9 August 2023, Mumbai: Celebrated filmmaker Siddique, aged 68, breathed his last on August 8, 2023, in Kochi. The director had suffered a heart attack on August 7 and had been undergoing treatment for liver-related ailments at Amrita Hospital for the past month. Despite being placed on ECMO support due to deteriorating health, Siddique succumbed to his condition. He is survived by his wife, Shajitha, and three daughters.
Funeral Details and Public Homage
Noted filmmaker Unnikrishnan, confirming Siddique’s passing, revealed that the funeral is scheduled for August 9 at 6 p.m at the Central Juma Masjid, Ernakulam. The public will have an opportunity to pay their respects as the body will be placed at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kadavantra from 9 a.m to 12 noon.
Siddique and Lal’s Legacy in Malayalam Cinema
A native of Kochi, Siddique marked his entry into the Malayalam film industry as an assistant director to veteran filmmaker Fazil, alongside his friend Lal in 1983. The dynamic duo went on to create a string of uproarious comedy hits in Malayalam cinema, including the iconic films Ramji Rao Speaking, In Harihar Nagar, Godfather, and Vietnam Colony. Beyond Malayalam, Siddique’s directorial prowess extended to Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. His collaborations with actor Vijay in Tamil productions like ‘Friends’ and ‘Kaavalan’ were particularly well-received.
Governor and Chief Minister Express Condolences
The news of Siddique’s demise was met with condolences from various quarters, including Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. In a heartfelt tweet, the Governor recognized Siddique’s unique contribution to cinema, praising his ability to create relatable characters while setting new benchmarks in comedy and entertainment.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed his condolences, highlighting Siddique’s remarkable journey from a mimicry artist to a respected filmmaker. Vijayan commended Siddique’s knack for blending serious life issues with humor, noting that his movies, especially those co-directed with Lal, continue to hold a special place in the hearts of cinephiles.
Siddique’s Unique Filmmaking Journey
In addition to his contributions to Malayalam cinema, Siddique’s directorial prowess extended to the realms of Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. Notably, he helmed the director’s chair for Salman Khan’s blockbuster ‘Bodyguard,’ a film that also featured the talented Kareena Kapoor. Among his impressive filmography, ‘Bodyguard’ stands as a testament to Siddique’s ability to leave a mark across multiple languages.
Siddique’s journey in the cinematic world continued with his last film, ‘Big Brother,’ which graced the screens in 2020. This project showcased his enduring dedication to storytelling and his commitment to engaging audiences with his unique narratives. ‘Big Brother’ marked another chapter in Siddique’s illustrious career, leaving behind a legacy that traverses various genres and languages.
Siddique’s cinematic gems like ‘Ramji Rao Speaking,’ ‘In Harihar Nagar,’ and ‘Godfather’ enjoyed timeless popularity across generations. His ability to make a mark in various film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, speaks to his versatile talent. Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized that Siddique’s passing is an immense loss to the world of Malayalam cinema and to the people who cherished his unique brand of storytelling.
The passing of Siddique has left a void in the film fraternity, yet his legacy lives on through his memorable comedies and his indelible contributions to the world of entertainment.
Rest in Peace.