11 September,2026 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vijay, Rajinikanth and Solomon Pappaiah pics via Instagram
Renowned Tamil scholar and television personality Solomon Pappaiah, known for hosting the debate show Pattimandram, passed away at the age of 90 in Madurai on Friday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, superstars Rajinikanth and Vijay Sethupathi took to social media to pay tribute to the scholar.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay shared a picture of Solomon on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed grief upon his passing, writing, "Upon learning of the passing of Tamil scholar Professor Solomon Pappiah, who, through forum platforms, made the world aware of the greatness of Tamil and the way of life of Tamils, I am filled with immense sorrow and pain." He also offered condolences to everyone mourning his demise.
He also added, "Through his speeches infused with humour, his profound mastery of Tamil, and his ability to bring social thoughts to the people in a simple manner, Professor Solomon Pappiah not only achieved this but also transformed forums from mere pastime events into platforms that provoke thought - his contribution therein is monumental. His departure is an irreplaceable great loss to the Tamil-speaking world."
Rajinikanth paid homage to the television personality, writing on X, "I pray to the divine that the soul of the great Tamil luminary, Professor Solomon Pappaiah, who elevated the literary forum from the realm of the educated to the common folk in a populist manner, attains peace."
Sethupathi wrote, "A golden era of the Tamil stage has vanished. The demise of Mr Solomon Pappiah, who took the forum from home to home, speaking Tamil simply and beautifully to make it understood, is a great loss to Tamil and the Tamil people. His words will live on directly within Tamil. My deepest condolences to his family."
Solomon passed away due to an illness on Friday in Madurai, PTI reported. He was 90. He was popular for his traditional debate show, Pattimandram, where he used to discuss everything from everyday social issues to classic literature.
Besides being a debate moderator, he had a prolific academic background. He served as a Tamil professor at The American College in Madurai for over three decades. He also made memorable cameo appearances in films like Mudhalvan, Boys and Sivaji: The Boss.
In 2021, Solomon secured the Kalaimamani award for his impeccable contribution to literature and was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri, in 2021.
