Popular Tamil Actor-Comedian Robo Shankar Passes Away At 46

Popular Tamil actor and comedian Robo Shankar passed away in Chennai on Thursday (September 18, 2025), at the age of 46.

Known for his collaborations with several leading Tamil actors such as Dhanush, Sivakarthikeyan, Vijay and Ajith, Shankar had been one of Tamil cinema's most recognisable supporting actors over the last 15 years.

He was admitted at GEM Hospital in Chennai on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) after he fainted on the sets of a film project.

“He was admitted in a critical condition with a massive gastrointestinal bleed and multiorgan dysfunction secondary to a complex abdominal condition. He was managed in the critical care unit with intensive medical management. Despite the best efforts of our multidisciplinary team, his condition deteriorated rapidly,” said Dr. S. Asokan, CEO of GEM Hospital, Perungudi, according to a report in The Hindu.

Unfortunately, his condition worsened over the next two days and he passed away at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday (September 18, 2025).

Many stars from the film industry posted their condolences regarding Shankar's death. Actor Karthi wrote, "It aches to see how destructive choices over time can erode health. A great talent gone too soon. My deepest condolences to his family and fans."

Meanwhile, actor-politician Kamal Haasan posted in an emotional note, "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 Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, on X, expressed his sadness at the death also. "We paid our respects by placing a garland on his body kept at his residence. Starting his journey as a stage performer, achieving success on the small screen, and entertaining Tamil audiences with his realistic humour in films, brother Robo Shankar was truly remarkable," his post on X in Tamil read.

Several other celebrities and actors visited the late actor's residence to pay their respects to him.

The native of Madurai earned the nickname of 'Robo' initially for his robot-style dance steps, after which he broke out with television shows and roles in feature films.

Some of his most popular roles in Tamil films were in Maari, Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran and Vaayai Moodi Pesavum. He was also regularly seen on television in reality shows and sketches, where he endeared himself to the audiences at home.

A few years ago, news also emerged that he was receiving treatment for jaundice, after fans noticed his dramatic weight loss through a few pictures. However, after a brief hiatus, Shankar made a comeback to films and it seemed like he was healthy again.

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