal the deal.
Talking to indianexpress.com over the phone, Vayalil said that Mammikka is his close friend and neighbour.
“After watching the video, people from far-flung places, including foreign countries contacted and congratulated me. We received rare reviews from Mammika’s wide network of friends. The clip went viral beyond my expectations,” he said.
Apart from managing and owning Shk Digital, a photography and videography studio in Koduvally, Vayalil also owns a wedding suit store, Your Choice.
“Our friends or native people usually pose as model for our advertisements on billboards. This time, we chose Mammika and Majnas, a local salon owner, [and] did his makeover. The video was shot in Hylite Business park,” he added.
As Vayalil sweeps in accolades for his great spot, Mammikka has a new dream — and a new career — modelling. Good luck to him.