NEW DELHI – The Tamil film community is in shock after the loss of much-loved comedian and actor Robo Shankar, who died at 46 after a long fight with jaundice, which led to severe liver and kidney failure.
News of his death has left the industry and his vast fan base feeling empty, as Shankar had brought smiles to millions with his high-spirited humour, quick wit, and unmistakable robot dance steps.
Robo Shankar died at around 8:30 p.m. on 18 September at a private hospital on Old Mahabalipuram Road in Chennai. He had only been admitted the previous day to the ICU. According to statements from both his family and hospital staff, Robo Shankar collapsed suddenly on the set of the upcoming film GodsJilla, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and starring Darshan.
Witnesses saw him, in the middle of a playful scene, faint from dehydration and unstable blood pressure. He was quickly taken to a hospital in Perungudi, where doctors found major gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple organ problems linked to his long-term jaundice.
Robo Shankar had been battling liver trouble for almost two years. After intense treatment in 2023, he lost a lot of weight, and those who saw him out in public grew worried about his condition. Even so, he made a comeback, returning to work, and even joined the popular Sun TV show Top Cooku Dupe Cooku 2 earlier this year.
Robo Shankar Left a Lasting Impression
He was eliminated from the competition, but made a lasting impression alongside his wife, actress Priyanka Shankar. Sadly, his health declined rapidly again in recent weeks. A hospital spokesperson confirmed that, despite all medical efforts, his health worsened due to complications from untreated jaundice, which led to kidney failure.
He leaves behind his wife Priyanka, known for roles in serials like Thanam and her debut in Kanni Maadam (2020), and their daughter Indraja Shankar, an emerging actor who first appeared in Vijay’s Bigil (2019) and later on Zee Tamil’s Survivor.
Grief swept through the film industry and online platforms, where fans and colleagues posted heartfelt tributes. Indraja, his daughter, has taken a leading role in the family’s mourning.
She recently shared an emotional post on Instagram for her father’s birthday, including old family photos and a group shot from her son’s naming ceremony. “Appa, you were our everything. The world feels empty without your laugh,” she wrote, touching thousands.
The post reminded many of Robo Shankar’s loving nature as both grandfather and father. Priyanka, via a family friend, expressed, “He fought till the end, but now he’s at peace. We ask for privacy as we grieve.”
Tributes to Robo Shankar
Many in the industry, including those who worked closely with Robo Shankar, spoke of his kindness and good humour on and off set. Kamal Haasan, whom Shankar admired, wrote a moving tribute on X, calling Shankar not just a colleague, but like a younger brother, and said the absence Shankar leaves is impossible to fill.
Haasan also highlighted Robo Shankar’s uplifting nature and inspiration. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin offered condolences on behalf of the state, called Shankar “a pillar of joy in Tamil entertainment,” and confirmed that his funeral would receive state honours.
Other stars joined the tributes. Actor Karthi, who acted with Shankar in Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru, shared his sadness and noted the impact of poor health decisions, calling Shankar a rare talent taken too soon.
Simran Bagga, known for working with Ajith Kumar, recalled the joy Shankar spread and wished strength for his family. Music director Santhosh Narayanan, who had known Shankar since college, called him an inspiration and deeply regretted his passing.
Lyricist Vivek, a personal friend, said the loss was “shattering” and offered condolences to Shankar’s family, especially his daughter Indraja.
Fans, too, voiced their grief, sharing clips of Shankar’s popular scenes and mimicry performances. Many mentioned favourite moments from his early TV appearances, and one post read: “Gone too soon… RIP Robo Shankar Anna.
Your laughter will echo forever, but your silence hurts deeply.” The hashtag #RIPRoboShankar soon topped trends across Tamil Nadu, as montages of his robot dance moves circulated widely online.
Natural Talent and Resolve
Born Shankar on 24 December 1978 in Madurai, his rise from local performer to cinema star showed his natural talent and resolve. He first got the nickname “Robo” for his crowd-pleasing robot-style moves at small shows.
He started as a mimicry artist in the early 2000s, but his big break arrived on Star Vijay’s stand-up comedy show Kalakka Povathu Yaaru? between 2010 and 2012.
His quick expressions and sharp comic sense won over both judges and fans, opening doors to shows like Adhu Idhu Yedhu, Kings of Comedy Juniors, Office, and Sembaruthi, where he often played unforgettable supporting roles.
Film roles soon followed. Robo Shankar first appeared uncredited in Rajinikanth’s Padayappa (1997), but got his first major role in Gokul’s Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013) as the clumsy Kumar.
Critics liked his physical comedy and one-liners, helping him secure more roles. In Balaji Mohan’s Maari (2015) with Dhanush, he played the sidekick Sanikizhamai Jikkar, a part that made audiences repeat his lines. He played similar roles in Maari 2 (2018) and kept growing his recognition.
Down-to-Earth Nature and Kindness
Robo Shankar’s film career included working with top stars. He appeared in Vijay’s Bigil and Viswasam (both 2019), Ajith’s Vivegam (2017), and Suriya’s Singam 3 (2017). In comedies like Vaayai Moodi Pesavum (2014), Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran (2016), Khiladi (2022), and Singapore Saloon (2023), he balanced slapstick with more subtle comedy.
Off-screen, Shankar also worked as a dubbing artist, giving his strong voice to Pumbaa in the Tamil version of The Lion King (2019), and sang in Kanni Maadam (2020). His last role was in the 2025 film Sotta Sotta Nenayuthu, where his comic timing won praise.
He was in the news in 2023 for keeping Alexandrine parakeets protected at home, but resolved the issue by handing them over to authorities. Throughout, he was respected for his down-to-earth nature and kindness.
Shankar’s funeral takes place today at his home in Valasaravakkam, Chennai, with many from the film industry and his fans expected to attend. As Tamil cinema says goodbye, there is one clear feeling: Robo Shankar did not just act in comedies; he made comedy his life.
From stage performances to blockbuster films, he proved how laughter can ease life’s troubles, even if his own was far too short. His family has asked for privacy, but Shankar’s unique robot dance and cheerful laughter will live on for many years to come.
