Tamil Actor Robo Shankar passes away at 46: Comedy Icon dies after collapsing on film set

Hospital Confirms Death Due to Multiple Organ Failure

Robo Shankar died at 9:05 PM at GEM Hospital in Chennai after battling severe health complications. According to the hospital's official bulletin, the actor was admitted on September 16 in critical condition with "a massive gastrointestinal bleed and multiorgan dysfunction secondary to a complex abdominal condition". Despite intensive medical management in the critical care unit, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to multiple organ failure.

The actor had collapsed on a film set on September 16 during the shooting of his upcoming project and was immediately rushed to the hospital. Medical reports revealed that his liver and kidneys were severely damaged, complications linked to his previous battle with jaundice.

Tamil Cinema Loses Beloved Comedy Icon

Born Shankar on December 24, 1978, in Madurai, the actor earned his famous moniker 'Robo' due to his signature robot-style dance moves during stage performances. He initially gained recognition as a mimicry artist and stand-up comedian before transitioning to television through Star Vijay's popular reality show "Kalakka Povathu Yaaru".

Robo Shankar's film career took off with notable performances in "Idharkuthaane Aasaipattai Balakumara" and "Vaayai Moodi Pesavum". However, his breakthrough role came in Dhanush's 2015 film "Maari," where his character "Sanikalamai" became hugely popular among audiences. He went on to appear in major productions including "Viswasam" with Ajith Kumar, "Puli" and "Bigil" with Vijay, "Singam 3" with Suriya, and "Cobra".

Industry Icons Pay Emotional Tributes

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan was among the first to pay tribute, writing an emotional message in Tamil: "Robo Shankar, Robo is just a pseudonym. In my dictionary, you are a human. Therefore, my younger brother. So, will you just leave me and go? You left, your job is done. My job remains unfinished. You leave tomorrow for us. Therefore, tomorrow is ours".

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his condolences, stating: "Starting from stage performances, he expanded his journey into television and cinema, entertaining the people of Tamil Nadu. I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his bereaved family members and the film fraternity mourning his loss".

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the actor's residence to pay his last respects, describing him as "truly remarkable" for his journey from stage performances to achieving success on both television and cinema. Leading actors including Dhanush, Vijay Sethupathi, Karthi, and Sivakarthikeyan also paid their tributes and visited his family.

Personal Life and Final Projects

Robo Shankar is survived by his wife Priyanka, who is also a television actress, and daughter Indraja, who followed in her father's footsteps and appeared in Vijay's blockbuster "Bigil". The family recently welcomed a grandson when Indraja married actor Karthick.

His last film appearance was in "Sotta Sotta Nanaiyuthu," and he had recently participated in Sun Television's cooking reality show "Top Cooku Dupe Cooku," from which he was eliminated shortly before his death. The actor had previously battled jaundice for an extended period, which resulted in significant weight loss and raised concerns among fans about his health.

The funeral services are scheduled for Friday, September 19, at his residence in Valasaravakkam, Chennai, where his body is being kept for fans, colleagues, and well-wishers to pay their final respects. Robo Shankar's untimely demise marks the end of a remarkable career that brought laughter and joy to millions of Tamil cinema and television audiences across the state.