In news that has plunged the Tamil film industry into grief, well-known actor and comedian Robo Shankar, who was undergoing treatment at a private hospital, passed away. He was just 46 years old.
Robo Shankar is survived by his wife, Priyanka, and his daughter, Indraja, who starred alongside actor Vijay in the blockbuster film ‘Bigil’.
Best known for his stellar performances in films like Dhanush’s ‘Maari’, Vishal’s ‘Irumbu Thirai’, and Vishnu Vishal’s ‘Vellainu Vandhutta Vellaikaran’, Robo Shankar suddenly fainted on the sets during a shoot on Wednesday. Team members rushed him to a private hospital, where he received treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. Unfortunately, he couldn’t be saved and is believed to have passed away around 8:30 pm on Thursday evening.
Sources indicate that his body will be taken from the hospital to his residence, where it will be kept for loved ones to pay their last respects on Friday.
Many actors and directors from the Tamil film industry have expressed shock and sorrow upon learning of his demise.
Actor Kamal Haasan, among the first to react, paid tribute to Robo Shankar through a Tamil poem. In a heartfelt message, he noted that ‘Robo’ is merely a pseudonym and expressed that he regarded Robo Shankar as his younger brother. “Just because you have gone doesn’t mean you have left me,” he wrote, emphasizing that while Robo Shankar had completed his journey, his own was still in progress. He concluded the poem with the sentiment, “As you have left tomorrow for me, tomorrow is ours.”
Director Venkat Prabhu also shared his condolences on X, stating, “#RIProboshankar gone too soon my friend. Deepest condolences to family and friends.”