New Delhi: Actor-filmmaker Manobala passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Chennai. He started his career in films as an assistant director and went on to helm over a dozen films.
His spokesperson states that he was admitted to the hospital ten days ago and was receiving treatment for a condition related to the liver. The actor was 69 years old and is survived by his wife and son.
Veteran actor Rajinikanth paid tribute to his "dear friend" Manobala on Twitter in Tamil.
Rajinikanth’s tweet can be translated as, "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."
‘Ponniyin Selvan’ actor Karthi tweeted, “Extremely shocked to hear this news. A man who can be everywhere and for everyone. Miss you Manobala sir."
Gautham Karthik also tweeted, “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...”
Manobala has been working as an actor for the past 20 years. He appeared in nearly 200 films and was renowned for playing comical character roles. The actor began his film career in 1979 as Bharathiraja's 'Puthiya Vaarpugal's assistant director. With the 1982 Tamil film 'Aagaya Gangai', he made his directorial debut. Additionally, he was the director of the Jeetendra-starring Hindi movie 'Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai'.
The 2002 Tamil film 'Naina' was his most recent venture as a director. His final on-screen appearance was in 'Ghosty', a Tamil horror comedy starring Kajal Aggarwal.