Renowned filmmaker Siddiqui passes away

Renowned film producer-director and screenwriter Siddique passed away on the night of 8 August 2023 due to a heart attack at a private hospital in Kochi. He was 63 years old.

Siddiqui's journey into the world of Malayalam cinema began with the direction of "Ramji Rao Speaking" along with his friend Lal.

• Siddiqui, alongside his close friend Lal, an accomplished actor who later took on lead roles in successful films like 'Thenkasipatnam,' 'Thommannam Makkalam,' and 'Salt and Pepper,' formed a prolific partnership. The duo, commonly referred to as Siddiqui-Lal, achieved significant popularity.

• The pair produced several major comedy blockbusters in the Malayalam film industry, including "In Harihar Nagar," "The Godfather," "Vietnam Colony," "Ramji Rao Speaking," "Kabuliwala," and "Friends."

• Siddiqui is also the director of other blockbuster films including 'Hitler', 'Friends', 'Chronic Bachelor' and 'Bodyguard'.

• Siddique directed the Hindi remake of his film 'Bodyguard' starring Salman Khan, which also became a super hit. In Tamil, it was titled 'Kavalan' starring Vijay and did well at the box office.

• Siddique also directed several films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

• Siddique created a special place in the hearts of film lovers with his innovative stories and versatile filmmaking style.

• Siddiqui was undergoing treatment for various ailments at Kochi's Amrita Hospital for over a month.

• Siddique, who directed several superhit Malayalam films, was in critical condition and was on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), which provides respiratory support when a person's lungs and heart are not working adequately.

Siddiqui's body was kept at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium to pay homage on the morning of 9 August and was buried at the Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid in the evening.