Veteran actor Chilhiya Moosa Manik passes away at 81

Maldivian actor, Chilhiya Moosa Manik has passed away at the age of 81.

The actor passed away at around 10pm on Tuesday while hospitalized at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). His funeral prayer was held at the Masjid al-Taqwa (Aasahara Cemetry) after Fajr prayer on Wednesday.

Moosa Manik was a role model to many in the film industry and was also a very creative and famous artist.

He made his screen debut in 1982 in a Television Maldives production called ‘Ghaazee Bandaarain’ or ‘Mohamed Thakurufaan’. He was greatly praised by critics and audiences for his authentic role as ‘Viyazor’, which assured him a future in acting. He received the National Award of Recognition in 1983 from the government, for his work as a theatre performer.

While studying at Majeediyya School in the year 1977, Manik took part in the theatre play conducted to commemorate the school’s Golden Jubilee, which made him realize that he was interested in theatre.

During his many years in the film industry, he had played over 50 roles in different movies and over 30 roles in many dramas.

Chilhiya Moosa Manik won the Aafathis Award for the movie ‘Zakham’ for Best Story and Best Dialogue in the year 1995. He then attained the same award in 1996 for Best Supporting Actor in the film, “Hagu An’bi’. Furthermore, Manik received the Miadhu Crystal Award in 2008, titled Lifetime Achievement.   

Manik continued to act for years because of his love for the film industry. It is to be noted that he worked in many movies and plays for free and secured a path for both genders to move forward in the field of entertainment, while coaching those interested in acting.

Moreover, in the year 2009, he received the National Award of Honor for Performing Arts – Acting.

Moosa Manik leaves behind his wife and 11 children.