Robo Shankar passes away at 46: Kamal Haasan, MK Stalin, Varalakshmi Sarathkumar and others mourn Tamil actor-comedian's demise

Tamil actor-comedian Robo Shankar, known for his comic timing in films alongside stars like Dhanush and Thalapathy Vijay, has passed away at 46. The actor breathed his last at GEM Hospital in Chennai on Thursday night.The hospital confirmed in a statement that Robo Shankar was admitted on September 16, 2025, in critical condition due to “a massive gastrointestinal bleed and multiorgan dysfunction secondary to a complex abdominal condition.” Despite intensive treatment in the critical care unit, his condition worsened, and he passed away on September 18 at 9:05 pm.

Film fraternity mourns

As the news broke, tributes poured in from across the film industry. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan shared a deeply personal message on Twitter, writing: “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.”Radikaa Sarathkumar remembered him for his relentless hard work and humour: “Always kept everyone happy with his humour and worked very hard to keep giving his best. Such a great great loss. My prayers to the family and friends to be strong.

RIP.”Chief Minister MK Stalin also condoled his passing: “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.”Varalakshmi Sarathkumar expressed shock, sharing a screenshot of her call records with him: “I spoke to him on Sunday and now he’s no more...

just too sudden. I just can’t believe it.”Simran remembered him as “a talent that brought smiles to millions,” while Silambarasan (Simbu) said in his tribute, “It is extremely painful to lose a person who always shared laughter. His smiles that continue to live in us will forever remain etched as memories.”

Career and legacy

Robo Shankar rose to fame with his standout comic performances in films like Maari (with Dhanush), Irumbu Thirai (with Vishal), and Vellainu Vandhutta Vellaikaran (with Vishnu Vishal).

He was equally popular on television, with shows like Kings of Comedy Juniors, Kanni Theevu, Sembaruthi, and Top Cooku Dupe Cooku Season 2.The actor reportedly collapsed on a film set on Wednesday and was rushed to a private hospital, but could not be revived despite treatment.Robo Shankar is survived by his wife Priyanka and daughter Indraja, who appeared with Vijay in Bigil. His untimely death has left the Tamil film industry in deep shock and grief.