Tamil scholar and television personality Solomon Pappaiah, known best for hosting the debate show Pattimandram, died at the age of 90 in Madurai on Friday. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay , and film personalities such as Rajinikanth and Vijay Sethupathi expressed grief upon his passing. They took to social media to pay homage to the scholar.
Solomon received the Kalaimamani award in 2000 for his contribution to literature and was conferred India’s civilian honour, the Padma Shri, in 2021. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Solomon Pappayya Sir. The news of his passing brings immense sorrow. Alongside his public role as a debate moderator, Solomon had a long academic career. He served as a Tamil professor at The American College in Madurai for more than three decades. He was also familiar to Tamil cinema audiences through memorable cameo appearances. His film credits included Mudhalvan, Boys and Sivaji: The Boss.
A great voice of Tamil, forever remembered,” wrote Prabhu Deva, while R Sarath Kumar wrote, “Through the channel of that loving voice, Professor Solomon Pappiah entered the hearts and homes of Tamils, transforming platform stages into grand arenas of culture with his sweet speech and charming Tamil laced with humour.
