Cochin Haneefa passes away
We regret to inform that popular Malayalam-Tamil actor Cochin Haneefa, who was hospitalized at Ramachandra Hospital Chennai, passed away due to multiple organ failure. The actor also had a massive heart attack while in the hospital. He was 58 and is survived by his wife and twin daughters.
Cochin Haneefa started his career in the 70s as a villain and became one of the most popular Malayalam comedians. He has done over 300 films in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi. In 2001, he won the best supporting actor award for his brilliant performance in Soothradharan. He was last seen in Siddique’s Dileep starrer Bodyguard. His last Tamil release will be Madarasapattinam with Arya.
Haneefa was born on April 22, 1951 as Salim Ahmed Ghouse. He became known as Cochin Haneefa after he joined Cochin Kalabhavan, a theatre group. The name 'Haneefa' came from a character he played in a drama with the group.
Cochin Haneefa has also directed seven Malayalam films (Bheesmacharya, Vatsalyam, Veena Meettiya Vilangukal, Aankiliyude Tharattu, Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku, Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu and Oru Sandesam Koodi) and six Tamil films (Pasa Paravaigal, Padatha Theneekkal, Pasa Mazhai, Pagalil Pournami, Pillai Pasam and Vasaliley Oru Vennila). His body will be kept at his Saligramam residence in Chennai till tomorrow afternoon. He will be buried at his home town in Kochi on Wednesday.
