Tamil actor-director Manobala passes away at 69, Rajinikanth & others pay condolences

New Delhi: Tamil film director and actor Manobala passed away at the age of 69. He was taking treatment for a liver ailment at his residence, where he breathed his last today. Reportedly, the actor underwent angio treatment at a private hospital earlier this year.

Manobala was known for his comic roles and was widely appreciated across the Tamil film industry. The film fraternity and his fans poured in their condolences. From actors Rajinikanth to Prem Kumar, his colleagues penned heartfelt notes to pay tribute to the actor. Actor Vijay’s fans shared tweets with pictures and clips showing the close bond shared between the two.

பிரபல இயக்குநரும், நடிகருமான, அருமை நண்பர் மனோபாலாவுடைய இறப்பு எனக்கு மிகவும் வேதனை அளிக்கிறது. அவருடைய குடும்பத்தினருக்கு என்னுடைய அனுதாபங்கள். அவரது ஆத்மா சாந்தியடையட்டும்.@manobalam

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 3, 2023

A friend, philosopher and guide #manobala sir is no more ??? it is disheartening. Very active EC member in our #nadigarsangam . Great loss to our film fraternity. Am running short of words…? #ripmanobala sir ? true legend has left us paralyzed ???? pic.twitter.com/DvXTAYycu2

— Prem Kumar (@premkumaractor) May 3, 2023

Actor Manobala is no more.

Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/uDai0nxjzG

— MIRCHI9 (@Mirchi9) May 3, 2023

Manobala Sir’s Last Film is Leo .. Hope 7 screen studio Won’t Remove his portion ( don’t know whether his portion is completed or not ) But He is in Leo Film ?

Rip Sir.. We Miss you?@manobalam sir pic.twitter.com/zCpzZiN76v

— Roвιɴ Roвerт (@PeaceBrwVJ) May 3, 2023

Rest in peace actor #Manobala, he breathed his last after fighting a liver condition. Tons of variant roles in his career with unique voice modulations and even self-depreciating humor. A favorite for many in the industry. pic.twitter.com/MZtHy5qovb

— Siddarth Srinivas (@sidhuwrites) May 3, 2023

Manobala debuted as an actor and assistant director in the Bharathiraja film ‘Puthiya Vaarpugal’ in 1979. Since then, he has acted in more than 300 films. Manobala has also directed 24 films including Rajinikanth starrer ‘Oorkavalan’. His recent hits include the likes of ‘Bigil’ and ‘Maari 2’.

He was last seen in Kajal Agarwal starrer horror-comedy ‘Ghosty’ and was also seen in the Telugu movie Waltair Veerayya, starring Chiranjeevi and Ravi Teja. He also had upcoming projects lined up, including ‘Kick’, ‘Indian 2’, ‘Haraa’ and others. Manobala was known for his self-deprecating humour and has earned a big fan following in his career spanning over four decades.

He also turned producer for H. Vinoth’s directorial venture ‘Sathuranga Vettai’, which is awaiting its sequel now. Manobala also took part in the celebrity cooking show ‘Cooku With Comali’ in 2022.

The film star is survived by his wife Usha and son Harish. Reportedly, his cremation will take place today.