Director-turned-actor and producer Manobala, who underwent angio-treatment earlier in January, has passed away today. He was 69 years old and reportedly admitted to a hospital due to liver-related problems. He is survived by his wife Usha and son Harish.

Manobala’s mortal remains have been kept at the actor’s house in Valasarawakkam, Chennai for friends and fans to pay their last respect. The last rites of Manobala will be done tomorrow and the cremation will happen at 10 am tomorrow at Valasarawakkam Electric Crematorium.

The popular comedian and character artist, Manobala was last seen in the Tamil films ‘Kondraal Paavam’ and ‘Ghosty’. From superstar Rajinikanth to director Bharathiraja, celebrites have expressed their sorrow and offered their condolences

Rajinikanth posted in Tamil, which translates to, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of my dear friend Manophala, a famous director and actor. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”

 Director Bharathiraja said, “The demise of my student Manobala is an irreplaceable disater for me and our Tamil film industry.”

Actress Radikaa, who is a close friend of Manobala posted, “I am so heartbroken, just this morning I called and enquired to where he was to go and visit him. Shocked beyond belief. Shared so much with him professionally and on a personal level we both learnt, laughed , fought , ate together and had long conversations about many things, he was a talented person, cld adapt well to all situations. Will miss him.”

Manobala, who had started out as an assistant to legendary filmmaker Bharathirajaa, turned director with the 1982 film Agaya Gangai. He has directed hit films like Pillai Nila, Oorkavalan (starring Superstar Rajinikanth), and Mallu Vetti Minor among others.

Producer Dhananjayan posted, “Shocking & it’s unbelievable such a sweet person & a good friend #Manobala sir passed away. Heartfelt condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace”

He became a sought-after comic actor in the early 2000s thanks to his wiry frame and unique dialogue delivery. He has been part of memorable comic tracks in films like Pithamagan, Ice, Chandramukhi, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Thamizh Padam, Alex Pandian, the Aranmanai franchise and Aambala. He has appeared in nearly 700 films. He has had hilarious collaborations with leading comic actors like Vivekh, Vadivelu and Santhanam.

Source – Times of India
-Agencies