‘Take Me Home’: Watch actor Shihan Hussaini’s final Instagram video before death; Pawan Kalyan’s karate guru passes away

Shihan Hussaini, a celebrated karate master, actor, artist, archer and mentor, passed away on March 25 at the age of 60 following a brief battle with leukaemia.

He remained active on social media, updating followers on his cancer battle and his decision to donate his body for medical research.

Before going into the ICU for four days until his demise, Hussaini posted him singing a country music song while playing the guitar from the hospital bed. He sang John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads.

In his final days, Hussaini made a heartfelt video appeal, urging Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to purchase his karate centre and requested Vijay to promote archery in every Tamil Nadu household.

Despite financial difficulties during his illness, Hussaini refused crowdfunding and instead chose to sell his property. The Tamil Nadu government provided ₹5 lakh for his treatment.

Shihan Hussaini’s career

Known for his multi-faceted personality and contributions to Tamil cinema and martial arts, Hussaini’s death has left a void in many hearts. His family confirmed the news, stating that his mortal remains would be kept at their Besant Nagar home in Chennai.

Students and well-wishers can pay their last respects. In a symbolic tribute, archers were requested to bring bows to shoot arrows, and karatekas were invited to perform katas. These are the ceremonies Hussaini wished to be part of, even in death.

Hussaini’s film debut came in Kamal Haasan’s Punnagai Mannan, playing a dancer with anti-Lankan sentiments. He rose to prominence with villainous roles in Velaikaran, Unnai Solli Kutramillai, Vedan and Badri, where he played Vijay’s karate coach.

He also acted in the Hollywood film Bloodstone and later appeared in Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal and the upcoming Chennai City Gangsters. On television, he hosted Athiradi Samayal and judged the reality show Vellum Thiramai.

In addition to cinema, Hussaini was a nationally respected karate expert and founder of the Archery Association of Tamil Nadu (TAAT), serving as its general secretary.

He was also a sculptor and painter, inspiring hundreds of youngsters in martial arts and archery. His students included Pawan Kalyan.

Pawan Kalyan’s message for his guru

“Learning that, he spent his final moments watching my interview with Tanthi, just a day before his passing, deeply touched my heart. I was about to visit him on 29th but sad to hear he passed away yesterday night,” the actor-politician wrote for his martial arts ‘Guru’ in a Twitter (now X) post.

“The discipline and skills I learned under his guidance shaped me both physically and mentally. His intense training instilled in me the courage and determination that continue to guide me. His legacy in martial arts archery and in fine arts will always be remembered,” he added.