Veteran Malayalam film actor and director Cochin Haneefa died at 3.45 pm on Tuesday at Chennai Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, due to liver ailment, a chronic gastrointestinal problem. He was 59 years old. He is survived by his wife Hajira and two small twin daughters safa and Marva, aged 3 years. He was born on April 22, 1951 at Cochin Veluthedath family as son of Muhammed and Hajira. His real name was Salim Ahmed Ghoush. Graudated in Botany from St. Alberts college Ernakulam, he began his career as villain in dramas during the 70's .
Mostly cast in the role of villain in the initial stages of his career, he later excelled in comedy. He started his film career in 1979 where he appeared in the film `Ashtaa Vakran'. He was a member of the arts group `Cochin Kalabhavan Troupe' and there attached the name Cochin Haneefa.
The body was embalmed and placed at the Kerala Samajam office at Virugampakkam around 7.15 p.m. for fans to pay tributes. Later, at 8.15 p.m the body was carried to Cochin in an ambulance.
Haneefa's body will be brought to Cochin by Wednesday morning at his house in Aby Manzil at Pullepady. The body will be kept for public viewing at Ambedkar Stadium near KSRTC bus stand in the noon. The cremation will be done with state honours at Central Juma Masjid, near Market road at 5 p.m.
He made a mark as script and screenplay writer and dialogue writer, was known for his roles in Malayalam as well as Tamil films. His last film was `Body Guard', which released recently. Tamil audience saw him last in the film Vettaikkaran. He has acted in around 300 language films including Hindi.
Films directed by Haneefa are `Oru Sandesam Koodi, `Moonnu Masangalku Munpu', `Veena Meetiya Vilangukal', `Aankiliyute Thaarat'. `Oru Sindhoor Pottinte Ormaku', `Bheeshmacharya' and `Valsalyam '. The film `Valsalyam', scripted by Lohithadas was a box office hit and won critical acclaim. He has directed five films in Tamil. Won the state award for best supporting actor for the film `Soothradhaaran' in 2001. Memorable roles by Haneefa include Hydrose in `Kireedam', Eldho in `Mannar Mathai Speaking', Mani Uncle in `Soothradhaaran', Thrivikraman in `Meesamadhavan' and the mental hospital warden in `Thaalavattam'.
His colleagues remembered him as someone who could portray a variety of roles effortlessly. In a condolence message, FEFKA president Sibi Malayil said, the contributions of Haneefa were invaluable and parting a great loss.
