Actor-filmmaker Manobala passed away at his residence in Saligramam, Chennai, on Wednesday. He was suffering from liver-related ailments and was undergoing treatment in a private hospital.
Superstar Rajinikanth expressed his condolences on Twitter and wrote, ‘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.’
Many other stars of Tamil cinema also expressed their condolences on the micro-blogging site.
Manobala is survived by his wife Usha and son Harish.
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). Besides acting in hundreds of films in supporting roles, Manobala has helmed several films in the 80s and 90s. He directed movies of Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth, Sivaji Ganesan, and Prabhu. He has also produced movies like ‘Sathuranga Vettai’, ‘Pambu Sattai’, and ‘Sathuranga Vettai 2’.
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