Renowned Malayalam film-maker Siddique succumbs to heart attack at 63; Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan pay tribute

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Siddique, well-known for directing Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan-starrer 'Bodyguard' in 2011, passed away on Tuesday at Amrita Hospital in Kochi. He was 63. The official statement released by the hospital stated that the film-maker suffered a severe heart attack on Monday while he was undergoing treatment.

He had been undergoing treatment for nearly a month, battling chronic liver disease and bronchopneumonia. According to the hospital, Siddique showed some improvement. He was taken off the ventilator and put on supplemental oxygen therapy before he suffered cardiac arrest.

He also underwent angioplasty, but his condition continued to deteriorate and he developed multiorgan failure. «He was put on a ventilator for respiratory failure and his condition improved with medical management. He was taken off the ventilator and was on supplemental oxygen therapy.

While on treatment, he had a massive heart attack while undergoing treatment in the hospital and underwent emergency angioplasty. He was placed on ECMO support due to cardiogenic shock and respiratory failure. He developed multiorgan dysfunction with clinical deterioration and was declared dead on August 8, at 9.10 pm,» the statement quoting a doctor at the hospital read.

Siddique is survived by his wife Sajitha and three daughters. The loss of Siddique left a void in the Malayalam film industry. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remembered Siddique's unique ability to blend serious life issues with humour.

«Siddique was an excellent screenwriter and director. The fact that various moments and dialogues in many films made by him and Lal remain in our minds even after decades is a testament to his talent,» he said in a statement. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed