Actor-director Manobala no more

Well-known Tamil actor-director Manobala died here on Wednesday following illness, film industry sources said.Various film personalities, including superstar Rajinikanth condoled his death.Manobala 69 started off his career as a director, making movies with top stars including Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth and Sathyaraj. May his soul rest in peace, film producer Dr Dhananjayan said in a tweet.

Well-known Tamil actor-director Manobala died here on Wednesday following illness, film industry sources said.

Various film personalities, including superstar Rajinikanth condoled his death.

Manobala (69) started off his career as a director, making movies with top stars including Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth and Sathyaraj. He had of late ventured into acting, largely confining himself to comic roles and featured in a number of movies with top actors including Vijay and Dhanush. He has also produced a couple of films. In a tweet, Rajinikanth expressed grief over the death of his ''dear friend'' and extended his sympathies with the family of the deceased.

''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,'' film producer Dr Dhananjayan said in a tweet.