The early mentor of acclaimed film cinematographer Santosh Sivan -- his father popularly known as Sivan passed away on Thursday, according to family sources. He had fallen down in his house in Thiruvananthapuram and was hospitalised, when he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away. The 89-year-old, who began his studio -- Sivan Studio in the heart of the state capital, began his career as a still photographer more than six decades ago and his studio has been the hub of all cultural activities over the years.

From a still photographer, he moved into the world of films and has produced, directed films and in 1991 the film. He directed 'Abhayam' that won the national film award for the best children's film. Sivan's pictures have been carried in prestigious magazines like the National Geographic, Span, Newsweek to name a few. It was under his guidance that Santosh began his glittering film career as a photographer and has not looked back since.