KOCHI: Film actor and mimicry artiste Kalabhavan Muhammed Haneef died here Thursday. He was 63. He was undergoing treatment for issues related to respiratory problems at a private hospital in Kochi. He is a native of Mattancherry.

Haneef is the son of Hamsa of Mattancherry in Ernakulam and Subaida. After his education, he worked as a salesman and along with that was active in drama. He was the main mimicry artiste of Kalabhavan troupe. His artistic career, which started with drama, reached him to Kalabhavan. He has acted in many movies and comedy shows.

Haneef entered the film industry through mimicry. His first film was Cheppu Kilukkana Changathi. He was noted for his comic roles including the character of a groom in the film Parakkum Thalika. He has already acted in more than 150 films. His last film was Jaladhara Pump Set released this year. He will be laid to rest in Mattancherry tomorrow.

He leaves behind his wife Waheeda and two children Sharooqu Haneef and Sithara Haneef.

Actor Tiny Tom paid tributes to the late actor on social media.