KOCHI: Popular Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Abhi (Habeeb Ahamed) passed away here on Thursday morning. Abhi, 52, the first ‘mimicry superstar’ in Malayalam, was suffering from an acute blood disorder and was under medication. He had acted in more than 50 films and was best known for his roles in Mazhavilkoodaram, Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar, Mimics Action 500, and Rasikan.
Starting his career at Kalabhavan, he had worked with famous mimicry troupes like Harisree and Cochin Sagar. He did many stage shows across the world, and mimicking superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Mammootty made him popular. He also released more than 300 audio and video mimicry cassettes among which the series Onathinidakku Puttukachavadam and De Maveli Kombath were superhits.
His “Amina Thatha” made him a household name and this character was the main attraction of his stage shows for many. A contemporary of Dileep and Nadirsha, Abhi’s film debut was in Mammootty-starrer Nayam Vyakthamakk- unnu in 1991. A native of Muvattupuzha, he was living in Kochi, and he leaves wife Sunila and three children. Budding star Shane Nigam of Kismat fame is his son.
