Jeeva (director)


Jeeva was an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, cinematographer and film director in Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam-language cinema. He was an established cinematographer in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Career

Jeeva started his career assisting cinematographer P. C. Sreeram in the films such as Nayakan, Agni Natchathiram, Apoorva Sagodharargal, Idhaya Thamarai, Gopura Vasalile and Meera. He became an independent cinematographer in the Malayalam film Abhimanyu starring Mohanlal and went on to film over 20 films including his own directorials. He was director Shankar's usual cinematographer in his early films such as Gentleman, Kadhalan and Indian. Jeeva's work in Shankar's Kadhalan fetched him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer. He had also collaborated several times with director Priyadarshan.
The four completed films he directed, namely 12B, Run , Ullam Ketkumae and Unnale Unnale, have become blockbusters. He died after suffering acute cardiac arrest in Russia on 26 June 2007 at the age of 43. At the time of his death, he was busy with the final schedule of his latest film, Dhaam Dhoom. The film was completed by his assistant, Manikandan, his wife Anees Tanveer and his mentor cinematographer P. C. Sreeram. He is survived by his wife, Anees and two children, Sana Mariam and Aalia.

Personal life

Jeeva was married to costume designer Anees Tanveer with whom he has two children. Jeeva converted to Islam upon marriage and changed his name to Rahil Tanveer.

Death

Jeeva died in Saint Petersburg, Russia, following a cardiac arrest.

Filmography

As director
As cinematographer
As Still Photographer