Renowned Filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan Passes Away at 65

Celebrated filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan, aged 65, recognized for his significant contributions to both Malayalam and Hindi cinema, succumbed to a cardiac arrest while receiving medical care at a private hospital. Santosh Sivan, his cinematographer-brother, confirmed the news of his demise through a WhatsApp message to PTI. Sangeeth had been admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he breathed his last. His funeral rites are scheduled for Thursday at the Oshiwara cemetery at 4 pm.

Sangeeth, the eldest son of filmmaker Sivan, marked his directorial debut in 1990 with the Malayalam film “Vyooham,” featuring Raghuvaran and Urvashi. His notable work includes the acclaimed “Yodha,” starring Mohanlal, which is revered in Malayalam cinema. He also penned scripts for some of his films, with his final project being the Hindi film “Bhram.” Having relocated to Mumbai early in his career, he is the elder brother of cinematographer Santhosh Sivan and director-producer Sanjeev Sivan.

Beginning his film journey as an executive producer for the 1989 Hindi film “Raakh,” featuring Aamir Khan, with his brother serving as the cinematographer, Sangeeth’s directorial journey took off with “Vyooham.” However, it was “Yodha” that solidified his standing in the industry. He directed numerous successful Hindi films such as “Zor,” “Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne,” and “Apna Sapna Money Money.”

Among his accolades, “Johnny” earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Children’s Film. His last Malayalam venture was “E,” starring Gautami Tadimalla, released in 2017. Sangeeth’s cinematic sensibilities were influenced by renowned Malayalam filmmakers Padmarajan and Bharathan.

The news of Sangeeth’s demise drew condolences from various quarters, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and actors Sunny Deol, Riteish Deshmukh, and Tusshar Kapoor, who expressed their shock and sorrow through heartfelt messages on social media. Deshmukh particularly reminisced about Sangeeth’s impact on his career, thanking him for believing in him and introducing him to comedy through films like “Kya Kool Hai Hum” and “Apna Sapna Money Money.” Sangeeth’s legacy extends beyond cinema, as he also directed a web series titled “Bhram” in 2019, starring Kalki Koechlin.