Tamil film industry veteran Manobala passed away on May 3 at the age of 68 after suffering from liver-related problems for the past two weeks. Manobala had acted in over 450 films and directed over 24 movies in his career spanning 35 years. He was also a well-known comedian and his comedy performances in several films were loved by Tamil audiences.
Superstar Rajinikanth, who was a close friend of the late actor-director, took to Twitter to express his condolences. He wrote in Tamil, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of my dear friend Manobala, a famous director and actor. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”
பிரபல இயக்குநரும், நடிகருமான, அருமை நண்பர் மனோபாலாவுடைய இறப்பு எனக்கு மிகவும் வேதனை அளிக்கிறது. அவருடைய குடும்பத்தினருக்கு என்னுடைய அனுதாபங்கள். அவரது ஆத்மா சாந்தியடையட்டும்.@manobalam
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 3, 2023
Manobala started his career in the Tamil film industry in the early 1970s and went on to become one of the most popular comedians in the industry. He made his directorial debut in 1982 with Karthik and Suhasini’s Agaya Gangai and directed many popular films including Pillai Nila, Oorkaavalan, En Purusshanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan, Karuppu Vellai, Mallu Vetti Minor and Paarambariyam.
Apart from his successful career as a director, he also appeared in several TV serials and directed a few. He was also a producer. Manobala’s last on-screen appearance as a comedian was in Kajal Aggarwal’s Ghosty.
Manobala’s mortals will be placed for public viewing at his residence in LV Prasad Road, in Chennai. The Tamil film industry mourns the loss of one of its beloved actors and directors.
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