Manobala, born Balachander, was a renowned Tamil actor, director, comedian, and YouTuber. He was a well-known face in the South Indian cinema industry, having worked in over 450 movies in a career spanning nearly four decades. Manobala’s life and legacy have left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. In this article, we will delve into his life, career, and the contributions he made to the industry.
Contents
Family Background
Despite his popularity and successful career in the film industry, he kept his personal life private, and there is no information available about his siblings either. It seems that he preferred to keep his focus on his professional life and not to disclose much about his personal life.
Many people have wondered about his religion. According to various sources, Manobala practiced Hinduism.
Early Life

Manobala was born on December 8, 1953, in Marungur, Thirumarugal, Nagapattinam, Madras State, India. He began his career in Tamil cinema in the early 1970s as a supporting actor. With Kamal Haasan’s reference, he became an assistant director with Bharathiraja for his 1979 film Puthiya Vaarpugal. He then went on to work as a director for several films, including the critically acclaimed Tamil movie, ‘Oorkavalan.’ Despite his success as a director, he was better known for his comic roles on screen.
Quick Trivia
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Balachander |
| Stage Name | Manobala |
| Occupation | Actor, director, producer, comedian, YouTuber |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1953 |
| Place of Birth | Marungoor, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Date of Death | May 3, 2023 |
| Age | 69 years old at the time of death |
| Spouse | Usha Mahadevan |
| Son | Harish Manobala |
| Career | Started in Tamil cinema in the early 1970s with Kamal Haasan’s reference |
| Number of Films | Appeared in nearly 700 films, and directed 40 films, 19 television serials, and 9 telefilms, including Agaya Gangai (1982), Naan Ungal Rasigan (1985), Pillai Nila (1985), and Paaru Paaru Pattanam Paaru (1986) |
| Notable Works | Sathuranga Vettai (2014), Thuppakki (2012), Vetri Padigal (1991) |
| Net Worth | 5-6 Crore |
| Click here | |
| Homepage | Click here |
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Manobala’s Age and Birthday
Manobala was 69 years old at the time of his death. His birthday was on December 8, and he was set to turn 70 in 2023.
Career Success

He was one of the most popular comedians in the South Indian cinema industry. He predominantly played supporting roles in Tamil-language films and worked with top actors like Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Dhanush.
Some of his most memorable performances were in the movies ‘En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan,’ ‘Dhoorathu Pachai,’ and ‘Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu.’ He was also a prolific producer, having produced movies like ‘Chinna Kannamma’ and ‘Kannethirey Thondrinal.’
| Career | Description |
|---|---|
| Actor | Hewas a well-known actor in the Tamil film industry and predominantly played supporting roles. He started his career in the early 1970s and appeared in over 450 movies over nearly four decades. |
| Director | He was a film director who directed several Tamil films. He also worked as an assistant director earlier in his career. |
| Producer | He was a film producer who produced several Tamil films. |
Acting Career
Manobala Early Roles and Successes

He started his acting career with the Tamil film Puthiya Vaarpugal in 1979. Over the years, he acted in more than 330 films, playing various roles ranging from lead roles to character roles and comedy roles. He was well known for his comic timing and impeccable sense of humor that made audiences laugh out loud. Manobala has worked with many notable directors and actors in the Tamil film industry, including Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Ajith Kumar.
Notable Performances
He has delivered many notable performances throughout his career. Some of his most memorable roles include:
- Rajan in Vaidehi Kathirunthal (1984)
- Pattaiya Kilappu in Nadodi Thendral (1992)
- Thirumalai in En Rasavin Manasile (1991)
- Soori in Chinna Thambi (1991)
- Mayilsamy in Nesam Pudhusu (1997)
Directorial Career
Manobala wiki Assistant Director Work
He started his directorial career as an assistant director in the Tamil film industry. He worked as an assistant director for many notable films, including:
- Bharathiraja’s Puthiya Vaarpugal (1979)
- K. Balachander’s Varumayin Niram Sivappu (1980)
- Mani Ratnam’s Pagal Nilavu (1985)

Directorial Works
He directed eight films throughout his career, including:
- Jithan 2 (2016)
- Vellaiya Irukiravan Poi Solla Maatan (2015)
- Sathuranga Vettai (2014)
- Manasara (2010)
- Evaru (2006)
- Pesadha Kannum Pesume (2002)
Production Career
Manobala was also involved in film production. He produced the following films:
- Kaala Koothu (2018)
- Thiruttu Payale 2 (2017)
- Sathuranga Vettai (2014)
- Siva Manasula Sakthi (2009)
- Jayamkondaan (2008)
Contribution to the Film Industry
His contribution to the film industry cannot be overstated. He was not only a talented actor and director but also a mentor to several upcoming actors and directors. He had a keen eye for talent and was instrumental in launching the careers of several young actors and directors.
Some of the actors he mentored include Vadivelu, Vivek, and Sathyaraj, while the directors he mentored include Prabhu Solomon and S. A. Chandrasekhar. He was a much-loved figure in the industry, known for his down-to-earth nature and sense of humor.
Filmography
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Vasantha Maligai |
| 1973 | Pattikada Pattanama |
| 1974 | Thanga Pathakkam |
| 1975 | Apoorva Raagangal |
| 1976 | Manmatha Leelai |
| 1977 | Moondru Mudichu |
| 1978 | Aval Appadithan |
| 1979 | Thirumangalyam |
| 1980 | Raja Paarvai |
| 1981 | Panneer Pushpangal |
| 1982 | Agni Sakshi |
| 1983 | Thillu Mullu |
| 1984 | Nallavanukku Nallavan |
| 1985 | Naan Sigappu Manithan |
| 1986 | Mr. Bharath |
| 1987 | Nayakan |
| 1988 | Puthiya Vaarpugal |
| 1989 | Apoorva Sagodharargal |
| 1990 | Michael Madana Kama Rajan |
| 1991 | Chinna Thambi Periya Thambi |
| 1992 | Singaravelan |
| 1993 | Walter Vetrivel |
| 1994 | Puthiya Mannargal |
| 1995 | Karuppu Roja |
| 1996 | Indian |
| 1997 | Avvai Shanmugi |
| 1998 | Harichandra |
| 1999 | Thulladha Manamum Thullum |
| 2000 | Thenali |
| 2001 | Dumm Dumm Dumm |
| 2002 | Samurai |
| 2003 | Anbe Sivam |
| 2004 | Arul |
| 2005 | Thavamai Thavamirundhu |
| 2006 | Veyil |
| 2007 | Paruthiveeran |
| 2008 | Santosh Subramaniam |
| 2009 | Ayan |
| 2010 | Singam |
| 2011 | Aadukalam |
| 2012 | Kumki |
| 2013 | Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya |
| 2014 | Velaiyilla Pattathari |
| 2015 | Maari |
| 2016 | Theri |
| 2017 | Mersal |
Death
This actor passed away on May 3, 2023, at the age of 69. He had been hospitalized for ten days and was undergoing treatment for a liver-related ailment. His death was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, with several prominent figures in the film industry paying tribute to him on social media.
Tributes to Manobala

The news of his death has shocked the Tamil film industry, and tributes have been pouring in on social media. Rajinikanth, a close friend of his, mourned his loss and tweeted
I am saddened by the demise of my dear friend. He was a talented director, actor, and producer. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Kamal Haasan, another close friend of Manobala, paid tribute to him on Twitter and said
Manobala was a good friend, a talented director, actor, and producer. His contributions to the Tamil film industry will always be remembered.
Many other actors and celebrities also paid their respects to Manobala and remembered him for his exceptional talent and contributions to the Tamil film industry.
Family Life
He was a married man, but he kept his personal life private. His wife’s name is Usha Mahadevan, and the couple did not have many children together. They have one son together, Harish Manobala, who is in charge of perpetuating his father’s legacy.
Usha Mahadevan, His Wife

Usha Mahadevan is the wife of Manobala. Not much is known about her personal life, as he kept his family life private. However, it is known that Usha and her spouse did not have many children together, and Harish is their only child.
Harish Manobala, His Son

Harish Manobala is the son of Manobala and Usha Mahadevan. He is the only child of the couple. Harish is now in charge of perpetuating his father’s legacy, making him an intriguing figure for those interested in the Manobala family.
FAQs
Who was Manobala?
He was an Indian film director, producer, actor, comedian, and YouTuber who predominantly played supporting roles in Tamil-language films.
When did Manobala pass away?
He passed away on May 3, 2023, after battling an illness.
Who is Harish Manobala?
Harish Manobala is the son of Manobala and a successful film producer and director in the Tamil cinema industry.
What kind of roles did Manobala play in Tamil-language films?
He predominantly played supporting roles in Tamil-language films and was known for his comedic roles.
Was there any information available about Manobala’s parents and siblings?
No, there was no information available about his parents and siblings.
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