‘Two countries have brought him close to my heart...,' Mamta Mohandas remembers Shafi

Actress Mamta Mohandas expressed deep sorrow over the passing of director Shafi, recalling their memories from working together on the Malayalam superhit film 'Two Countries'.

In an emotional post shared on her social media handle, the actress shared how she was devastated by the news of his hospitalization, especially as she was in Los Angeles navigating personal struggles and the devastating fires.

"From the moment I heard of the shocking news that he has been admitted to the hospital, as I have been away in LA navigating things between personal ordeals and then the devastating fires that the whole world would’ve already heard about.. my heart has been struck with pain and feeling so heavy about how this year has opened.. not been able to just see him once but only being there in prayers hoping that he would make it through this. But .. I’m So heartbroken today to hear about Shafikka passing," she wrote.

Recalling their special bond, Mamta fondly shared how Shafi would enthusiastically joke about creating a Three Countries film, inspired by the success of their first collaboration, Two Countries.

"The 95 days of shoot.. long hours from chat, travel, eating together be it in restaurants or on the streets in the middle of nowhere and above everything, absorbing the positivity from his amazing and relentless sense of humour during the shoot of ‘Two Countries’ have brought him so close to my heart and every time we reconnected, I would always tell him that fans ask us for a ‘3 countries’ and his response would be enthusiastic and a resounding ‘yes I’m working on it… and I’m looking for the 3rd country fellow to proceed’. So many memories created.. and someone that I love creating more with. He had a unique gift of finding humour in just about everything," she said.

“My heart goes out to his family… this loss is indescribable. Shafi, you will always be celebrated, and even in my tears, I smile remembering you. We will miss you. RIP,” she added.