<p>Kochi: Filmmaker Shafi, known for bringing laughter to Malayali audiences through his popular films, passed away at a private hospital in Kochi past midnight on Saturday.</p>.<p>He was 56.</p>.<p>Rasheed M H, fondly known as Shafi, was undergoing treatment after suffering a stroke on January 16 and remained in critical condition for several days before his demise, according to the hospital sources.</p>.<p>He breathed his last at 12.25 am, sources added.</p>.<p>Actor Vishnu Unnikrishnan confirmed the news, sharing a post on his Facebook page.</p>.<p>"Shafi sir has departed, leaving behind laughter and unforgettable stories that will be cherished forever. Tributes!!," he posted.</p>.<p>Shafi, who started his career as assistant director under noted filmmaker Rajasenan made his mark in the Malayalam film industry with his debut film, <em>One Man Show</em>, in 2001.</p>.<p>Over a career spanning two decades, Shafi directed over ten films, earning acclaim for his expertise in comedy.</p>.<p>His collaborations with actor Dileep led to several blockbusters, including 'Kalyanaraman', 'Marykkundoru Kunjaadu', and 'Two Countries'.</p>.<p>Among his other celebrated works are <em>Pulival Kalyanam, Thommanum Makkalum, Mayavi, and Chattambinadu</em>, solidifying his reputation as a prominent director in Malayalam cinema.</p>.<p>His last directorial venture was the 2022 film <em>Aanandam Paramanandam</em>.</p>.<p>According to family sources, his body was shifted to his residence on BTS Road in Edappally, here. It will be kept at the Cochin Service Co-operative Bank Hall, Kaloor, from 9 am to 12 pm on Sunday for the public to pay their last respects.</p>.<p>The cremation is scheduled for 4 pm on Sunday at the Kaloor Muslim Juma Masjid, the family added.</p>.<p>Shafi's elder brother, Rafi, is part of the noted writer-director duo Rafi-Mecartin, while his uncle was the late renowned filmmaker Siddique. </p>
<p>Kochi: Filmmaker Shafi, known for bringing laughter to Malayali audiences through his popular films, passed away at a private hospital in Kochi past midnight on Saturday.</p>.<p>He was 56.</p>.<p>Rasheed M H, fondly known as Shafi, was undergoing treatment after suffering a stroke on January 16 and remained in critical condition for several days before his demise, according to the hospital sources.</p>.<p>He breathed his last at 12.25 am, sources added.</p>.<p>Actor Vishnu Unnikrishnan confirmed the news, sharing a post on his Facebook page.</p>.<p>"Shafi sir has departed, leaving behind laughter and unforgettable stories that will be cherished forever. Tributes!!," he posted.</p>.<p>Shafi, who started his career as assistant director under noted filmmaker Rajasenan made his mark in the Malayalam film industry with his debut film, <em>One Man Show</em>, in 2001.</p>.<p>Over a career spanning two decades, Shafi directed over ten films, earning acclaim for his expertise in comedy.</p>.<p>His collaborations with actor Dileep led to several blockbusters, including 'Kalyanaraman', 'Marykkundoru Kunjaadu', and 'Two Countries'.</p>.<p>Among his other celebrated works are <em>Pulival Kalyanam, Thommanum Makkalum, Mayavi, and Chattambinadu</em>, solidifying his reputation as a prominent director in Malayalam cinema.</p>.<p>His last directorial venture was the 2022 film <em>Aanandam Paramanandam</em>.</p>.<p>According to family sources, his body was shifted to his residence on BTS Road in Edappally, here. It will be kept at the Cochin Service Co-operative Bank Hall, Kaloor, from 9 am to 12 pm on Sunday for the public to pay their last respects.</p>.<p>The cremation is scheduled for 4 pm on Sunday at the Kaloor Muslim Juma Masjid, the family added.</p>.<p>Shafi's elder brother, Rafi, is part of the noted writer-director duo Rafi-Mecartin, while his uncle was the late renowned filmmaker Siddique. </p>