New Delhi: In a tragic turn of events, the Malayalam film industry mourns the loss of one of its stalwarts, Siddique, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 69. The news of his demise has sent shockwaves across the entertainment world, leaving fans and colleagues heartbroken.

Siddique’s health took a grave turn when he suffered a cardiac arrest on August 7, leading to his hospitalization. Despite valiant efforts by medical professionals, his condition remained critical during his stay at a hospital in Kochi. He was placed on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and ventilator support as his health deteriorated.

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A multifaceted filmmaker

Siddique’s contributions to cinema spanned decades and crossed language barriers. Beginning his journey as an assistant director alongside Lal under the guidance of filmmaker Fazil in 1983, he quickly rose to prominence. The dynamic duo crafted several iconic hits, including cinematic gems like “Ramji Rao Speaking,” “In Harihar Nagar,” “Godfather,” and “Vietnam Colony.”

Beyond Boundaries: Diverse Ventures

The filmmaker’s prowess extended beyond the realm of Malayalam cinema. Siddique ventured into directing Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, showcasing his versatile storytelling abilities. Notably, he helmed the Bollywood blockbuster “Bodyguard,” starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor. His final directorial venture, “Big Brother,” starring Mohanlal in the titular role, was released in 2020.

A Legacy Lives On

Siddique leaves behind a legacy of cinematic brilliance and artistic excellence. His dedication and passion for storytelling have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He is survived by his wife Sajitha and their three daughters–Sumaya, Sara, and Sukoon–who continue to be the pillars of his legacy.

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