Cochin Haneefa is no more

Haneefa’s end came battling a chronic gastrointestinal problem at 3.45 pm, hospital sources said. He was 58 and was admitted to Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre on January 28. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Salim Ahmed Ghoush alias Cochin Haneefa endeared himself to Malayalam film buffs with many lovable characters. Be it as the warder of the mental health centre in Thalavattom, as Haidrose in Kireedom, Mani uncle in Soothradharan or Thrivikraman in Meesa Madhavan, Haneefa left his indelible mark in them. After making his debut in 1979, Haneefa went on to act in over 300 films in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi. Though he started off as a villain, it was his comical roles which made him popular.

The most popular Tamil films included Mahanadi, Kadhala Kadhala, Mudhalvan, Anniyan, Sivaji-The Boss, Aegan and the recently released Vettaikaran. His directorial career was also equally sparkling. The family drama Valsalyam and Oru Sandesam Koodi earned him critical acclaim. In 2001 he won the State Award for “Best Supporting Actor” in Soothradharan.  His last Malayalam film to be released is Bodyguard.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has offered condolences to his family. Haneefa’s body will be brought to Kochi on Wednesday where it will be buried at the Central Juma Masjid.