Celebrated chef, restauranteur and Malayalam film producer Naushad passed away at a private hospital in Kerela's Thiruvalla on August 27, Friday. He had reportedly been admitted to the hospital two weeks back in a critical condition following a surgery. He was 55-years-old. As per reports, he had been on ventilator support since the last few days after his heath took a turn for the worst. His wife, Sheeba, had passed away on August 12 following a cardiac arrest. Naushad, fondly known as 'Big Chef' in the F&B world entered the world of cinema after conquering the food sector. He became a full-time chef after completing his hotel management course in Bengaluru. He was pushed into the spotlight when he began hosting cooking shows on TV. After gaining immense success in the field he loved, he ventured into the film industry by producing the critically acclaimed film 'Kazhcha', which saw superstar Mammootty in the lead. Blessy, the director of the film was his close friend. The two were reportedly classmates. The same year Naushad won the State Film Award for Best Producer. Besides 'Kazhcha', Naushad had produced other popular Malayalam films like 'Chattambinad', 'Best Actor', 'Lion', 'Payyans' and 'Spanish masala'. Several celebrities took to social media to mourn the loss as soon as the news of his death broke out. Mammootty took to his Facebook page to pay Naushad a tribute. Mourning his death, superstar Prithviraj wrote 'Rest In Peace' on Instagram while sharing a picture of his. Recalling their bond, actor Manoj K Jayan took to social media to bid him adieu. He penned, 'Like his body, his mind had also been big. Will not hear him calling 'mone' (son) with affection anymore. Condolences, RIP dear friend.' Other film personalities, including Vinayan, Madhupal, Jayaram and Surabhi Lakshmi, also posted their condolences for the departed soul.