The Malayalam film industry went into deep shock with well-known actor and mimicry artiste Abi passing away on Thursday. The 52-year-old succumbed to dengue at the Amrita Hospital in Kochi and left his family, fans and the entire film fraternity devastated. 

Abi's last film Karutha Suryan is all set to hit the theatres on December 8th. Directed by EVM Ali, the film has Abi essaying the role of an assistant music director in the film. Based on the premise of friendship, the film also has two other newbies in the star cast - Muhammed Shah and Rishad.

Abi’s son Shane Nigam is also playing an important role in the film. 

On his experience of working with Abi, director Ali had said in an interview to Manorama Online:

“He is talent personified. He portrays nuances with such finesse and that it's good to see him act. He came to showbiz so early. With so many virtues as an actor, he was unable to leave a mark in cinema and gain a position he deserved. I'm happy that I could do a film with him. But at the same time, it's so painful to realize that he is no more with us. Only with deepest grief and remorse can I recall the last wish he had revealed to me just six days ahead of his death. He had said that he wished to do a film with his son Shane Nigam where he played the father and Shane, his son.”

It may be mentioned here that the late actor had conveyed to the director that the role he had done in Karutha Suryan was something he wished to do all along in his career. Abi gave impressive performances in films such as Nayam Vyakthamaakkunnu, Kaasargode Khaadarbhai, Rasikan, Thanthonni and Thrissivaperur Kliptham.

Several actors offered their condolences and paid rich tributes to the actor. He is survived by wife Sunila, son Shane Nigam and daughters Ahana and Aleena.