Actor-Director Manobala Passed Away At The Age Of 69; Rajinikanth Expresses Tribute To His 'Dear Friend'

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. According to his spokesperson, he was hospitalized ten days ago and receiving treatment for a condition related to the liver. His wife and son survived him; he was 69 years old.

Legendary actor Rajinikanth paid tribute to his "dear friend" Manobala on Twitter in Tamil. The English translation of Rajinikanth's tweet says, "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." Producer G Dhananjayan expressed his shock after learning about Manobala's passing 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 pic.twitter.com/HZCqRG0c5s

— Dr. Dhananjayan BOFTA (@Dhananjayang) May 3, 2023

, he wrote in a tweet.

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...#RIPManobala pic.twitter.com/Ou2QBGsYLs

— Gautham Karthik (@Gautham_Karthik) May 3, 2023

as tweeted by actor Gautham Karthik. Manobala began his film career in 1979 as Bharathiraja's Puthiya Vaarpugal's assistant director. He also had a minor part in the movie. With the 1982 Tamil film Aagaya Gangai, he made his directorial debut. He had also helmed the Jeetendra-starring Hindi film Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai. Pillai Nila, Sirai Parvai, and Oorkavalan are just a few of the films he has also directed. His final feature was the 2002 Tamil film Naina. He's been a working actor for the past 20 years. He had appeared in more than 200 films and was most known for playing comical minor roles. His final on-screen appearance was in Ghosty, a Tamil horror comedy starring Kajal Aggarwal.