Rasheed M H, fondly known as Shafi, a celebrated Malayalam filmmaker, passed away at 56 in Kochi early Sunday. He had been in critical condition since suffering a stroke on January 16. Despite ongoing treatment, Shafi breathed his last at 12:25 am (local time) at a private hospital.
Shafi was known for his knack for creating light-hearted comedy films that resonated with audiences. He was laid to rest on Sunday at Kaloor Juma Masjid, with his body kept at Cochin Service Co-operative Bank Hall for public homage earlier in the day.
Several celebrities, including Malayalam film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Chiyaan Vikram, expressed their grief and paid tribute to him on social media.
Remarkable journey in cinema
Shafi began his cinematic journey as an assistant director under Rajasenan, making his directorial debut with the 2001 hit One Man Show. Over his two-decade career, he directed more than ten successful films, working alongside industry icons like Mammootty, Dileep, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Some of his most iconic films include Kalyanaraman, Marykkundoru Kunjaadu, Two Countries, Pulival Kalyanam, Thommanum Makkalum, and Mayavi. His final directorial project, Aanandam Paramanandam, was released in 2022.
Family legacy in film industry
Shafi hailed from a family deeply rooted in cinema. His elder brother, Rafi, is part of the renowned writer-director duo Rafi-Mecartin, and his late uncle Siddique was a legendary filmmaker in Malayalam cinema.
The news of Shafi’s passing was shared by actor Vishnu Unnikrishnan, who wrote, “Shafi sir has departed, leaving behind laughter and unforgettable stories that will be cherished forever. Tributes!”
Fans and industry peers took to social media to honour Shafi’s legacy, expressing sorrow and gratitude for the laughter and joy his films brought to millions.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source gulfnews.com ’
