Following the demise of Manobala, veteran actor Mohan expressed his grief about losing a dear friend.
Speaking to Cinema Express, Mohan said, "I knew him even before working in Pillai Nila (1985). He was one among many aspiring filmmakers who approached me. Manivannan, Rangarajan and Manobala were Barathiraja's assistants. After I worked with the first two directors in their independent films, Mano asked if he can direct my next film. When Pillai Nila's writer and producer Kalaimani sir reached out to me, I told him I will give my call sheets if Manobala helms it. That's how Pillai Nila happened."
Noting that they were "Vada Poda friends", Mohan recalls his final interaction with Manobala was when he was at the hospital.
"He's a great technician and then an actor. It is very painful, and I feel lonely to have lost a dear friend. Since I know him for over three decades, I have a lot of memories, and it's hard to think of any one incident. At this moment, I am having flashes of all the memories I have shared with him," he added.
Actor-filmmaker Manobala, last seen in Ghosty, died on Wednesday due to live-related issues. Having starred in more than 200 films, Manobala also had 24 films to his credit as director. His debut directorial feature was Aagaya Gangai in 1982, which starred Karthick and Suhasini in lead roles. Known for his comic roles, Manobala regularly collaborated with the biggest stars in Tamil cinema. His last rites are expected to take place at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife and son.