National Award-winning cinematographer and veteran director Sivan passed away earlier today after suffering from cardiac arrest at his home in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was 89.  Sivan was born to Gopalapillai and Bhavaniamma of Padeettathil house in Harippad. He was the second amongst their six children.

The ace cinematographer rose to fame in the Malayalam film industry with the photographs, he took for a film titled Chemeen. Sivan has won a National Award three times in his career. His directorial debut film was Swapnam, which was released in 1972. Some of his popular films include Abhayam, Yagam, Keshu, Kochu Kochu Mohangal, Oru Yathra and Kilivathil, among others.

Popular cinematographer and director Santosh Sivan, Sangeeth Sivan, Sanjeev Sivan are his sons and Saritha Rajiv is his daughter. 

Taking to Twitter his son and director Sangeeth Sivan wrote, “It’s with great sadness that I share with you all d tragic news that my father, Mr. Sivan, breathed his last today. He was our inspiration & role model. What he accomplished was achieved through hard work, dedication, discipline & foresight. Am sure he would continue to guide us on our onward journey. Forever indebted & will always be in our hearts. Love you Dad for everything & I m sure you will be watching over us from your place among d clouds & stars. Om Shanthi(sic).”

Sangeeth Sivan took to Twitter to share two throwback photos and penned a heartfelt note for his dad. He wrote, “Thank you Dad for everything! Difficult to imagine a world without you but we will continue to trudge d path you have paved for us, safe in d knowledge that u would b guiding us from your place in the clouds & stars. Forever indebted. #OmShanthi #Sivan (sic).”

The news came as a shocker for the entire Malayalam film industry. Several film celebrities and netizens expressed grief over the demise of the director through their social media handles.

Taking to Twitter, film critic and trade analyst Sreedhar pillai wrote, “Condolences to @santoshsivan, @sangeethsivan & rest of family on passing away of their dad Sivan (89). #Sivan was first professional photographer and founder of Sivan Studio in Trivandrum. From being still photographer of Chemeen, director  & 3 national awards. #OmShanti(sic).”

Film PR and photographer, Riaz K Ahmed offered his condolences. “India’s renowned cinematographer #SanthoshSivan and #sangeethsivan’s father cinematographer #Sivan aged 89  passed away this morning due to cardiac arrest in Trivandrum. He was a 3 times National award winner. May his soul rest in peace(sic),” he wrote.

May his soul rest in peace!