Mohanlal: ‘Big Brother’ Siddique showed us not to lose hope and reach great heights through his life

Though Vietnam Colony might be the first film that would cross people’s minds when you mention a Mohanlal-starrer helmed by director Siddique, the filmmaker, who had passed away due to a heart attack on Tuesday, had in fact collaborated with the superstar in each stage of his career – as an assistant director in Nokkatha Doorathu Kannum Nattu, as the writer of Nadodikaattu, as the co-director of Vietnam Colony, second unit director in Manichitrathazhu and the director of Big Brother. That’s also why his sudden demise came as a shock to the actor, as he stated in his social media post.

Soon after Siddique’s death was confirmed, Mohanlal, who was reportedly in talks to also star in the filmmaker’s upcoming movie, posted a touching tribute to the director. “I can’t express in words the sorrow I feel for the sudden demise of Siddique,” wrote the actor, adding that he was someone who became dear to the Malayali audience around the world through his stories that connected with the common man and through humour.

Also read: Malayalam director Siddique passes away, mortal remains to be kept at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium for public homage 

The actor also praised Siddique’s ability to pick diverse subjects and present them in the most “engaging” manner – the reason “people would wait with bated breath for every film of Siddique”. “He made us laugh, shed tears, made us remember not to lose hope and achieve great heights through his life, as an example,” wrote Mohanlal.

The Malayalam actor also shed light on the director’s affable and soft-spoken personality that “made no enemies”. “He lived like a common man without any paraphernalia,” Mohanlal wrote, adding that he was fortunate to have worked in his debut movie Nokkatha Doorathu Kannum Nattu as well as last film, Big Brother. “In life and movies, he was literally like a big brother to me,” he concluded his post.

Also read: Mohanlal, Arbaaz Khan-starrer Big Brother’s Hindi dubbed version gets 17 million views in a week 

Siddique’s mortal remains will be kept for public homage in Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kochi, on Wednesday morning before being moved to his house in Kakkanad. The burial will be at Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid on Wednesday evening.