Popular comedian/director/screenwriter Cochin Haneefa passed away today at Sree Ramachandra Medical Hospital at 3:45 PM, Chennai. He was admitted few days back due to liver related problems.Haneefa’s end came battling a chronic gastrointestinal problem at 3.45 pm, hospital sources said. He was 58 and was admitted to hospital on January 28. He is survived by his wife and two children.Salim Ahmed Ghoush alias Cochin Haneefa endeared himself to Malayalam film buffs with many lovable characters. Be it as the warder of the mental health centre in Thalavattom, as Haidrose in Kireedom, Mani uncle in Soothradharan or Thrivikraman in Meesa Madhavan, Haneefa left his indelible mark in them. After making his debut in 1979, Haneefa went on to act in over 300 films in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi. Though he started off as a villain, it was his comical roles which made him popular.
Valsalyam, scripted by the late Lohithadas, is directed by him. The movie still bring tears in the eyes of the audience. Bheeshmacharya is another film by him. All are memorable memories now. He has acted in about 300 films in all including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu. His last released film in Malayalam was Body Guard with Dileep.
The most popular Tamil films included Mahanadi, Kadhala Kadhala, Mudhalvan, Anniyan, Sivaji-The Boss, Aegan and the recently released Vettaikaran. His directorial career was also equally sparkling. The family drama Valsalyam and Oru Sandesam Koodi earned him critical acclaim. In 2001 he won the State Award for “Best Supporting Actor” in Soothradharan. His last Malayalam film to be released is Bodyguard.
He pursued a graduation in Botony from the college of Alberta. He was not only a remarkable comedian but also a good director and screen writer. His best work in direction was “valsalyam” with megastar Mammotty. Before the news was confirmed TV channels aired that Cochin Haneefa expired and later apologized for the unconfirmed news. He was serious by then but after few hours sources confirmed that he passed away.
Kerala chief minister Sri V S Achuthanandan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has offered condolences to his family. Haneefa’s body will be brought to Kochi on Wednesday where it will be buried at the Central Juma Masjid.
