Mumbai: Famous Malayalam filmmaker Rashid M H, also known as Shafi, died on January 25, 2025 at the age of 56. He was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi after suffering a stroke on January 16. Shafi’s condition remained critical for several days before his death. His death has caused a wave of mourning in the Malayalam film industry. Celebs paid emotional tributes to him.
Chiyaan Vikram and Mohanlal expressed grief
Chiyaan Vikram expressed grief over the loss of his dear friend. He told that although his friend is no longer with him, his memories will always be with me. The actor wrote, ‘Today, I lost a dear friend and the world lost an incredible storyteller. He was the funniest and kindest person at heart. Someone who could see happiness in the little things of life. He will no longer be among us but he will always live in laughter, emotions and memories’.
Mohanlal paid tribute to the director He wrote on social media, ‘Dear Shafi was one of the finest directors in Malayalam who made superhit films. Despite not being able to work together in a single film, I had a great friendship with him. Tribute to Shafi, who left us untimely’. Prithviraj Sukumaran also expressed his condolences on his Instagram handle and paid tribute to the great filmmaker.
Mammootty and actor Dileep pay tribute
Mammootty shared his emotional tribute and wrote, ‘Tributes to dear Shafi’. Actor Dileep, who has worked with Shafi in many blockbusters, paid tribute to the filmmaker, writing, ‘Dear Shafi is gone, he was the director of three films in which I played the lead role, three superhit films. But our relationship goes much beyond this, as the co-director of Rafi Mekkat, and above all, as Shafi’s brother. This farewell has come at a time when discussions are going on for a new film in which both of us were collaborating’. Producer NM Badusha also expressed grief over the demise of his close friend. He wrote on his social media handle, ‘Dear director Shafi, who gave so many smiles to the Malayalis, has passed away’.
Shafi started his career as an assistant director. He started directing in 2001 with the film One Man Show. After which he directed excellent films like Kalyanaraman, Marykundoru Kunjadu, Two Countries, Pulival Kalyanan, Thommanam Makkalam, Mayavi and Chatambinadu. He also gave great comedy films to Malayalam cinema.
