The Indian film industry was plunged into mourning as news broke of the sudden passing of esteemed director Sangeeth Sivan, a veteran filmmaker known for his work in Bollywood and Malayalam cinema. The director, who was acclaimed for creating numerous impactful films, passed away following a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for a urinary infection at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital.
The grief was palpable across social media as celebrities and members of the film fraternity posted heartfelt tributes to the late filmmaker. Among them was actress Celina Jaitley, who was profoundly shocked by the untimely loss of the director with whom she had worked in the 2006 film ‘Apna Sapna Money Money.’ She expressed her sorrow on a social media platform, reminiscing about the character ‘SANIYA BADNAAM’ that Sivan crafted for her. Jaitley recalled Sivan as one of the most positive, calm, and enjoyable directors she had ever worked with.
Jaitley’s words painted a picture of a man full of positive energy, whose smile embodied absolute appreciation. She lamented the realization that their last conversation, which occurred on her birthday in November, turned out to be their final exchange. Her post conveyed a deep sense of gratitude for the memorable character he created, and she extended her heartfelt condolences to Sivan’s wife, children, and the rest of the Sivan family, indicating a significant loss not just for her but for the entirety of the film industry.
Actor Riteish Deshmukh also shared his emotions over the loss of Sangeeth Sivan. Deshmukh, who worked with Sivan on films including ‘Kya Kool Hai Hum’ and ‘Apna Sapna Money Money,’ paid his respects online, highlighting how critical Sivan’s trust had been in his early career. The actor described Sivan as soft-spoken, gentle, and an exceptional human being whose infectious laughter would be deeply missed. Deshmukh likewise extended his deepest condolences to Sivan’s bereaved family.
Confirming the tragic news, Sivan’s brother Sanjeev Sivan has shared the details of the director’s health issues leading to his demise. Sangeeth Sivan, the illustrious eldest son of well-known photographer-cinematographer Sivan, leaves behind his wife Jayashree, and children, Sanjana and Shanthanu. His remarkable career included directing blockbuster starring Mohanlal, such as ‘Yodha’ (1992), ‘Gandharvam’ (1993), and ‘Nirnayam’ (1995), films which cemented his reputation as a master storyteller.
Sivan’s passing has indeed left a void in the hearts of many. His work spanned over decades, and he made a lasting impact not only through his films but also through his personal interactions with those who had the privilege of working with him. The film industry lost more than just a director; it lost a visionary who nurtured talent and created works that will be remembered for generations to come.
Emotions continue to pour in as actors, technicians, and film lovers share their experiences and memories of Sivan. His ability to instill confidence in the actors and extract memorable performances stood as a testament to his directorial prowess. There can be no doubt that Sangeeth Sivan’s legacy will continue to influence Indian cinema.
As tributes continue to mount, it is clear that Sivan’s passing is a significant loss to the art of filmmaking. The collective grief expressed by colleagues indicates that Sivan was not only respected for his professional achievements but also deeply loved for his kind nature and the positivity he brought to set. He will be remembered with affection, his films will continue to be celebrated, and through them, his artistic spirit will endure. In this moment of loss, the film industry stands united in honoring the memory of Sangeeth Sivan, a true stalwart of Indian cinema.
