Popular South comedian, director and producer Manobala died in Chennai today. He was 69. Sources close to him say he was suffering from pancreatic issues and was being treated. Manobala was known for his work in the Tamil film industry.
His death has prompted a flood of condolences on social media. Superstar Rajinikanth tweeted "I am saddened by the death of popular director, actor and my friend Manobala. 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
Legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, with whom Manobala got his start, said, "My student Manobala's death is an irrepairable loss for me and the Tamil film industry.
Veteran actor and a close friend of Manobala, Kamal Haasan paid tribute to him. He tweeted, "The news of the passing away of a good friend who was a director, actor and producer, Manobala is a great sadness. His primary identity was that of an enthusiast of cinema. My condolences to his bereaved family, friends and fans."
இயக்குனர், நடிகர், தயாரிப்பாளர் என பன்முகம் கொண்ட இனிய நண்பர் மனோபாலா மறைந்த செய்தி பெரும் துயரத்தை அளிக்கிறது. சினிமாவின் ஆர்வலர் என்பதே அவரது முதன்மையான அடையாளமாக இருந்தது. அவரை இழந்து வாடும் குடும்பத்தாருக்கும், நண்பர்களுக்கும், அவரது ரசிகர்களுக்கும் எனது ஆறுதலைத்…
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) May 3, 2023
Farzi star Vijay Sethupathi tweeted,"RIPManobala sir."
#RIPManobala sir. pic.twitter.com/CMXMuAtYOP
— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) May 3, 2023
Rowdy Rathore director Prabhudevi extended his condolences by sharing a picture of the veteran actor on his Twitter feed.
— Prabhudheva (@PDdancing) May 3, 2023
Indian film director Pa. Ranjith tweeted, "Rest in peace #manobala sir!."
Rest in peace #manobala sir! pic.twitter.com/I6QGGgmyNB
— pa.ranjith (@beemji) May 3, 2023
Ponniyin Selvan star Karthi tweeted, “ "Extremely shocked to hear this news. A man who can be everywhere and for everyone. Miss you Manobala sir."
Extremely shocked to hear this news. A man who can be everywhere and for everyone. Miss you Manobala sir. #RIP
— Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) May 3, 2023
"Veteran Comedian and character artiste Charlie said, "Manobala was so simple and down to earth. He was so affectionate like a brother." Thambi Ramiah, another popular actor, added, "Manobala was such a hard worker. He gave opportunities for many."
Manobala entertained audiences with his unique voice and sense of humour. Beginning his career as an assistant to renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja, Manobala acted in around 700 films, directed around 40 films and has produced a few films as well. His memorable films include Sethu, Pithamagan, Oorkavalan, Kaatrin Mozhi and Chakra.
