Kochi: Popular comedy artiste and actor Abi, who was well known for his skills at mimicry, died at a private hospital here on Thursday. He was 51.
The actor, who had been ailing for a while, was undergoing treatment for low platelet count.
His funeral will be held at Perumattam Juma Masjid, Muvattupuzha, around 6.30 pm.
His body will be kept at Muvattupuzha Town Hall from 3.30 pm to 6 pm for the public to pay their last respects.
Shameer, the actor's close friend and manager told the media that he got a call from Abi on Thursday morning saying he was not feeling well.
"He had just returned from a foreign tour with a troupe. He was suffering from a blood related ailment for the past two years," said Shameer, who was crying as he was speaking to the media.
Abi's son Shane Nigam is an upcoming actor.
Abi was a hugely popular mimicry artiste and was an integral part of most stage shows outside the country. Just before he arrived after his latest show abroad, he had presented an award to his son in Dubai, a few days back.
Veteran director Siddiq told the media that none was aware that Habeeb was suffering from a rare ailment.
Abi, whose real name is Habeeb Muhammed, who began his career as a mimicry artist more than two decades ago, had acted in over 50 films and was closely associated with Malayalam actors Dileep and Harisree Asokan.
He had performed several stage shows in Kerala and Gulf countries.
Hailing from Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district, he gained fame for his portrayal of 'Amina Thatha' in several TV programmes and stage shows.
Abi is known for mimicking several film actors including Amitabh Bachchan and Mammootty.