A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom.&nbsp;

Following such claims, director Ranjith quit as chairman of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, whereas veteran actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the movie actors' association AMMA, or Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes.

<h2>Hema Committee report: The background</h2>

What set the cat among the pigeons&nbsp;was some of the shocking findings of the Hema committee report, which was set up&nbsp;in the wake of a kidnap and sexual assault on a famous actress by a bunch of thugs on a moving vehicle in 2017, for which then superstar Dileep was the prime accused. Dileep went in and out of jail and continued the legal battle, even as his career continued more or less unimpeded, though not to the extent&nbsp;of stardom that he had enjoyed from the late 1990s till the year of the assault.

AMMA, time and again, appeared to dilly-dally on the issue of sexual assault and exploitation of female stars and aspiring artists, in some cases openly defending accused persons like Dileep.

While a bunch of male actors joined the chorus against sexual exploitation, most of them were either sidelined or quietened down.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-three-malayalam-films-are-scripting-history-with-massive-box-office-numbers-globally-712996">Also read: How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally</a> 
 
Some in the Malayalam film industry have deep linkages with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front or LDF government. This complicates matters for it, as institutions like Chalachitra Academy are state-run. There was also criticism that the report, even though it was submitted several years ago, was released only this month.

Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan and Law Minister P Rajeeve said that action will be taken against the accused only if formal complaints are filed. Another minister, MB Rajesh, said the government will seek legal advice on filing a legal complaint against Siddique and Ranjith.

<h2>What are the allegations that came to light after Hema Committee report?</h2>

Revathy Sampath, a young actress, alleged that Siddique raped her in a hotel room in 2016. She said she was not interested in a legal battle unless survivors of sexual assault are given protection by the government. Siddique, after quitting his post in AMMA, has lodged a police complaint against Sampath.

Sreelekha Mitra, a Bengali actress, accused Ranith of trying to sexually molest her during a film discussion.

Watch: Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation

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Since the committee report was released, several actors have been accused of some sort of sexual harassment in the past, including Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya.

While the casting couch is not unheard of in the Kerala film industry, the bravery of women who are coming forward to speak up about sexual exploitation in Tinsel Town is unprecedented.

<h2>What is the Hema Committee, and what are its findings?</h2>

Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in 2017 to look into the issue of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, whose other members are veteran actress Sharada and former civil service officer KB Valsalakumari, was formed a few months after the February 2017 kidnap and sexual assault of the young actress in which actor Dileep is the prime accused.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-film-producer-actor-vijay-babu-booked-for-rape-revealing-survivors-identity-on-social-media-474387">Also read: Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media</a> 
 
The committee was formed on a complaint from Women in Cinema Collective, an association created in the wake of the kidnap assault incident.

Though the report was submitted to Chief Minister Vijayan in 2019, it did not see the light of the day until court complaints led to its release.

The report was released this month with many parts redacted, to preserve the privacy of some individuals.

The report found that sexual favours were being asked of women who wanted to&nbsp;enter the film industry and find work. 
It said sexual assault, abuse and harassment at the workplace were commonplace for women.

It highlighted the lack of basic amenities for women like female-only restrooms and changing rooms.

It put the spotlight on general male dominance in the industry.

It noted that often, complaints are not recorded in writing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom.

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom. Following such claims, director Ranjith quit as chairman of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, whereas veteran actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the movie actors' association AMMA, or Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes. Hema Committee report: The background What set the cat among the pigeons was some of the shocking findings of the Hema committee report, which was set up in the wake of a kidnap and sexual assault on a famous actress by a bunch of thugs on a moving vehicle in 2017, for which then superstar Dileep was the prime accused. Dileep went in and out of jail and continued the legal battle, even as his career continued more or less unimpeded, though not to the extent of stardom that he had enjoyed from the late 1990s till the year of the assault. AMMA, time and again, appeared to dilly-dally on the issue of sexual assault and exploitation of female stars and aspiring artists, in some cases openly defending accused persons like Dileep. While a bunch of male actors joined the chorus against sexual exploitation, most of them were either sidelined or quietened down. Also read: How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally Some in the Malayalam film industry have deep linkages with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front or LDF government. This complicates matters for it, as institutions like Chalachitra Academy are state-run. There was also criticism that the report, even though it was submitted several years ago, was released only this month. Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan and Law Minister P Rajeeve said that action will be taken against the accused only if formal complaints are filed. Another minister, MB Rajesh, said the government will seek legal advice on filing a legal complaint against Siddique and Ranjith. What are the allegations that came to light after Hema Committee report? Revathy Sampath, a young actress, alleged that Siddique raped her in a hotel room in 2016. She said she was not interested in a legal battle unless survivors of sexual assault are given protection by the government. Siddique, after quitting his post in AMMA, has lodged a police complaint against Sampath. Sreelekha Mitra, a Bengali actress, accused Ranith of trying to sexually molest her during a film discussion. Watch: Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation × Since the committee report was released, several actors have been accused of some sort of sexual harassment in the past, including Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya. While the casting couch is not unheard of in the Kerala film industry, the bravery of women who are coming forward to speak up about sexual exploitation in Tinsel Town is unprecedented. What is the Hema Committee, and what are its findings? Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in 2017 to look into the issue of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, whose other members are veteran actress Sharada and former civil service officer KB Valsalakumari, was formed a few months after the February 2017 kidnap and sexual assault of the young actress in which actor Dileep is the prime accused. Also read: Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media The committee was formed on a complaint from Women in Cinema Collective, an association created in the wake of the kidnap assault incident. Though the report was submitted to Chief Minister Vijayan in 2019, it did not see the light of the day until court complaints led to its release. The report was released this month with many parts redacted, to preserve the privacy of some individuals. The report found that sexual favours were being asked of women who wanted to enter the film industry and find work. It said sexual assault, abuse and harassment at the workplace were commonplace for women. It highlighted the lack of basic amenities for women like female-only restrooms and changing rooms. It put the spotlight on general male dominance in the industry. It noted that often, complaints are not recorded in writing. (With inputs from agencies)

Sexual abuse in Malayalam film industry: Hema committee report leads to Siddique, Ranjith exits I Story so far

After a lot of disappointment faced by Malayalam cinema in 2023, the new year has turned as a pleasant surprise for South Indian film producers and directors. Collectively, the producers’ association, as reported by Times of India, said that the industry incurred a loss of about Rs 300 crore.

In a swift change, Malayalam cinema made a great entry into 2024 with Aattam (The Play), which didn’t become a huge success initially but became a focal point of conversation. But as the film was released, it picked up in popularity.

Then just six days after Aattam, Midhun Manuel Thomas’ crime thriller Abraham Ozler came with a bang. The film grossed approximately Rs 40.7 crore worldwide. It only grew stronger for the industry with Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Mohanlal-starrer Malaikottai Vaaliban.&nbsp;

February proved to be crucial for the industry with several releases planned. Not all films made a remarkable difference but Darwin Kuriakose and Tovino Thomas’ Anweshippin Kandethum and Girish AD’s Naslen and Mamitha Baiju-starrer Premalu. With theatrical releases, Premalu received more acclaim for its simple yet impactful storytelling. Also Tovino’s film emerged as a super hit, grossing Rs 40 crore globally against a modest budget of Rs 8 crore.&nbsp;

Premalu became a hit in all over India and it got shoutouts from ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli and Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. Rajamouli’s son Karthikeya acquired the Telugu distribution rights for Premalu, and it earned Rs 130 crore worldwide. Hence it became the first blockbuster of the year.

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<h2>Three Malayalam films are writing history for industry in 2024</h2>

The Malayalam industry with Premalu, Bramayugam and Manjummel Boys debuted with force this year. The three films not only caught the attention of movie goers in India but also recorded good numbers in worldwide box office.&nbsp;

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Another notable film was Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Based on a beloved best-selling novel, the film opened to a domestic collection of Rs 7.6 crore, surpassing recent blockbusters. Aadujeevitham released on March 28 and dominated cinemas and recorded a Week 1 net collection of Rs 47 crore.

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Hence three films released in the first quarter of this year — Manjummel Boys, Aadujeevitham and Premalu — made it to the list of highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.

After a lot of disappointment faced by Malayalam cinema in 2023, the new year has turned as a pleasant surprise for South Indian film producers and directors. Collectively, the producers’ association, as reported by Times of India, said that the industry incurred a loss of about Rs 300 crore.

After a lot of disappointment faced by Malayalam cinema in 2023, the new year has turned as a pleasant surprise for South Indian film producers and directors. Collectively, the producers’ association, as reported by Times of India, said that the industry incurred a loss of about Rs 300 crore. In a swift change, Malayalam cinema made a great entry into 2024 with Aattam (The Play), which didn’t become a huge success initially but became a focal point of conversation. But as the film was released, it picked up in popularity. Then just six days after Aattam, Midhun Manuel Thomas’ crime thriller Abraham Ozler came with a bang. The film grossed approximately Rs 40.7 crore worldwide. It only grew stronger for the industry with Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Mohanlal-starrer Malaikottai Vaaliban. February proved to be crucial for the industry with several releases planned. Not all films made a remarkable difference but Darwin Kuriakose and Tovino Thomas’ Anweshippin Kandethum and Girish AD’s Naslen and Mamitha Baiju-starrer Premalu. With theatrical releases, Premalu received more acclaim for its simple yet impactful storytelling. Also Tovino’s film emerged as a super hit, grossing Rs 40 crore globally against a modest budget of Rs 8 crore. Premalu became a hit in all over India and it got shoutouts from ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli and Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. Rajamouli’s son Karthikeya acquired the Telugu distribution rights for Premalu, and it earned Rs 130 crore worldwide. Hence it became the first blockbuster of the year. Three Malayalam films are writing history for industry in 2024 The Malayalam industry with Premalu, Bramayugam and Manjummel Boys debuted with force this year. The three films not only caught the attention of movie goers in India but also recorded good numbers in worldwide box office. Another notable film was Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Based on a beloved best-selling novel, the film opened to a domestic collection of Rs 7.6 crore, surpassing recent blockbusters. Aadujeevitham released on March 28 and dominated cinemas and recorded a Week 1 net collection of Rs 47 crore. Hence three films released in the first quarter of this year — Manjummel Boys, Aadujeevitham and Premalu — made it to the list of highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.

How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally

Popular producer-actor Vijay Babu has been booked for allegedly raping a female actor and then revealing her identity during a Facebook live session.&nbsp; 
 
The survivor filed a complaint and the actor had been absconding ever since he was booked for rape only to appear in a Facebook live session and claiming innocence and saying he is the real victim.&nbsp; 
 
Babu, who owns, the production company Friday Film House, disclosed the survivor's name and identity during the live session- an offence which led to police filing another case on him.&nbsp; 
 
"A rape case was registered against him first. As he disclosed the victim's identity, another case was also filed. It seems that he is out of the station and absconding now," a senior police officer told news agency PTI.&nbsp; 
 
The woman, who appeared in movies produced by Vijay Babu's production house, lodged a complaint with the police on April 22 and detailed through a Facebook post the physical assault and sexual exploitation she had allegedly suffered at the hands of the producer-actor for the past one and half months.&nbsp; 
 
"He behaved like my saviour for my personal and professional problems but under the guise sexually exploited me," the female actor alleged in the FB post.&nbsp; 
 
She further alleged that his modus operandi was trapping her with the role of a "saviour cum friend cum lover" and thereafter intoxicating and sexually abusing her several times in the past one and half months.&nbsp;

The woman also alleged that Babu forced her to consume alcohol and 'happy pill,' a drug. She expressed fear over discussing the assault and exploitation to others because of his clout in the film industry and stated there were other women too who had faced similar issues with Babu in the past.&nbsp; 
 
"I got to know that there are several other women who have been subjected to this trap by Vijay Babu. He has recorded a nude video of mine and threatened me with its consequences and also threatened my life," the survivor alleged.&nbsp; 
 
However, Babu, in a Facebook live on Tuesday, denied the charges but admitted that he knew the female actor for the past five years. Besides denying the charges, the producer also said he would file a defamation suit against the complainant for tarnishing his image.&nbsp; 
 
He mentioned the name of the survivor several times during the FB live saying that he was doing it deliberately as she was not the victim and he was the real victim in the case. 
 
(With agency inputs)

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Popular producer-actor Vijay Babu has been booked for allegedly raping a female actor and then revealing her identity during a Facebook live session. The survivor filed a complaint and the actor had been absconding ever since he was booked for rape only to appear in a Facebook live session and claiming innocence and saying he is the real victim.

Popular producer-actor Vijay Babu has been booked for allegedly raping a female actor and then revealing her identity during a Facebook live session. The survivor filed a complaint and the actor had been absconding ever since he was booked for rape only to appear in a Facebook live session and claiming innocence and saying he is the real victim. Babu, who owns, the production company Friday Film House, disclosed the survivor's name and identity during the live session- an offence which led to police filing another case on him. "A rape case was registered against him first. As he disclosed the victim's identity, another case was also filed. It seems that he is out of the station and absconding now," a senior police officer told news agency PTI. The woman, who appeared in movies produced by Vijay Babu's production house, lodged a complaint with the police on April 22 and detailed through a Facebook post the physical assault and sexual exploitation she had allegedly suffered at the hands of the producer-actor for the past one and half months. "He behaved like my saviour for my personal and professional problems but under the guise sexually exploited me," the female actor alleged in the FB post. She further alleged that his modus operandi was trapping her with the role of a "saviour cum friend cum lover" and thereafter intoxicating and sexually abusing her several times in the past one and half months. The woman also alleged that Babu forced her to consume alcohol and 'happy pill,' a drug. She expressed fear over discussing the assault and exploitation to others because of his clout in the film industry and stated there were other women too who had faced similar issues with Babu in the past. "I got to know that there are several other women who have been subjected to this trap by Vijay Babu. He has recorded a nude video of mine and threatened me with its consequences and also threatened my life," the survivor alleged. However, Babu, in a Facebook live on Tuesday, denied the charges but admitted that he knew the female actor for the past five years. Besides denying the charges, the producer also said he would file a defamation suit against the complainant for tarnishing his image. He mentioned the name of the survivor several times during the FB live saying that he was doing it deliberately as she was not the victim and he was the real victim in the case. (With agency inputs)

Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media

Malayalam film star Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed on Tuesday that he has tested positive for coronavirus. The actor is in isolation at present. 
 
The 38-year-old actor was diagnosed with coronavirus while he was shooting for filmmaker Dijo Jose Anthony's 'Jana Gana Mana.' He has been shooting for the film since October 7. 
 
"We had strict protocols in place with regards to COVID regulations and associated safety measures. As is the norm, all involved in the shoot were tested before the schedule started and after the last day of shoot in the courtroom set we had put up, tests were repeated. 
 
"Unfortunately the test results this time came back positive and I have gone into isolation. I am asymptomatic and doing fine now," Sukumaran said in a statement shared on Twitter. 
 
Following his diagnosis, the star said all primary and secondary contacts have been advised to isolate and get tested. 
"Hoping to recover soon and get back to work as soon as possible. Cheers and thanks for the love and concern," he added. 
 
In March, the shooting of the actor's next 'Aadujeevitham' was suspended due to the pandemic after the crew went to Jordan to film its remaining schedule. The crew had been stuck in Jordan amid lockdown and had made appeals to the giovernment to assist them in coming back home.

&nbsp;

Malayalam film star Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed on Tuesday that he has tested positive for coronavirus. The actor is in isolation at present. The 38-year-old actor was diagnosed with coronavirus while he was shooting for filmmaker Dijo Jose Anthony's 'Jana Gana Mana.

Malayalam film star Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed on Tuesday that he has tested positive for coronavirus. The actor is in isolation at present. The 38-year-old actor was diagnosed with coronavirus while he was shooting for filmmaker Dijo Jose Anthony's 'Jana Gana Mana.' He has been shooting for the film since October 7. "We had strict protocols in place with regards to COVID regulations and associated safety measures. As is the norm, all involved in the shoot were tested before the schedule started and after the last day of shoot in the courtroom set we had put up, tests were repeated. "Unfortunately the test results this time came back positive and I have gone into isolation. I am asymptomatic and doing fine now," Sukumaran said in a statement shared on Twitter. Following his diagnosis, the star said all primary and secondary contacts have been advised to isolate and get tested. "Hoping to recover soon and get back to work as soon as possible. Cheers and thanks for the love and concern," he added. In March, the shooting of the actor's next 'Aadujeevitham' was suspended due to the pandemic after the crew went to Jordan to film its remaining schedule. The crew had been stuck in Jordan amid lockdown and had made appeals to the giovernment to assist them in coming back home.

Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran tests positive for COVID-19

Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil says though he never met Irrfan Khan in his life, the actor was one of the reasons why he joined cinema. 
 
The National Award-winning actor released a statement in the wake of Irrfan's death from a rare form of cancer on Wednesday. 
 
Faasil recalled that when he was a student in America, he came across Irrfan's 2006 film "Yun Hota To Kya Hota". 
 
"The first thing I noticed was that the film was directed by Naseerudin Shah...That night, few minutes into the film, when the character Salim Rajabali came on screen, I turned to Nikunj (his friend) and asked 'who is this guy?'. 
 
"I mean, there are actors who are intense, who are stylish and who are charming. In all honesty, this was the first time I ever saw an actor who was ORIGINAL on screen. And his name was IRRFAN KHAN," Faasil said in the statement. 
 
The actor said he became an even bigger fan of Irrfan after watching his performance in Mira Nair's "The Namesake". 
"Irfan Khan's growth was like a popular song. Every one was singing it and feeling it. I kept watching his films. I used to get carried away so much that most of the time I lost narratives of the films. 
 
"Or it was more like I didn't care about the narrative as long as he was performing. He made acting look so easy and I was fooled," Faasil added. 
 
He said Irrfan was one of the reasons why he decided to drop out of engineering and become an actor. 
 
"I have been acting or trying to for the last 10 years.. I have never met Inrfan Khan. For that matter I haven't even seen him. But I was fortunate enough to have collaborated with actors and filmmakers who have worked with him. The first thing I spoke to Mr. Vishal Bharadwaj when I met him was about 'Maqbool'," Faasil said. 
 
The actor, however, has a deep regret of never being able to meet the prolific actor, even when Irrfan shot for his 2018 movie "Karwaan" in Kerala. 
 
"Even when my dear friend Dulquer was shooting with Irrfan in our home town couldn't meet him as I was going through a hectic schedule myself. I had no reason to believe why I had to rush. Today, I regret not shaking hands with-him. I should have just gone to Bombay and met him," Faasil said. 
 
The actor said the country has lost an "impeccable artiste" with Irrfan's demise and he has left a deep vacuum in the cinema community. 
 
"We just didn't have enough of him. Today, when my wife barged into the room and broke the news to me, I will be lying if I say I was shocked, because I continued doing what I was doing. 
 
"The entire day went by today and I could not stop thinking about him. I feel obliged to him. I feel like I owe my career to him. I don't think I would have ever come this far if I had not picked up that DVD and watched an actor who changed my life," Faasil concluded his statement.

Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil says though he never met Irrfan Khan in his life, the actor was one of the reasons why he joined cinema. The National Award-winning actor released a statement in the wake of Irrfan's death from a rare form of cancer on Wednesday.

Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil says though he never met Irrfan Khan in his life, the actor was one of the reasons why he joined cinema. The National Award-winning actor released a statement in the wake of Irrfan's death from a rare form of cancer on Wednesday. Faasil recalled that when he was a student in America, he came across Irrfan's 2006 film "Yun Hota To Kya Hota". "The first thing I noticed was that the film was directed by Naseerudin Shah...That night, few minutes into the film, when the character Salim Rajabali came on screen, I turned to Nikunj (his friend) and asked 'who is this guy?'. "I mean, there are actors who are intense, who are stylish and who are charming. In all honesty, this was the first time I ever saw an actor who was ORIGINAL on screen. And his name was IRRFAN KHAN," Faasil said in the statement. The actor said he became an even bigger fan of Irrfan after watching his performance in Mira Nair's "The Namesake". "Irfan Khan's growth was like a popular song. Every one was singing it and feeling it. I kept watching his films. I used to get carried away so much that most of the time I lost narratives of the films. "Or it was more like I didn't care about the narrative as long as he was performing. He made acting look so easy and I was fooled," Faasil added. He said Irrfan was one of the reasons why he decided to drop out of engineering and become an actor. "I have been acting or trying to for the last 10 years.. I have never met Inrfan Khan. For that matter I haven't even seen him. But I was fortunate enough to have collaborated with actors and filmmakers who have worked with him. The first thing I spoke to Mr. Vishal Bharadwaj when I met him was about 'Maqbool'," Faasil said. The actor, however, has a deep regret of never being able to meet the prolific actor, even when Irrfan shot for his 2018 movie "Karwaan" in Kerala. "Even when my dear friend Dulquer was shooting with Irrfan in our home town couldn't meet him as I was going through a hectic schedule myself. I had no reason to believe why I had to rush. Today, I regret not shaking hands with-him. I should have just gone to Bombay and met him," Faasil said. The actor said the country has lost an "impeccable artiste" with Irrfan's demise and he has left a deep vacuum in the cinema community. "We just didn't have enough of him. Today, when my wife barged into the room and broke the news to me, I will be lying if I say I was shocked, because I continued doing what I was doing. "The entire day went by today and I could not stop thinking about him. I feel obliged to him. I feel like I owe my career to him. I don't think I would have ever come this far if I had not picked up that DVD and watched an actor who changed my life," Faasil concluded his statement.

Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil on Irrfan Khan: I owe him my career

Popular Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Abi passed away in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was 52.&nbsp; 
 
Best known for films like Mazhavil Koodaram, Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar, Mimics Action 500, Aniyathipraavu and Rasikan, Abi breathed his last at a Kochi hospital on November 30. 
 
Abi shot to fame as a mimicry artist during his stint with mimicry troupe Kalabhavan.The actor dubbed for Amitabh Bachchan for various Malayalam ads. 
 
Originally called Habeeb Ahamed, Abi is survived by wife Sunila and children Ahana, Aleena and Shane Nigam. 
 
Malayalam actor Dulquer Salman paid his condolences on the actor&#39;s untimely demise and wrote a heartfelt note for the late actor on his Facebook page.&nbsp;

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The actor breathed his last on Thursday morning at a hospital in Kochi

Popular Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Abi passed away in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was 52. Best known for films like Mazhavil Koodaram, Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar, Mimics Action 500, Aniyathipraavu and Rasikan, Abi breathed his last at a Kochi hospital on November 30. Abi shot to fame as a mimicry artist during his stint with mimicry troupe Kalabhavan.The actor dubbed for Amitabh Bachchan for various Malayalam ads. Originally called Habeeb Ahamed, Abi is survived by wife Sunila and children Ahana, Aleena and Shane Nigam. Malayalam actor Dulquer Salman paid his condolences on the actor's untimely demise and wrote a heartfelt note for the late actor on his Facebook page. ×

Popular Malayalam actor Abi dies at 52