The sudden demise of Kollywood actor and comedian Shankar—better known as 'Robo Shankar' because of his famous robotic dances at stage shows—has shaken the industry and fans alike.
The 46-year-old, who had suddenly turned ill during a film shoot in Chennai, was rushed to a private hospital in Perungudi on Tuesday. Despite doctors' best efforts, he could not be saved, and was declared dead on Friday.
Despite focusing a lot on bodybuilding when he was younger—and even winning the title of 'Mr Madurai' prior to doing stage shows—the actor once said in an interview with Galata that he faced severe health issues due to a raging alcohol addiction that forced him away from the spotlight for a while.
He also said in a Times of India interview that it was veteran journalist Nakkeeran Gopal and actor Dhanush who helped him out of the addiction and brought the beloved star back to the industry.
As a result, actor Karthi's condolence post on X, which referenced this fact, now faces backlash from the public, who call it insensitive and in poor taste.
He was also hospitalised a few months ago due to jaundice, which took a toll on his health and interrupted his career in films and TV.
The 'Maari' and 'Viswasam' actor still bounced back with a strict diet.
However, fate had other plans. A statement from the private hospital in Perungudi, where he had been admitted on Tuesday, said that he had gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple organ failure.
Though he had fainted on the film set due to dehydration and blood pressure issues, the doctors also said that his stomach was damaged.
The late actor was last seen in Sun TV's cooking-based reality show, 'Top Cooku Dupe Cooku', and the film 'Ambi' (2025). His funeral is expected to take place on Friday evening.