Malayalam director Siddique death: Bodyguard actresses Kareena Kapoor and Hazel Keech pay tribute

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Hazel Keech starred in Bodyguard directed by Siddique

Malayalam filmmaker Siddique passed away at the age of 63 on Tuesday. He remade his own film Bodyguard in Hindi, with Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead. It was his only Hindi film in his lifetime. The film's actresses Kareena and Hazel Keech have paid tribute to the director after his passing.

Kareena Kapoor shared a picture of the director on her Instagram and said, "Will always remember you like this... with a smile." Hazel posted, "Saddened to hear about the passing away of Bodyguard's director Siddique Sir. His vision and passion brought the film to life and I'll forever be grateful to Sir for taking a chance on me as a new comer, for handling my constant questioning of my character with patience and grace and letting me be a part of that journey 🙏🏻 Forever grateful for his guidance, artistry and eternalising Bodyguard the film on screen forever. May his legacy continue to inspire the world of cinema."

Siddique was admitted to Amrita Hospital, situated in the city of Kochi, last month due to a severe liver ailment which had been progressively deteriorating his health. The situation took a graver turn on Monday afternoon when Siddique suffered a sudden heart attack. Immediately responding to this critical development, the medical team placed him on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support, a lifesaving technique used for patients with severe heart and lung issues. The ECMO machine works by pumping and oxygenating a patient's blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest.

Despite the strenuous efforts and dedication of the medical staff, Siddique couldn't overcome his deteriorating health conditions and sadly breathed his last on Tuesday night, while still undergoing intensive treatment.

One of the most celebrated Malayalam film directors of all time, Siddique gained entry into the film industry by assisting the legendary filmmaker Fazil. Siddique's collaboration with his professional partner Lal was not only popular but also widely respected, setting an unprecedented benchmark in the genre of contemporary comedy. Although their partnership only spanned over six films, their significant influence was clearly reflected through their craft, the memorable characters they created, and the strong impact their work had on the audience. Each film they created together was appreciated for its high-quality comedic elements, intricate storyline, and relatable characters, all of which combined to form their unique cinematic signature.

Siddique's death is a significant loss to the film industry, marking the end of an era of unique comedic storytelling. He has left behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers. His personal life was marked by the same warmth and love that he brought to the silver screen. He is survived by his wife, Sajitha, and their three children, Sumaya, Sara, and Sukoon. The family, friends, and fans alike mourn the irreplaceable loss of this esteemed filmmaker, who touched numerous hearts with his meaningful cinema and larger-than-life personality.