May 4, 2023
By: Rahul VermaManobala, a well-known comedian, actor, director and producer in the South Indian film industry, passed away at 69 in Chennai yesterday. According to sources, he had been undergoing treatment for liver issues. He was highly regarded for his contributions to Tamil cinema.
Credit: BCCL
Manobala's real name was Balachander, but he changed it to Manobala for his acting career. He debuted as an actor in the Tamil movie "Panathottam" in 1978.
Credit: BCCL
In addition to acting, Manobala was also a trained classical dancer.
Credit: BCCL
He directed his first film, ‘Agaya Gangai,’ in 1982 and went on to direct several other movies in Tamil.
Credit: BCCL
Manobala was a prolific actor, appearing in more than 500 films in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.
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He was known for his impeccable comic timing and won several awards for his performances as a comedian.
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Manobala was a close friend of superstar Rajinikanth, and the two had acted together in several movies.
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Manobala was a philanthropist who actively supported various charitable initiatives throughout his career.
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He was a humble, down-to-earth person loved and respected by his colleagues and fans. Condolences poured in from all over, including from Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, who both mourned the loss of a dear friend. Haasan said, “His primary identity was that of an enthusiast of cinema.”
Credit: BCCL