Popular Tamil actor Robo Shankar (46) passed away on the evening of September 18, shocking the Tamil film industry. He had recently recovered from jaundice and fell ill during a shoot on September 17. Despite being immediately admitted to a private hospital in Vadapalani and receiving intensive treatment, he died of liver failure. His sudden death has left not only his family and fans, but the entire film industry in mourning.
Robot dances on stage to a silver screen comedy
Robo Shankar from Madurai was nicknamed “Robo” Shankar because he danced as a robot in stage shows. Robo Shankar had his focus on bodybuilding and he won Mister Madurai title before his stage shows. He gained immense popularity with his unique body language and comedy skills on a television show. After that, he became famous on the small screen by working as a host and actor in many shows. Later, he earned an indelible place in the hearts of fans through his comedic roles with leading actors on the silver screen.
His breakthrough came with ‘Idharkuthaane Aasaipattai Balakumara’
Although his first film opportunity was a small role in Rajinikanth’s ‘Padayappa,’ it was the 2013 film ‘Idharkuthaane Aasaipattai Balakumara’ that brought him real attention. After that, he established himself in comedy roles in many films, including Suriya’s ‘Singam 3,’ Ajith’s ‘Viswasam’, Vijay’s ‘Puli’, Dhanush’s ‘Maari’, and Sivakarthikeyan’s ‘Velaikkaran’. Having acted in over 200 films, he built a fan base for himself through television shows and performances on foreign stages.
Alcohol addiction took a toll on Robo Shankar’s health
Alcoholism caused many difficulties in Robo Shankar’s life. He once openly said, “I have tasted all types of alcohol from 60 rupees to 60 thousand.” As a result, he suffered liver damage. He then said that he had stopped drinking alcohol completely after that, but continued to suffer from health problems. Robo Shankar lost massive kilos a year back, and his transformation stunned fans. But he stayed away from alcohol to return to a recovery path.
A lifelong Kamal Haasan devotee
Robo Shankar, an ardent fan of Kamal Haasan, has often expressed his affection and respect for him in interviews. He had proudly said, “After me, there is no one who is Kamal Haasan’s biggest fan.” The posters he put up on every birthday of Kamal, and the fact that he saw the first screening on the first day in the theater, are proof of his fandom.
Robo Shankar’s personal life and last moments
Robo Shankar was married to Priyanka, who is also a television star, and has a daughter Indraja, who is popular for her role in Vijay’s ‘Bigil’. Indraja married to her neice Karthick, and the couple blessed with a baby boy a few months back. Robo Shankar fainted at a film set on September 16 and was rushed to a hospital in Chennai. Unfortunately, he failed to regain wealth and took his last breath on the evening of September 18. Although he is gone, his artistic life, rooted in laughter, will forever remain in the hearts of his fans.
