Siddique (director)

Indian film director (1955–2023)

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Siddique Ismail (25 March 1955 – 8 August 2023) was an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and actor who predominantly worked in Malayalam cinema. He made his directorial debut with the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). His screenwriting debut came with the Malayalam film Pappan Priyappetta Pappan (1986). His final film was Big Brother (2020).

Career

Siddique began his career as an assistant director to Fazil. The duo of Siddique and Lal was spotted by Fazil when he saw them performing in the Cochin Kalabhavan troupe. Siddique later teamed up with Lal to create many films and was credited as Siddique-Lal. The duo later split up; Siddique continued with his directorial ventures, while Lal turned to acting and producing. All of Siddique's films are comedies, and his films in Tamil were mainly remakes of his Malayalam films, such as Body Guard (Malayalam) and Kaavalan (Tamil). Bodyguard was later remade in Hindi. Siddique co-produced films with Jenso Jose under their joint company S Talkies.

Personal life

Siddique was born to Ismail Haji and Zainaba in Kochi in either 1954 or 1955, and attended St. Paul's College in Kalamassery. On 6 May 1984, Siddique married Sajitha, with whom he had three daughters.

Death

Siddique suffered from liver cirrhosis during his final days, and was admitted on 10 July 2023 at Amrita Hospital in Kochi for liver transplant. But the transplant could not be held due to multiple health issues like pneumonia. His condition took turn for the worse when he had a cardiac arrest on 7 August 2023. He died at 9 PM the next day. His dead body was kept for public view at his home and Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, and was later buried at Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid with full state honours. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and many grandchildren.

Awards

Kerala State Film Awards

Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value (1991)

Zee Cine Awards

Zee Cine Awards for Best Debut Director (2012)

Filmography

Films

As actor

Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu (1984)...Man at calling Kunjoonjamma nickname church going time
Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal (1986)...Man at priest's place
Varsham 16 (1989)...Karthik's friend
Manathe Kottaram (1995) ... himself (guest at the wedding)
Five Star Hospital (1997) ... Himself in two songs "Ithra Madhurikkumo" and "Maranno Nee"
Gulumaal: The Escape (2009) ... Himself
Cinema Company (2012) ... himself
Masterpiece (2017) ... himself
Innale Vare (2022) ... himself
Kenkemam (2022) ... Special appearance