The Tamil film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved comedians, Bonda Mani, who passed away at the age of 60 on Saturday. The news of his demise sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving fans and colleagues in deep sorrow.
Bonda Mani, widely acclaimed for his comedic prowess, particularly in collaborations with the legendary Vadivelu, had been grappling with severe health issues. The comedian allegedly succumbed to complications related to kidney ailments, marking the end of an era in Tamil cinema.
The incident unfolded on Saturday night when Bonda Mani collapsed at his residence in Chennai’s Pozhichalur. Swiftly taken to the government hospital in Chrompet, the doctors, after a thorough examination, declared him deceased. The official confirmation of his passing came from film trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai on Sunday.
In a tweet, Pillai expressed, “Tamil cinema’s popular comedian Bonda Mani (60) passed away due to ill health.” The comedian’s body is currently kept at his residence for homage, and his final rites are scheduled for around 5 pm at a crematorium in Chrompet. Bonda Mani is survived by his wife Malathi, a son, and a daughter.
“Bonda Mani’s health struggles became publicly known around 2022 when he faced diabetes-related complications. In September 2022, he fainted while traveling on a bus and was admitted to Omandurar Rajiv Gandhi Hospital. The medical treatment was challenging for him, given the significant bill amount and a lack of film opportunities during that time”.
Film producer Ishari K. Ganesh reportedly stepped in to offer financial support, advising Bonda Mani to undergo necessary operations and dialysis. Notably, prominent actors, including Vijay Sethupathi, Rajnikanth, Dhanush, and Samuthirakani, extended their support to alleviate the comedian’s medical expenses.
“Despite the collective efforts to aid his recovery, Bonda Mani’s health continued to deteriorate, with reports indicating malfunctioning kidneys. The comedian eventually passed away on December 23, 2023, due to kidney failure, leaving behind a legacy of laughter that will forever be cherished in the hearts of Tamil cinema enthusiasts”.
As the industry bids farewell to this comedy maestro, the outpouring of grief and tributes stands as a testament to the indelible mark Bonda Mani has left on the world of entertainment.
