Actor-director Manobala passes away

Actor-director Manobala has passed away in Chennai. He was 69.

Manobala was reportedly hospitalised for the past two weeks.

The news of his death was confirmed by actor-director GM Kumar on Twitter. “Manobala Sir passed away,” he tweeted.

Manobala began his career in 1979 with Puthiya Vaarpugal. With the help of Kamal Haasan, he not only took on the role of an assistant director in the film Bharathiraaja film but also played a small role in it. He went on to become a part of over 200 movies, either in iconic comedy roles or as a director.

Having made his directorial debut with Aagaya Gangai in 1982, starring Karthick and Suhasini, Manobala’s famous works include Oorkavalan (1987) with Rajinikanth, Pillai Nilla (1985) with Mohan, and En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan (1989) with Vijayakanth.

On the comedy front, he played memorable roles in films such as Ghajini, Abhiyum Naanum and Thupakki.

Many people from the film industry and fans took to Twitter and offered their condolences. “