Actor-filmmaker Manobala died at the age of 69 on Wednesday after suffering from liver-related issues. Condoling his death, actor Suhasini Maniratnam who has worked with Manobala, expressed her grief.

Suhasini has worked with Manobala in the latter’s directorials, Agaya Gangai, Dhoorathu Pachai, En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan. Speaking to CE, Suhasini said, “I can’t believe he is dead. As a director, I have known him for a long time. In fact, it was Kamal (Haasan) who had made Manobala join Bharathiraja as assistant director.”

Going beyond the professional sphere, Suhasini had also shared a personal bond and friendship with Manobala. “We have been very close as families as well. None of our family functions will happen without his presence. He visits us at least once a month and I have worked with him in four films that he directed. His loss is unbearable. Beyond all this, he was part and parcel of Madras Talkies and would walk into office many times. Mani (Ratnam) was also fond of him. Our Deepavali lunch, birthdays, never happens with his absence and we had a close bond with him,’ she added.

Manobala, who was last seen in Ghosty and Kondraal Paavam is survived by his wife and son. His last rites is expected to take place at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday.