Kochi, Jan 26 (PTI) Filmmaker Shafi, known for bringing laughter to Malayali audiences with his popular films, died at a private hospital in Kochi past midnight on Saturday.
He was 56.
Rasheed M H, fondly known as Shafi, was undergoing treatment after suffering a stroke on January 16 and remained in critical condition for several days before his demise, hospital sources said.
He breathed his last at 12.25 am, they added.
Actor Vishnu Unnikrishnan confirmed the news, sharing a post on his Facebook page.
"Shafi sir has departed, leaving behind laughter and unforgettable stories that will be cherished forever. Tributes!!," he posted.
Shafi began his career as an assistant director under noted filmmaker Rajasenan and made his mark in the Malayalam film industry with his debut film 'One Man Show' in 2001.
Over a career spanning two decades, Shafi directed over 10 films, earning acclaim for his expertise in comedy.
His collaborations with actor Dileep led to several blockbusters, including 'Kalyanaraman', 'Marykkundoru Kunjaadu', and 'Two Countries'.
Among his other celebrated works are 'Pulival Kalyanam', 'Thommanum Makkalum', 'Mayavi', and 'Chattambinadu', solidifying his reputation as a prominent director in Malayalam cinema.
His last directorial venture was the 2022 film 'Aanandam Paramanandam'.
According to family sources, his body was shifted to his residence on BTS Road in Edappally here on Sunday morning.
A large number of people, including family members and friends, gathered at Shafi's residence early in the morning to bid him a final farewell.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi was among the prominent figures who visited the house and expressed condolences to the grieving family.
The body was kept at the Cochin Service Co-operative Bank hall in Kaloor on Sunday from 9 am to 12 pm, allowing the public to pay their respects.
Several celebrities, including Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manoj K Jayan, Namitha Pramod, Sibi Malayil, Vinayan, B. Unnikrishnan, and Minister P Rajeeve, joined other film industry figures in paying homage to Shafi.
Following this, the body was taken back home and later to the Kaloor Muslim Juma Masjid at 2 pm for the funeral prayers.
Actor Fahadh Faasil and others attended the prayers. After completing the ceremonies, the burial was held.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences over Shafi's passing. "The loss of such a young and talented individual is a significant blow to Malayalam cinema. I share the grief of his family and all who loved him," he said.
Mammooty expressed condolences sharing a photo of the director on his Facebook page.
Actor Mohanlal also expressed grief on Facebook, saying, "Beloved Shafi was one of the leading directors in Malayalam cinema, known for weaving stories with humor and delivering superhits."
"Though we never had the opportunity to collaborate on a film, I shared a warm friendship with him. Heartfelt tributes to Shafi, who left us far too soon," his post added.
Vikram shared a heartfelt post on X, saying that he lost a dear friend.
"Today, I lost a dear friend, and the world lost an incredible storyteller. He was one of the most fun loving & sensitive souls I’ve ever known, someone who could see the beauty in life’s simplest moments," his post said.
In a post on FB, actor Dileep said, "Dear Shafi has left us... The director of three films—three superhits—in which I had the privilege to play the lead. But our connection was far deeper than just work."
"As Rafi's brother and the assistant director of Rafi-Mecartin, Shafi was more than a colleague—he was like a brother to me. Words fail to capture this loss, which comes at a time when we were discussing a new project together. I bid a tearful farewell to a cherished colleague, a friend, and a brother," his post added.
Prithviraj Sukumaran shared a photo of Shafi on Instagram on Sunday and wrote, "Rest in peace."
Actor Mamta Mohandas also took to Facebook posting "So many memories created.. and someone that I love creating more with. He had a unique gift of finding humour in just about everything. My heart goes out to his family and I’m almost short of words to express the pain of this loss."
"Shafikka, you will always be celebrated in the most fondest of ways and even as I shed tears in this moment, there will be a smile on my face as I remember you. This will remain. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP," her post added.
Shafi's elder brother, Rafi, is part of the noted writer-director duo Rafi-Mecartin, while his uncle was the late renowned filmmaker Siddique.