Popular Comedian Manobala Dies

Well-known Tamil comedian Manobala, who also directed some films, passed away on May 3rd in Chennai. He was 69-year-old. He had been suffering from liver ailment and was hospitalized. He was treated at Chennai Apollo where he succumbed to the disease.

He was known for supporting roles in several films. He also directed and produced films. He started his career as an assistant director to legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja in the 1970s. Through Kamal Haasan’s recommendation, he became AD to Bharathiraja for the 1979 film Puthiya Vaarpugal.

He also acted in several Telugu movies. He directed more than 20 films. He turned into film producer with he 2014 film Sathuranka Vettai that marked the directorial debut of H Vinoth who went on to make big films like Karthi’s Khakee, Ajith’s Valimai and Thunivu. He was seen in Nagarjuna and Nani-starrer Devadas. He was recently seen in Chiranjeevi’s Waltair Veerayya which is his last Telugu movie.

Tamil film industry and south film industry mourned the demise of the veteran actor. Several actors, politicians and prominent personalities have expressed shock over Manobala’s passing away. More details are awaited.