Kochi: On Thursday, November 9, the entertainment world grieved the passing of the skilled actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Haneef. The 63-year-old performer had been receiving treatment for respiratory issues at a private hospital in Kochi over the last two days.
Born in Mattancherry, Kochi, Haneef kickstarted his career as a mimicry artist and later ventured into theater. He gained prominence as a performance artist with the Kalabhavan group. In 1991, he made his debut in cinema with “Cheppukilukkana Changathi” and went on to leave his mark with memorable comic roles in films like “Sandesham” (1991), “Godfather” (1991), “Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji” (1994), and “Thenkasipattanam” (2000). One of his iconic roles was in “Ee Parakkum Thalika” (2001), where he portrayed an unwitting groom undergoing a hilarious makeover before his wedding.
Haneef’s filmography includes notable appearances in films like “Chota Mumbai” (2007), “Ustad Hotel” (2012), “Drishyam” (2013), “Amar Akbar Anthony” (2015), and “Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan” (2016). His role as a dam operator in Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018 film, which was India’s official entry for the Oscars 2024, showcased his versatility. His last on-screen appearance was in Ashish Chinnappa’s satirical comedy drama “Jaladhara Pumpset Since 1962” alongside Urvashi and Indrans.
Beyond the silver screen, Haneef excelled in international mimicry stage shows and made a mark in television serials. The actor’s funeral is set to take place in Mattancherry on Friday, marking the end of a prolific career that left an indelible impact on the world of entertainment.
