Malayalam director Shafi, known for delivering superhits like ‘Kalyanaraman’ and ‘Pulival Kalyanam’, passed away on Sunday at the age of 56. He was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi after suffering a stroke on January 16, and was in critical condition for a few days before his demise.
Actor Vishnu Unnikrishnan confirmed the news of Shafi’s demise by sharing a post on his Facebook page, paying tribute to the director's legacy of laughter and unforgettable stories that will be cherished forever.
Born as M. H. Rasheed, Shafi was the younger brother of noted screenwriter and director Rafi, and his uncle was the late renowned filmmaker Siddique. His body has been moved to his residence in Edappally, Kochi, and will be available for public viewing at the Cochin Service Co-Operative Bank Hall in Kaloor.
Shafi began his career in the Malayalam film industry in 1995 and directed several superhit comedy films over the span of two decades. He collaborated with top actors like Dileep and Mammootty, delivering blockbusters such as ‘Kalyanaraman’, ‘Marykkundoru Kunjaadu’, and ‘Two Countries’.
Aside from his success in Malayalam cinema, Shafi also directed a Tamil film ‘Majaa’ in 2005, starring Vikram and Asin. His last directorial venture was the 2022 film ‘Aanandam Paramanandam.’ He is survived by his wife Shameela and daughters Aleema and Salma.
