Thousands pay tributes to Mamukkoya, actor to be laid to rest today

KOZHIKODE: The funeral prayers of Mamukkoya, a unique actor who made Malayalees laugh for more than four decades with his local characters, will be held at the Arakkinar Mujahid Masjid, at 9.30 am Thursday morning. He will be laid to rest at the Kannamparambu kabarsthan. Thousands are flocking to Kozhikode Town Hall for a last glimpse of the actor.

The actor passed away at 1.05 pm yesterday at the Meitra Hospital in Kozhikode. The actor, who collapsed on April 24 at the inaugural function of all India sevens football in Malappuram’s Kalikavu Poongad, was immediately admitted to a private hospital in Wandoor and then to the Meitra Hospital in Kozhikode, However, his life could not be saved. He suffered a heart attack followed by a brain hemorrhage. He was 76. He was previously treated for cancer and heart ailments.

The actor was staying in Arakkinar near Beypore in Kozhikode. He was born on July 5, 1946 at Pallikandi in Kozhikode to Muhammad and Imbichi Ayesha. Iconic writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was his guru. Mamukkoya, who played important comic roles, conquered Malayalam hearts not only as a comedian but also as a character actor.
amukkoya was the first to receive the award instituted by the state government for comedy. He has won the state award for the films Perumazhakkalam and Innathe Chintha Vishayam. He started his film career with the film 'Anyarude Bhoomi' directed by Nilambur Balan. He is more notable for his Kozhikode dialect.

He leaves behind his wife Suhra and children Nizar, Shahida, Nadiya and Abdul Rasheed. In-laws are Abdul Habid (Qatar), Zakkir Hussain (KSEB), Jessy and Fazna.