Manobala was 69.Multi-faceted actor Manobala passed away on Wednesday shocking Tamil cinema fans and stars. The actor-filmmaker, who was suffering from liver-related ailments, breathed his last at his residence in Chennai, where he was undergoing treatment. The actor was 69.
Manobala was earlier admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai and was later shifted to his residence in Saligramam. He was unwell for the past fifteen days and stopped responding to treatment and breathed his last this afternoon.
Manobala, though known for his comedic roles, was a renowned director back in the 80s and 90s. He has directed Rajinikanth, Radhika, Suhasini, Prabhu, Sathyaraj, and Sivaji Ganesan. Oorkavalan, En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan, and Dhoorathu Pachai are some of his popular films.
Manobala has also shared screen space with leading actors of Tamil cinema like Dhanush, Suriya, Vijay, Karthi, and Jaya Ravi. He is best known for his roles in Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Siruthai, and Nanban. Though Manobala played small roles in films, he made a huge impact and garnered widespread popularity.
Superstar Rajinikanth, who acted in the Manobala directorial Oorkavalan, took to Twitter to convey condolences for the death of his dear friend. He wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of my dear friend Manobhala, a famous director and actor. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”
RJ Balaji tweeted, "Manobala sir ? Thank you for always being kind, warm and caring. So many good memories with you, will cherish them forever. Go well sir."
Film producer Dhananjayan said on Twitter, "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 ?."
Simran wrote on Twitter, "Shocked to hear that Manobala sir is no more. Manobala sir, you will be forever remembered. Will miss you. Heartfelt condolences to his family. #RIPManobala sir Om Shanti."
Mammootty took to Twitter and wrote, "Deeply Saddened to hear that my dear friend and colleague Manobala has passed away. Hearty Condolences to his family and friends."
Selvaraghavan tweeted, "RIP #manobala sir. Always my sweet friend!"
"Manobala sir pls rest in peace. Will miss your presence. Your kindness will be remembered. #RIPManobala," actor-host DD Neelakandan said via Twitter.
Vijay visited Manobala's residence to pay his last respcts to the actor-filmmaker.
Santhanam posted on Twitter, "A good soul gone too soon. Rest in peace @manobalam Sir."
Arun Vijay tweeted, "Really disheartening to hear the news. A life well lived and loved. Your space will forever remain unmatched in our hearts. Thankful for the opportunity to have known you personally too. Rest in peace #Manobala sir??."
"Will miss the long laughs, the kind words and the genuineness Manobala sir. Rest In Peace Now. #RIPManobala," Ramya Subramanian said via Twitter.
Jayaram took to Facebook to share his condolences. He wrote, "Shocked to hear about this loss..he was not just a colleague to me but a very close dearest friend whom I could laugh with , share and discuss anything with...you will be missed for ever Nanba..rest in peace Manobala."
Vikram took to Twitter to express his condolences following the demise of Manobala. He wrote, "Saddened to hear about his passing. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPManobala"
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Suhani Maniratnam remembered Manobala and said, "You will never find a director who can plan as well as Manobala. Revathy and I directed a one-hour film, which he produced. He would plan it so well. I have acted in many of his films and assisted him in many films. I have acted in only one TV serial Panchavaranam, which was produced by Madras Talkies. "
Manobala joined Bharathiraja as an assistant director with a recommendation from Kamal Haasan. He then turned director with the film Agaya Gangai (1982), which had Suhasini Maniratnam and Karthik in the lead roles.
Nidhhi Agerwal shared on Twitter, "Sad to hear of Manobala sir's passing. Sending strength and condolences to his family during this difficult time. RIP #Manobala Sir."
Actor Jiiva posted on Twitter, "Its heart wrenching to know that our industry has lost an irreplaceable gem! RIP @manobalam Sir!!!"
Sai Dharam Tej shared on Twitter, "The passing on of #Manobala sir is a shocker for the Tamil film industry…may his soul rest in peace and may his family garner strength and peace."
Lyricist Vivek took to Twitter and wrote, "Someone who was loved by all. Shocking to know this. Condolences to Manobala sir’s family."
Shanthnu Bhagyaraj posted on Twitter, "Shocked is all I can say. Manobala sir you are such a sweet person. Literally shattered on hearing his sudden demise. You will be around us always."
Remembering Manobala, Dulquer Salmaan wrote, "RIP Manobala sir! You were always warm, kind, constantly making us laugh and full of love. I have only the fondest memories of our times on our films together."
Nani tweeted, "Manobala sir ud83dudc94 One of our veterans who is a complete child too."
GV Prakash Kumar tweeted, "This is heartbreaking. Will miss u #manobala sir . ?."
Vishnu Vishal wrote on Twitter, "#RIP Manobala sir…You were always full of energy and laughter…Will miss you on and off screen ?."
"Such a happy Human He was Always ?? Heartbroken ? to hear this #RIPManobala sir. Strength to the family of @manobalam sir ?," music director Thaman S said via Twitter.
Vishal shared on Twitter, "Shattered to put a tweet about Manobala Sir’s death. I just spoke to him last week. Sometimes I don’t realise God’s design. May his soul RIP & May his family stay strong during these difficult times. #RIPManobala."
Actor Prem Kumar remembered Manobala in a social media post. Prem tweeted, "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."
Cinematographer PC Sreeram tweeted, "#RIPManobala. Shocked to hear this. His passion for cinema made him wear different hats, as director, as a actor, as a producer, as youtuber during covid times. May his soul rest in peace."
Film editor Ruben took to Twitter and wrote, "U Shook me a bit on life’s Uncertainty. Never met a cool headed person, who can also handle chaos & critism in a very cool way? Long pending video interview for/with u sir? You definitely will be missed & see you on the otherside with more laughs together??."
Prasanna and Vijay Antony took to social media to express their grief over the demise of Manobala.
Jayam Ravi posted on Twitter, "Shocked beyond words. RIP @manobalam sir. Deepest condolences to the entire family."
Karthi tweeted, "Extremely shocked to hear this news. A man who can be everywhere and for everyone. Miss you Manobala sir."
Gautham Kathik wrote on Twitter, "Heartbreaking to hear that Director/Actor #Manobala sir is no longer with us. Was a true pleasure to work with you sir! You will be surely missed! Condolences to family, friends and loved ones..."