200907 Unni Krishnan
Unni Krishnan Image Credit: Supplied

Muscat: Artist Unni Krishnan’s suicide in Oman has sent shock waves among his friends in Oman. The artist was popular in the Keralite community in Oman. Jabir Maliyakal, an office bearer of Indian Social Club and a prominent member of the community involved in welfare activities, said the news still seems surreal. Jabir, a friend of Unni Krishnan for a decade, said his amiable personality and readiness to help at any time had endeared him to everyone who came in contact with him.

“Unni was in Sharjah before coming to Muscat and he was an exemplary artist, whose works were showcased in exhibitions. He was our go-to person for any visual art requirements and he was a great person, full of humour. One couldn’t see Unni without a smile and none of us can fathom a reason for this drastic decision.”

Unni Krishnan was found dead at around 4pm on September 5, when in the morning he had dropped off two of his friends at the airport and was also chatting with his friends through WhatsApp. “He even shared a beautiful post on Facebook, as that day was commemorated as Teacher’s Day by many Indians. The freshness of that post still remains, even as the author has left us forever,” said one of his friends.

Suresh B Nair, another prominent community member and Managing Director of Energy Services LLC, said he couldn’t bring himself to post a condolence message for Unni Krishnan. “Our drama sessions were incomplete without him. The backdrop invariably used to be his creative child, but that apart he was the cue-giver and he used to fill the premise with his positive presence and cheerful attitude. I want to think and believe that he is happy now.”

Unni Krishnan hails from Chavakkad, in Trichur district in Kerala and is survived by his wife and two daughters. Jabir told Gulf News the priority was to ensure Unni Krishnan’s body is sent to his home town after the necessary formalities are completed in Oman.