Siddique (1960-2023) was an Indian director, producer, scriptwriter, and actor who mainly worked in Malayalam cinema. He is known for directing films like ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’ (1989), ‘Chronic Bachelor’ (2003), ‘Bhaskar the Rascal’ (2015), and ‘Big Brother’ (2020).
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Siddique Ismail [1]Siddique Ismail – Facebook was born on Monday, 1 August 1960 (age 63 years; at the time of death) in Kochi, Kerala, India. His zodiac sign is Leo. He attended St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery in Kochi.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Weight (approx.): 70 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Family
Siddique belonged to a Muslim family. [2]The New Indian Express
Parents & Siblings
His father’s name is Ismail Haji, while his mother’s name is Zainaba.
Wife & Children
Siddique Ismail got married to his first cousin Sajitha on 6 May 1984 at the auditorium of Darul Uloom VHSS Ernakulam, Kerala. Sajitha, in an interview, talked about her marriage with Siddique and recalled her first memory of him. She revealed that she was five years old and it was her first day at the Darul Uloom VHSS Ernakulam, Kerala, when Siddique was given the responsibility of taking her there. She remembered how he placed her on the rod of his Hercules cycle, put her satchel on the back, and then they left for school. [3]The New Indian Express
Siddique Ismail with Sajitha
Siddique is survived by three daughters, Sumaya, Sara, and Sukoon.
Siddique Ismail’s daughter Sumaya and her husband at their wedding reception
Siddique Ismail with his daughter Sara and son-in-law at their wedding reception
Career
Siddique started his career as a mimicry artist at Cochin Kalabhavan, a centre for learning performing arts in Kochi, India, along with Lal, an Indian filmmaker. Later, Siddique and Lal formed a filmmaking duo which was popularly known as ‘Siddique-Lal’ and worked as assistant directors under Fazil, an Indian filmmaker, who once spotted them performing at the Cochin Kalabhavan. After directing various films together, Siddique and Lal parted ways following which Siddique continued working mainly as a director, while Lal continued working as an actor and producer.
Lal (left) and Siddique (right) performing as mimicry artists
Direction, Script and Story
Malayalam
Siddique made his debut as a script and story writer along with Lal with the film ‘Pappan Priyappetta Pappan’ in 1986.
A poster of the film ‘Pappan Priyappetta Pappan’ (1986)
In 1987, Siddique-Lal wrote the story of the satirical comedy film ‘Nadodikkattu.’ Siddique worked as an associate director for the film ‘Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal’ (1988). Siddique-Lal made their directorial debut with the 1989 comedy-thriller film ‘Ramji Rao Speaking.’ The duo wrote the script and story of the film as well.
A poster of the film ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’ (1989)
They went on to work as directors, story writers, and scriptwriters for films like ‘Vietnam Colony’ (1992) and ‘Kabooliwala’ (1994). Siddique directed and wrote many films individually including ‘Chronic Bachelor’ (2003), ‘Bodyguard’ (2010), ‘Bhaskar the Rascal’ (2015), and ‘Big Brother’ (2020).
Tamil
In 2001, Siddique debuted as a director, scriptwriter, and story writer in the Tamil film industry with a drama film titled ‘Friends,’ which was a remake of Siddique’s 1999 Malayalam film of the same title.
A poster of the film ‘Friends’ (2001)
In 2011, he directed the film ‘Kaavalan,’ which was also written by him. Siddique worked as a writer and director for many other Tamil films including ‘Sadhu Miranda’ (2008) and ‘Bhaskar Oru Rascal’ (2018).
Siddique Ismail on the sets of the film ‘Bhaskar Oru Rascal’ (2018)
Telugu
Siddique directed an action comedy film titled ‘Maaro’ in 2011; he also worked as a scriptwriter and story writer for the film.
A poster of the film ‘Maaro’ (2011)
Hindi
In 2011, Siddique directed the romantic action film ‘Bodyguard,’ which starred Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles. The film was the remake of the 2010 Malayalam film of the same title, directed by Siddique.
Acting
Siddique Ismail made cameo appearances in some Malayalam and Tamil films. He appeared in Malayalam films including ‘Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu’ (1984), ‘Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal’ (1986), ‘Manathe Kottaram’ (1994), ‘Gulumaal: The Escape’ (2009), ‘Masterpiece’ (2017), and ‘Innale Vare’ (2022).
Production
Siddique co-produced Malayalam films ‘Fukri’ (2017) and ‘Big Brother’ (2020).
Awards
- 1991: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value for the Malayalam film ‘Godfather’
- 2012: Zee Cine Award for Most Promising Director for the Hindi film ‘Bodyguard’
Death
Siddique passed away due to cardiac arrest on 8 August 2023 at Amrita Hospital in Kochi. He had been undergoing treatment for liver-related ailments for over a month at the hospital. [4]The Hindu
Facts/Trivia
- Siddique worked as a clerk at Darul Uloom VHSS Ernakulam, Kerala, before venturing into the field of direction. [5]The New Indian Express
- While talking about Siddique’s passion for cinema, in an interview, Sajitha shared that just four months after their wedding, Siddique left his clerk job to join filmmaker Fazil as an assistant director; she was sixteen years old at that time. Sajitha further added that she did not hear from Siddique at all for three months; no letters, no calls, and upon his return, she told him that she was pregnant. When it was time for Sajitha’s delivery at the City Hospital, Siddique ran off to watch a film with his friends instead of staying with her at the hospital. [6]The New Indian Express
- According to his wife, Sajitha, Siddique never lost his cool. In an interview, she mentioned that he never held grudges and remained friendly even if he was upset. She emphasized that Siddique never raised his voice or scolded her or their children, even when he might have been angry with them. [7]The New Indian Express
References
| ↑1 | Siddique Ismail – Facebook |
|---|---|
| ↑2, ↑3, ↑5, ↑6, ↑7 | The New Indian Express |
| ↑4 | The Hindu |
