Malayalam director Shafi passes away at 56

Kochi: Popular Malayalam film director Shafi, aged 56, has passed away. Shafi was hospitalised on January 16 due to internal bleeding. He had been suffering from severe headaches and insomnia for several days, which led him to seek medical attention. After undergoing tests, doctors found a brain hemorrhage. Despite surgery, Shafi’s health worsened, and he was placed on a ventilator.

Shafi is survived by his wife Shamila and their daughters, Aleema and Salma. He was also the brother of well-known director and screenwriter Rafi. Shafi’s body will be taken to his residence in Karukappilly, and later, it will be made available for public viewing at the Cochin Service Cooperative Bank Auditorium in Manappattiparambu from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday. His final rites will take place at the Karukappilly Juma Masjid cemetery at 4:00 pm.

Early life, career

Born as M H Rasheed in Elamakkara to parents M P Hamsa and Nabeesa, Shafi initially entered the film industry through his brother Rafi and his relative, director Siddique. His career began as an assistant director, working with noted filmmakers like Rajasenan and the Rafi-Mecartin duo.

Shafi made his debut as an independent director with the 2001 film One Man Show. Over the years, most of the films he directed turned out to be superhits, earning him recognition in the industry. Some of his major hits include Kalyanaraman, Pulival Kalyanam, Thommanum Makkalum, Mayavi, Chattambinadu, Chocolate, Marykkundoro Kunjaadu, Makeup Man, Two Countries, and Sherlock Toms.

Shafi also directed Majaa, a Tamil remake of Thommanum Makkalum. His last film was Aanandam Paramanandam, released in 2022.