Pattimandram Icon Solomon Pappaiah Dies at 90; Rajinikanth, Vijay, Sethupathi Mourn Scholar’s Passing

Tamil scholar and television personality Solomon Pappaiah, widely known for hosting the popular debate programme Pattimandram, died in Madurai on Friday at the age of 90.

His death has left the Tamil literary and cultural world mourning, with actor-politician Vijay, Rajinikanth and Vijay Sethupathi among those who paid tribute to the veteran scholar.

• Vijay remembers Solomon Pappaiah
• Vijay shared a photograph of Solomon Pappaiah on X and expressed his sorrow over the veteran scholar’s demise.

Vijay said Pappaiah used his platform to showcase the richness of the Tamil language and the cultural values of Tamil society. He also praised his ability to combine humour, deep knowledge of Tamil and social commentary in a way that connected with people from all walks of life.

According to Vijay, Pappaiah transformed traditional debate forums from simple entertainment into platforms that encouraged people to think and engage with social issues. He described the scholar’s contribution to the Tamil-speaking community as an irreplaceable loss.

Rajinikanth, Vijay Sethupathi pay tribute

Rajinikanth also mourned Pappaiah’s death, recalling his contribution to taking Tamil literary debates from academic circles to ordinary people.

The superstar prayed for the soul of the veteran scholar and remembered his role in making literary discussions accessible to the masses.

Vijay Sethupathi described Pappaiah’s passing as the end of a golden era of Tamil stage debates. He recalled how the scholar took Pattimandram into people’s homes and made Tamil literature and public discussion accessible through his simple and engaging style.

Other celebrities also expressed their grief. Prabhu Deva remembered Pappaiah as a great voice of Tamil, while R Sarath Kumar praised his distinctive style and his ability to bring Tamil culture and literature closer to audiences.

• Solomon Pappaiah’s career
• According to PTI, Pappaiah died following an illness in Madurai on Friday. He was 90.

Pappaiah played a major role in popularising the traditional Tamil Pattimandram format, using it to host lively discussions on subjects ranging from classical literature to contemporary social issues.

He also had a distinguished academic career. Pappaiah served as a Tamil professor at The American College in Madurai for more than three decades, while his popularity extended beyond academia through television and public forums.

Tamil cinema audiences also recognised him from cameo appearances in films such as Mudhalvan, Boys and Sivaji: The Boss.

His contribution to Tamil literature and public discourse earned him the Kalaimamani award in 2000. In 2021, he was honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution to the field.