RIP Kurien Mathews: A Dear Friend, An Honourable Man

The author reminisces about his friendship that started in Delhi when he began his advertising career at Ulka with George John, and Mathews was with Interface.

Words fail me. I received a messenger note from his niece in the wee hours of the morning in Chicago. I am still in a state of disbelief. I cannot believe that I will not be able to have my random conversations with him anymore.

Our friendship goes way back to Delhi when I began my advertising career at Ulka with George John. Young Kurien was with Interface. We hit it off on day one. He always used to address me as “Mr. Isaac” with a twinkle in his eyes and his inimitable smile.

Years later (1999) when I was about to launch my new company pi international, K (that’s how I used to address him – always) and I went for a drink at the Library Bar in Taj President. We spoke at length about my vision. The next afternoon, he came home to Badhwar Park with my logo. When Linkedin first appeared he was one of the first to pen a beautiful referral.

Wherever I was in the world, he would immediately answer my call or WhatsApp texts. He was in the middle of getting his son married when I had a new idea of my new life and brand, he took time out and spoke to me. He was excited that I was getting back to my first love for Voice Acting. In fact as he said, “Mr. Isaac, I have been waiting for this day. I want you to think beyond being a Voice Actor. I want you to be the “Platform”. I love your brand ‘Peter Isaac The Voice.’ Let me put together a team to help build it.” True to his word, he had a team from his office all set in a matter of days, despite his hectic schedule of his son’s wedding.

When things did not work out with his team, I called K and told him, I created a logo and was not able to work with his team. He looked at the logo and said, “Mr. Isaac… you cracked it. Let’s run with it. I am here, let’s build another global pi international. The world needs to hear your voice. You need to do podcasts. You need to have your own YouTube channel. It’s ok we don’t have to work with my team, but you always have me. You know that.”

I was to call him later this week to update him on the progress.

I am devastated that I cannot hear his warmth, his motivation. Him.

My heart goes out to my dear dear Anju and the children. No amount of words can ever be enough to console you. All that I can do is to pray that the Almighty can grant you the strength to bear this loss and that He will walk with you as you pass through this valley of shadow.

Fare thee well my dear dear K. May the Angels herald your arrival into the kingdom of heaven.

All my Love.