Tamil actor and comedian Robo Shankar, who won the hearts of audiences with his humour and lively screen presence, passed away in Chennai on Thursday evening. He was 46.
Shankar, who worked in both films and television, breathed his last at GEM Hospital, Chennai, after battling a serious illness. Doctors revealed that he was admitted on September 16 with a severe gastrointestinal bleed and multiple organ failure caused by a complex abdominal condition.
Despite being under intensive care, his health worsened quickly. He was declared dead on September 18 at 9:05 PM.
The sudden news of his death has left fans, colleagues, and the Tamil film industry in deep shock.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan penned a heartfelt note for Robo Shankar, reflecting the deep bond they shared. “Robo Shankar 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.”
ரோபோ சங்கர்
ரோபோ புனைப்பெயர் தான்
என் அகராதியில் நீ மனிதன்
ஆதலால் என் தம்பி
போதலால் மட்டும் எனை விட்டு
நீங்கி விடுவாயா நீ?
உன் வேலை நீ போனாய்
என் வேலை தங்கிவிட்டேன்.
நாளையை எமக்கென நீ விட்டுச்
சென்றதால்
நாளை நமதே.— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 18, 2025
Actress Radikaa Sarathkumar also shared her grief on social media, recalling Shankar’s warmth and dedication. “Always keeps everyone happy with his humour and works very hard to keep giving his best. Such a great great loss. My prayers to the family and friends to be strong. RIP,” she wrote.
Always keeps everyone happy with his humour and works very hard to keep giving his best. Such a great great loss. My prayers to the family and friends to be strongRIP #roboshankar pic.x.com/t5i5oVBxnZ
— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) September 18, 2025
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also expressed his sorrow. In a statement, he said, “I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of actor Thiru Robo Shankar. Starting from stage performances, he expanded his journey into television and cinema, entertaining the people of Tamil Nadu. I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his bereaved family members and the film fraternity mourning his loss.”
Also Read: Anurag Sharma pays tribute as ‘Pavitra Rishta’ co-actor Priya Marathe dies at 38
Robo Shankar received love for his unique style of comedy, often blending mimicry with energetic performances. Starting out on stage, he gradually became a familiar face on television, with shows like ‘Kings of Comedy Juniors’, ‘Kanni Theevu’, ‘Sembaruthi’, and ‘Top Cooku Dupe Cooku Season 2’.
In cinema, his breakthrough role came with Dhanush’s ‘Maari’, where his comic timing and screen presence stood out. He went on to share screen space with stars like Thalapathy Vijay and Dhanush in several popular films.