Tamil actor-comedian Robo Shankar passes away at 46

Popular Tamil actor and comedian Robo Shankar passed away on Thursday, September 18, in Chennai. He was 46.

Shankar was admitted to a private hospital in the city a few days ago after he reportedly fainted on the sets of a film he was working on. Some reports say that the actor was diagnosed with renal failure post-admission.

On Wednesday, the actor was shifted to the intensive care unit after his condition worsened. However, he breathed his last this evening at around 8:30 PM.

Shankar, who hailed from Madurai, earned his moniker ‘Robo’ for his robot-style dance moves. After appearing in many small roles in the 2000s, the actor found his break in Star Vijay’s popular reality stand-up comedy show, Kalakka Povathu Yaaru.

Thanks to his comedic timing and unique body language, Shankar was then cast in many popular Tamil films such as Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara and Vaayai Moodi Pesavum. His performance in the latter, especially, catapulted him to fame.

FILE: Comedian Robo Shankar performing at the ‘Diamond Season Awards 2008’ function held in Chennai on January 17, 2008.
| Photo Credit:
KUMAR SS

Over the years, Shankar has starred in many films such as Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran, Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru, Singam 3, Viswasam, and Cobra; however, he will be most remembered for his spectacular turn in Dhanush’s Maari.

A few years ago, Shankar distanced himself from the limelight as he was receiving prolonged treatment for jaundice. Many Tamil cinema fans had then expressed their concerns due to his drastic weight loss. In 2023, the actor was embroiled in a controversy for housing two Alexandrine parakeets, a special that are protected under Schedule (IV) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

But actor bounced back soon, appearing in many television shows and films such as Are You Ok Baby?, Singapore Saloon and Jolly O Gymkhana. He was last seen this year in the comedy drama Sotta Sotta Nanaiyuthu.

Robo Shankar is survived by his wife, actor Priyanka Shankar, and his daughter, actor and influencer Indraja Shankar.

The news about Shankar’s death has come as a shock. Since the news broke out, many fans and industry colleagues of the actor have been expressing their condolences. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan paid his tribute with a heartfelt note on his X handle.