Tamil cinema's popular actor and director Manobala passed away at the age of 69 in Chennai city in southern India on Wednesday (May 3).
He was suffering from liver-related ailments, according to local media reports.
The south Indian film fraternity expressed shock over his death.
"Heartbreaking to hear that Manobala is no longer with us," actor Gautham Karthik said.
Super star Rajinikanth in a social media post said he was saddened by the actor's passing away.
Rajinikanth wrote on Twitter in Tamil: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend Manobala, a famous director and actor. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace."
Well-known for his comedy roles, Manobala has acted in hundreds of films during his 35-year career.
Manobala is survived by his wife Usha and son Harish. – Bernama