Pawan Kalyan on demise of mentor Shihan Hussaini: I heard about his battle with cancer just four days ago...

Pawan Kalyan and Shihan Hussaini throwback moment

Pawan Kalyan, the well-known Telugu actor and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is deeply grieving the death of Shihan Hussaini, the renowned karate instructor and archery expert. Hussaini, who had been fighting blood cancer for an extended period, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on March 25.

Kalyan, deeply affected by his mentor’s death, shared a heartfelt note recalling their time together.

In a two-page message written in Tamil, which was loosely translated, Pawan Kalyan expressed his sorrow, stating, 'I'm heartbroken to hear the passing of renowned martial arts and archery coach Shihan Hussaini. I learnt karate from him. I heard about his battle with cancer just four days ago. With the help of my friends from Chennai, I had told his family that I would make arrangements to send him to a foreign facility for treatment. I had also planned to meet him in Chennai on March 29. I was shattered to learn about his death. I will pray to God for his soul to rest in peace.'

Reflecting on his time training under Hussaini’s guidance, Kalyan shared, 'In Chennai, Hussaini taught karate with strict rules and regulations. I would follow his instructions 100 per cent. At first, he did not agree to teach me karate. 'I am not teaching anybody these days. I will not be able to teach,' he said. However, I pursued him relentlessly and he eventually agreed.'

Kalyan recalled the intensity of the training, 'I used to go early in the morning, would stay with him till the evening to train for a 'black belt' in karate. Whatever I learnt from him, I used it in my Telugu film, Thammudu, in which I played the role of a kickboxer.'

He went on to praise Hussaini’s multi-faceted talents, acknowledging his contributions beyond martial arts, 'Under Hussaini’s tutelage, nearly 3,000 people received their black belts. With his hard work, he popularised archery in Tamil Nadu. He was also well-versed in music, sculpting, and acting in films. He delivered motivational speeches and made martial arts more accessible to the youth.'

Also Read: When late actor Shihan Hussaini trained Pawan Kalyan, Vijay and others in Martial arts

Pawan Kalyan ended his tribute by praising Hussaini's generous spirit, 'His decision to donate his body for medical research shows his good heart. My heartfelt condolences to Hussaini’s family.'

Hussaini’s body is currently at his Besant Nagar residence in Chennai, with final rites scheduled for 4 pm on Tuesday in Royapettah.