Chennai man’s self-obit piece takes social media by storm, many salute his zest for living

On October 16, just one day before his 72nd birthday, Ejji K Umamahesh passed away following a high-risk heart surgery. The next day, newspapers and Facebook carried his self-penned obituary.

Calling himself a “recycled teenager, rat-race-runner (retd.), whole time househusband and homemaker, compulsive party host, theatre & movie actor, Umamahesh told friends, enemies, and those in-between thanks for sharing his exciting life. “My party is over, and I hope there is no hangover for those I left behind. Time is running out for everybody. Live well, enjoy your life, and continue the party,” he wrote.

In a Facebook post, posted by his family following his death, Umamahesh vowed to donate his organs and his body for research and educational purposes. A fan of all things vehicular, Umamahesh took to 

wording this sentiment as follows, “I regret to inform you that my vintage vehicle that was being restored, in spite of the best mechanics in India with mastery over their craft, modern tools and expertise at their command, did all they could to revive it, but unfortunately did not succeed. The engine gasket blew, the engine housing cracked, the pistons seized, and the old jalopy is now ready to be scrapped. Luckily a few parts that have survived destruction will be donated to other similar vintage vehicle owners who can put them to good use in their own machine.”

With both the Facebook post and the obituary clipping in a newspaper going viral, social media users were impressed by the former Madras Players actors’ zest for life. “I have travelled far and wide, met many, but never have I met someone like you nor I think I will ever. You turned a deaf ear to what others said or thought and lived a colorful life on your own terms. It was a pleasure knowing you,” said Facebook user Sridhar Lakshmanan. A collector of vintage cars, a former toilet cleaning supervisor at Safire Theatre, and a member of the Rotary Club of Madras and Free Masons Club, Umamahesh’s life motto, as posted on his social media, continues to be “Live! Don’t Exist!” even in his death.