Kalabhavan Hanif (1959 or 1960–2023) was an Indian actor and famous mimicry artist in the Malayalam entertainment industry. Known for his comic roles, he acted in over 150 Malayalam films over a period of three decades, starting in 1991. He was part of Malayalam’s 2018: Everyone is a Hero (2023), which was selected by the Film Federation of India. India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Kalabhavan Muhammad Hanif was born in 1959 or 1960 (age 63 at the time of death) in Mattancherry, Kerala, India. From a young age, he had a keen interest in mimicry and used to do mimicry during his school days. He became interested in acting after watching Malayalam films at a young age. During Hanif’s childhood, his two uncles, who had a keen interest in cinema, used to watch every Malayalam film. He used to buy and bring home cinema-related magazines like Chitra Ram, Cinema and Cinema Masika, published during that period. Hanif grew up reading these magazines and dreamed of becoming an actor. His association with Kalabhavan began through his neighbor Zainuddin, an actor and mime artiste.
An old picture of Kalabhavan Hanif
Physical Appearance
Height (Approx): 5′ 10″
Hair Color: Black
Eye colour: black
Family
parents and siblings
His father, Hamza, ran a stationery shop in Mattancherry. His mother’s name is Zubaida. Hanif was the eldest among five siblings.
Kalabhavan Hanif with his mother
wife and children
On 12 October 1990, he married Waheeda Hanif. Together, they have two children, a daughter, Sitara Ismail, and a son, Sharooq Hanif. Sithara is a YouTube vlogger and runs a self-titled channel.
From left to right, Kalabhavan Hanif, Sithara Ismail, Sithara Ismail’s husband, Sharook Hanif and Waheeda Hanif.
livelihood
Hanif started his professional journey as a mimicry artist and later excelled in theatre. Early in his career, he was associated with Kalabhavan, a performing arts education center in Kochi. He began to gain recognition after touring with the troupe for stage shows and soon became one of the leaders of the troupe. He was especially known for imitating actors Nedumudi Venu and Raghavan. Later, he followed the practice of Kalabhavan alumni by adding the name of the organization before his name. It was Dasethan’s guitarist Sathish (producer Preman’s brother-in-law) who introduced him to the Malayalam film industry. During an interview, Hanif shared that while he was in the Gulf, Satish had suggested him to try acting in films. After returning, Hanif got a call from Satish, who told him that his brother-in-law was producing a film. Satish introduced Hanif to film director Kala Adoor. Upon auditioning, Hanif got the role of a police constable in a scene with popular actors Mukesh, Jagadish and KPAC Lalita Chechi. This marked the beginning of Hanif’s film career and he felt fortunate to start with such famous stars.
film (malayalam)
In 1991, he started his film career with the Malayalam film Cheppukilukkana Changathi, in which he played the role of a police constable.
Poster of the Malayalam film Cheppukilukkana Changathi (1991)
Subsequently, he appeared in various Malayalam films such as Sandesham (1991), Godfather (1991), Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji (1994), Chhota Mumbai (2006), Vinodyatra (2007), Drishyam (2013), and Amar Akbar Anthony (2014). Appeared. ,
Kalabhavan Hanif (left) as a hotel receptionist in the film Vinod Yatra (2007)
He gained popularity for playing the role of a groom in the slapstick comedy-drama film Ee Parakkam Thalika (2001).
Kalabhavan Hanif as the groom in the slapstick comedy-drama film Ee Parakkam Thalika (2001)
Audiences also loved him as an immaculate groom in Thenkasipatnam (2000). In the film, there is a scene where Samyukta Menon’s character deliberately places a hot steel glass on her hands after which she groans in strange rhythms which prompts the girl’s father to ask if she is trained in classical music. In 2016, she played the role of Sasi/Soman in Kattappanayal starring Ritwik Roshan. His exchange with Siddiqui in a scene from the film became a popular meme template in Kerala. Some of his other notable works include the films Pandippada (2005), Thuruppugulan (2006), and Ustad Hotel (2012).
Kalabhavan Hanif (right) in Thuruppugulan (2006)
In 2023, he played the role of a dam operator in the film 2018: Everyone is a Hero. Film Federation of India selected 2018 to represent India at the 96th Academy Awards for the Best International Feature Film category. His last film was Garudan (2023).
Poster of Malayalam movie Garudan (2023)
TV and OTT
In 2004, she starred in the Malayalam television soap opera Minukettu. Other TV shows in which he appeared include Nadaswaram, Comedym Mimikasam Pinne Njanam, Abby’s Corner, Manasiloru Mazhavillu and Tillana Tillana. In 2015, he appeared in the Malayalam TV show Snehveedu.
Kalabhavan Hanif in the TV show Snehveedu (2015)
In 2021, he was featured in the Malayalam web series Instagramm, streaming on Netflix, in which he played the role of a police officer.
Kalabhavan Hanif (right) with Ramesh Pisharody in the Malayalam web series Instagramm (2021)
short film
In 2021, he appeared in the Malayalam short film Corona Villa. In 2022, she starred in the Malayalam short film Mundu alongside her son Sharruq Hanif.
Kalabhavan Hanif and Sharook Hanif seen on the poster of Malayalam short film Mundu (2022)
Death
Kalabhavan Hanif died at a private hospital in Kochi on 9 November 2023 after suffering from a respiratory illness. Hanif’s mortal remains were kept at the wedding palace hall at Kappalandi Mukku near Chullikkal for the public to have their last glimpse. The last rites were performed at Chembitapalli Juma Masjid in Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala.
Facts/General Knowledge
- He won the award in the Best Short Film Actor category at the 24th Global Excellency Films Awards 2020 2021 Cochin for the Malayalam short film Corona Villa (2021).
Kalabhavan Hanif received the award in the Best Short Film Actor category at the 24th Global Excellency Films Awards 2020 2021 Cochin for the Malayalam short film Corona Villa (2021).
- Prem Nazir and Sathyan were his favorite Malayalam actors.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn