Tamil actor Robo Shankar dies at 46 after collapsing on set; Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi share tribute

Shankar earned the moniker ‘Robo’ for his signature robot-style dance moves. He started his career on television and then transitioned to films. The actor-comedian starred in movies like Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran, Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru, Singam 3, Viswasam, Cobra, Maari, Are You Ok Baby?, Singapore Saloon and Jolly O Gymkhana, among others. He was last seen in Sotta Sotta Nanaiyuthu, which hit screens earlier this year.

Celebrities from the Tamil film industry took to social media to mourn the demise of Robo Shankar.

Actor Kamal Haasan paid tribute to the actor in a heartfelt poem and wrote, “Robo Shankar. Robo is just a pseudonym. In my dictionary, you are a human. You’re my younger brother. Will you just leave me and go? Your job is done, you left. My job remains unfinished. You left tomorrow for us. Therefore, tomorrow is ours,” read a loose translation of the poem.

ரோபோ சங்கர்
ரோபோ புனைப்பெயர் தான்
என் அகராதியில் நீ மனிதன்
ஆதலால் என் தம்பி
போதலால் மட்டும் எனை விட்டு
நீங்கி விடுவாயா நீ?
உன் வேலை நீ போனாய்
என் வேலை தங்கிவிட்டேன்.
நாளையை எமக்கென நீ விட்டுச்
சென்றதால்
நாளை நமதே.

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 18, 2025

Actors Vijay Sethupathi, Varalakshmi and Radhika Sarathkumar, and director Venkat Prabhu were among those who expressed his condolences. Prabhu wrote, “#RIProboshankar gone too soon my friend. Deepest condolences to family and friends.”

. #RIProboshankar gone too soon my friend. Deepest condolences to family and friends🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/L01FxLHAQp

— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) September 18, 2025

“I spoke to him on Sunday and now he’s now more.. just too sudden .. I just can’t believe it.. Prayers to the family… He made so many people laugh… May he rest in peace,” Varalakshmi wrote

Actress Simran too expressed grief at the actor’s demise. She wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Robo Shankar. A talent that brought smiles to millions. You will be missed. Prayers and strength to his family during this difficult time. Om Shanthi”

“It is extremely painful to lose a person who always shared laughter,” actor Silambarasan wrote on X.

நடிகர் ரோபோ சங்கர் அவர்கள் மறைந்த செய்தி கேட்டு மிகுந்த வருத்தமடைந்தேன். எப்போதும் சிரிப்பை பரிமாறிய ஒரு மனிதரை இப்படி இழந்துவிடுவது மிகுந்த வேதனை. அவர் மறைவு திரையுலகத்திற்கும், ரசிகர்களின் இதயங்களுக்கும் பெரும் இழப்பு. என்றும் நம்முள் வாழும் அவரின் சிரிப்புகள் நினைவாகவே… pic.twitter.com/TSL7bKlaZF

— Silambarasan TR (@SilambarasanTR_) September 18, 2025

Robo Shankar is survived by his wife Priyanka Shankar and daughter Indraja Shankar.

The last rites of the actor will take place on Friday.