Tamil Star Robo Shankar Dies at 46 on Sept 18, 2025

The Tamil film and television world has been rocked by the sudden demise of comedian‑actor Robo Shankar. His passing on 18 September 2025 at the age of 46 has left fans, colleagues, and the entertainment industry in deep mourning. Known for his mimicry, robot‑dances, and infectious comic timing, Shankar’s journey from humble stage beginnings to being one of Kollywood’s beloved faces is both inspiring and bittersweet.

In this article, we trace his life, career, the circumstances around his death, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Early Life, The Making of “Robo”

Shankar was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu — late December 1978.

His earliest fame came from mimicry and stage shows in rural areas, especially performing robotic dance routines that earned him the nickname “Robo” Shankar. The quirky style and energy of those performances caught people’s attention early.

Before his entry into films, he also participated in television shows, anchoring and appearing regularly. One of his popular early platforms was Kalakka Povadhu Yaaru? on Vijay TV, where his comic timing and unique delivery made him stand out.

He also won titles like Mister Madurai, which reflected his physicality and stage presence — beyond just being funny, he had a style that combined body language, expression, and a performer’s charisma.

Struggles, Health Battles & Personal Life

Shankar’s path was not without hardships. In past years, he was open about having battled alcohol addiction. The issue, he revealed in interviews, had damaged his health — especially his liver.

Around 2023, he underwent treatment for jaundice, after which he experienced significant weight loss. Fans noticed the change, and there was concern about his well‑being. But Shankar pushed through, returned to work, and continued appearing in film and television.

His family life: he was married to Priyanka Shankar, who also acted (she made her debut in Kanni Maadam in 2020). They had a daughter, Indraja Shankar, who also acted — for instance in Bigil (2019) as one of the women football players.

Acting Career: From Television to Cinema

Shankar’s growth as a performer spanned stage, television, and cinema. Some key highlights:

Television: Early fame from Kalakka Povadhu Yaaru? and other comedic reality TV / hosting roles. He was beloved for his energy, spontaneous humour, mimicry of well‑known stars, and for making people laugh not just by jokes but by personality.
Film Roles: He took small roles initially (even brief/uncredited parts) but gradually got more visibility. Breakthrough happened with Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013) after which films like Vaayai Moodi Pesavum (2014), Maari (2015), Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran (2016), Viswasam (2019), Irumbu Thirai (2018) among others, cemented his place.
Range & Style: Though primarily known for comedy, he sometimes played more serious or supporting roles; his comic characters had a strong dose of physical comedy, facial expressions, mimicry, and often brought the light reprieve in heavier films.
Recent Work: One of his final films was Sotta Sotta Nanaiyuthu, released just weeks before his death. He was also appearing on television, including in the cooking reality show Top Cooku Dupe Cooku.

Overall, he is credited with being part of over 80 films in various capacities.

The Final Days & Cause of Passing

On‑Set Collapse & Hospitalisation

On 16 September 2025, Robo Shankar collapsed on a film set (reports vary slightly about which set). He was immediately taken to GEM Hospital, Perungudi, Chennai in critical condition.
The hospital bulletin noted that he had massive gastrointestinal bleeding and multi‑organ dysfunction, secondary to a complex abdominal condition.
Despite intensive care, his condition deteriorated. At approximately 9:05 PM on 18 September 2025, he passed away.

Health History & Complications

His past jaundice treatment and the associated weight loss were noted as prior warning signs. Fans had noticed his health had already taken a toll. However, these were not widely known to be life‑threatening until the collapse.
After collapsing, doctors observed critical conditions typical of what happens when internal bleeding and organ failure set in — it becomes extremely difficult, even with full medical intervention, to reverse the damage.

Reactions, Mourning & Tributes

The reaction to his death was swift and emotionally powerful.

Colleagues and senior actors in Tamil cinema expressed shock. Names like Kamal Haasan, MK Stalin (Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu), Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, Simran, Thalapathy Vijay, and many others publicly paid tribute.
Kamal Haasan’s tribute was especially poignant, calling Shankar his younger brother and reflecting on how his comic talent touched many lives.
Fans have shared memories of his energy, his stage persona, and how he could make people laugh even from small roles. Social media has been flooded with unseen videos, performances, dance acts, moments from television and film that now serve as reminders of what he gave.

Legacy: What He Leaves Behind

Though gone too soon, Robo Shankar leaves behind a strong legacy.

Versatility: From mimicry artist to comedian, actor, television presenter — his range was wide. Not everyone can make the transition from stage mimicry to silver screen success.
Relatability: He wasn’t a star who emerged overnight. His struggles — with health, with addiction, with being typecast — and his comeback efforts made him more human to his audience. People saw in him both laughter and struggle.
Comedic Style: His physicality, mimicry, ability to bring small comedy scenes to life, his robot theme dances, and his way of injecting humor that wasn’t just in words but in body, expressions, reactions — these remain memorable.
Family Continuity: Indraja Shankar, his daughter, had already made her mark with Bigil, and Priyanka, his wife, is also part of the industry. Their work and memories are part of his ongoing influence.
Awareness Through Struggle: His openness about health issues and battles with alcoholism resonated with many. It sparked conversations about wellness among actors, pressures of stage/film life, and the need for medical care and rest.

Few Personal Anecdotes & Memorable Moments

On television shows and stage, Robo Shankar was known to mimic legends — impersonating actors like Vijayakanth, Sivaji Ganesan, and many others — often with robot‑style movement or voice.
His energy at public functions, even most recently at Ilaiyaraaja’s 50‑year celebration, surfaced on social media after his passing. In one such video, he was seen touching feet of seniors like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, being joyful and humble — traits fans remember him for.
Despite health challenges, weight loss, and hospitalisations, he kept working — in films, in TV, even reality shows. That resilience made many respect him not just as a comic actor but as a committed artist.

What Happened Afterwards

His body was brought to his residence in Valasaravakkam, Chennai, where fans and well‑wishers came to pay respects.
Funeral rites were scheduled in Chennai, and family, friends, industry colleagues gathered to mourn and remember him.
The Tamil film industry — which often witnesses rapid changes, shifting trends, and many faces — has paused to grieve. Obituaries mention not just his roles, but his personality: kindness, humor, generosity.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Comedian

Robo Shankar was more than the laughs he generated. He embodied the idea that humour can be rooted in real life — in everyday people, in struggle, in humility. He made a space for himself not by being flashy, but by being authentic.

While his death is tragic and feels sudden, the impact of his work, the joy he spread, and the memories he made will endure. Through television screens, film reels, stage performances, and the hearts of fans — he lives on.

For those who never saw him live, his films, clips, performances remain. For those who knew him or worked with him, his stories will be told. For those in his family, his presence will be missed, but his legacy cherished.

If there is a final lesson in his life, perhaps it is this: talent matters, but perseverance matters more. Health matters, but authenticity matters more. Laughter matters, because sometimes, that’s what remains when we say goodbye.