Popular mimicry artiste, actor Kalabhavan Abbi dead

Kochi, Nov 30  Popular Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Abi passed away on Thursday. He was 52.
The actor, who is best known for films like Mazhavil Koodaram, Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar, Mimics Action 500, Aniyathipraavu and Rasikan, breathed his last at a Kochi hospital on November 30.
Abi, who was also a popular mimicry artist, had gained fame after his stint with mimicry troupe Kalabhavan. He went on to work with other troupes like Harisree and Cochin Sagar. The actor was also the voice of Amitabh Bachchan in Malayalam ads.
Abi, whose real name is Habeeb Ahamed, is survived by wife Sunila and children Ahana, Aleena and Shane Nigam.
Celebrities in Kerala took to social media to express their grief and share condolences.
Sharing his memories of Abi, Dulquer Salmaan posted on Facebook: “Can’t stop thinking about the countless times he’s made us laugh. A lot of my growing up had watching his shows on tv or even seeing him live on stage shows abroad with my father. His immense talent and endearing charm was timeless. And now Shane his son is one of our greatest breakout talents of Malayalam. Having done several films with him I got to see Abi ikka a lot of late. This is so sudden and so unexpected. My deepest condolences to the family. Our prayers and love to them always.”

“Today morning started with an utterly sad news of the passing away of one of the most talented artists of our state, Abi ikka. Am happy to have known him and be associated with him. After years of fan following starting from Asianet’s first ever comedy programme, ”Comicola”, to numerous stage shows and movies, today I’m deeply saddened by this news. May God rest his soul in peace. May his family get the strength to endure this loss,” said singer Renjini Jose on Facebook.
–IANS