Actor-filmmaker Manobala passes away at 69

Manobala started his career in the film industry as an assistant director to Bharathiraja with a recommendation from Kamal Haasan. He later made his debut as a director with Agaya Gangai (1982), which had Suhasini and Karthik in the lead roles.

Manobala directed Rajinikanth in the film Oorkavalan (1987), which turned out to be a box-office hit. En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan, starring Vijaykanth, is one of his most successful movies. He had also directed the Hindi film Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai (1990), starring Jeetendra and Rekha. In the 2000s, Manobala turned into a full-time actor and became popular for his unique body language and intonation.

Also read | Manobala dies at 69: Celebrities pay tribute to actor-filmmaker

Manobala has acted in hundreds of films in supporting roles. He is known for his performance in Dhanush’s Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Chandramukhi, and Thamizh Padam. The actor also starred in Telugu and Malayalam films as well. He even produced movies like Sathuranga Vettai (debut of director H Vinoth), Pambu Sattai, and Sathuranga Vettai 2.

Apart from movies, Manobala had featured in serials and reality shows. On his YouTube channel, Manobala’s Waste Paper, he used to actively upload videos featuring interviews of popular film personalities as well as sharing his own experiences in the film industry.

Superstar Rajinikanth took to Twitter to express his condolences. He wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Manobala, a popular director, actor and a dear friend of mine. I extend my deepest 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

Many other actors of Tamil cinema also expressed their shock and condolences on the micro-blogging site:

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

Sad to hear the sudden passing away of the Multi faceted actor #Manobala sir 💔

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May his soul rest in peace, Om Shanti 🙏🏼
Strength to family members & friends.#RIPManobala pic.twitter.com/urnd1hE5iZ

— Manoj Manchu🙏🏻❤️ (@HeroManoj1) May 3, 2023

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

Manobala is survived by his wife Usha and son Harish.