Cochin Haneefa (Muhammed Haneefa)

Cochin Haneefa, born Muhammed Haneefa, was a renowned actor, film director, and screenwriter who worked predominantly in Malayalam cinema.

He started his career in the 1970s mainly portraying villainous roles, he soon moved to comedy roles.

He got his break as a villain in the film Ivide Thudangi (1976). In the late 1980s, Haneefa began to transition to comedy roles. He had his breakthrough as a comedian in the film Kireedam (1989).

He has acted in more than 300 films in Malayalam and Tamil.

Haneefa died on 2 February 2010 at the age of 58 due to multiple organ failure. He had been treated for liver cancer.

He studied at Kochi St. Augustine's School and St. Albert's College and graduated with a degree in commerce.

In 2001, he received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his performance in the movie "Soothradharan".

Cochin Haneefa's father's name is Veluthedathu Muhammed, his mothers name is Hajira.

He was married to Fasila and had two daughters (twins), Marwa and Safa.

Haneefa was also a successful film director and screenplay writer.

He has directed around 20 films, including Aankiliyude Tharattu (1987) and Vatsalyam (1993).