KERALA, India, Nov 9, (Agencies): Renowned Malayalam actor and accomplished mimicry artist, Kalabhavan Haneef, passed away at the age of 63 in Kochi. Haneef, widely recognized for his notable role in the slapstick comedy "Ee Parakkum Thalika" (2001), made his cinematic debut in 1991 with "Cheppukilukkanna Chanagathi." His illustrious career spanned over 150 films in the Malayalam industry.

The actor succumbed to a respiratory ailment and spent more than a week receiving treatment at a private hospital in Ernakulam. Jude Anthany Joseph's "2018: Everyone Is a Hero," India's official Oscar entry, also featured Haneef.

Survived by his wife Wahida and children Sithara Haneef and Shahrukh Haneef, Kalabhavan Haneef hailed from Mattancherry near Kochi. His journey into the entertainment world commenced through mimicry performances, and he became an integral member of Kalabhavan, a celebrated performance troupe renowned for popularizing the art of mimicry in Kerala.

In a career that spanned years, Haneef, like his peers at Kalabhavan, transitioned to cinema through comic roles. "Cheppukilukkana Changathi" marked his first film, and he went on to feature in over 300 movies, predominantly in humorous characters. His ventures extended to television serials and stage shows.

The demise of Kalabhavan Haneef drew condolences from prominent figures, including Superstar Mammootty and Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan. Minister Cheriyan, in a heartfelt Facebook post, praised Haneef's spontaneous acting skills and impactful dialogue delivery that left an indelible mark on audiences.