In a somber congregation at the Oshiwara Crematorium on Thursday, family, friends, and eminent personalities from the Indian film industry came together to bid farewell to director Sangeeth Sivan. The venerated filmmaker, known for directing hits like ‘Kya Kool Hai Hum,’ succumbed to a cardiac arrest at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, where he was being treated for a urinary infection. The news of his sudden demise on May 8th sent shockwaves across the cinematic fraternity.
Sangeeth Sivan’s legacy as the eldest son of the legendary photographer-cinematographer Sivan, and his contributions to Indian cinema, survives through his wife Jayashree, and his children, Sanjana and Shanthanu. As the reality of his passing sunk in, many from the industry and beyond used social media platforms to express their sorrow and commemorate his life.
The funeral was attended by a host of celebrities, including Anupam Kher, Fardeen Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Tusshar Kapoor, and Zayed Khan, all sharing a common bond of grief and respect for the accomplished director. Kher, who had worked under Sivan’s direction in three films, shared an emotional video, highlighting his invaluable friendship with Sivan, praising his directorial skills and the vibrancy of his personality. “You have entertained people a lot with your personality and your movies. Thank you,” Kher’s heartfelt message read.
Sunny Deol, who collaborated with Sivan on ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana 2’, was equally grieved at the loss, unable to grasp the sudden absence of his dear friend in the world. His tribute echoed the shock and offered solace to Sivan’s family through a traditional prayer for peace.
Riteish Deshmukh, who owed much of his early cinematic opportunities to Sivan, reminisced about the filmmaker’s gentle spirit and his pivotal role in fostering young talent, “Deeply saddened and shocked to know that Sangeeth Sivan Sir is no more… Soft-spoken, gentle and a wonderful human being. Am heartbroken today,” Deshmukh said in his moving post, alongside expressing his deepest condolences to Sivan’s family and loved ones.
Tusshar Kapoor marked his remembrance by acknowledging Sivan’s influence on his career, especially in introducing him to the realm of comedy. His note was a mix of gratitude and grief for someone he looked upon as a mentor, underlining the void Sivan’s absence will leave.
Sivan’s directorial journey is studded with remarkable films that have enjoyed immense popularity, among them Malayalam cinema milestones such as ‘Yodha’, ‘Gandharvam’, and ‘Nirnayam’. His flair for storytelling and his ability to weave humor and drama on the silver screen set a benchmark in the industry.
This report encapsulates the wave of sorrow that has enveloped the film industry and Sivan’s admirers. While Sangeeth Sivan may have left the mortal world, his cinematic creations continue to resonate with many, ensuring his presence is felt through the timeless nature of his art. The heartfelt expressions of loss across social media paint a portrait of a man whose work and character influenced many and will be cherished in memories for years to come.
As the film fraternity mourns, it is clear that Sivan’s legacy will continue through the inspiration he has provided to audiences and budding filmmakers alike. The grief shared by so many is a testimony to the impact he had on the industry and the love and respect he garnered through his journey in life and cinema.
