Actor-director Marimuthu no more

CHENNAI: Well-known Tamil actor-director, G Marimuthu, died here on Friday following cardiac arrest, the South Indian Artists Association said.

Condolences poured in for the 57-year-old actor.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, his son Udhayanidhi and superstar Rajinikanth among others mourned Marimuthu’s death.

“Director and actor G Marimuthu passed away this morning due to cardiac arrest in a private hospital,” Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artists Association) said in a social media post.

He reportedly fell uneasy while dubbing for Tamil TV serial Ethirneechal and was rushed to a hospital.

Marimuthu has directed two films -- ‘Kannum Kannum’ and ‘Pulivaal,’ starring well-known actor Prasanna in both movies.

In a statement, Chief Minister Stalin expressed grief over the actor’s death and recalled he had appeared in over 50 movies and was appreciated for his natural acting. Having played various roles, he is known for playing Adhi Gunasekharan in TV soap, Ethir Neechal.

“In many interviews and events, his opinions against superstitions had created public awareness,” the CM said. “Marimuthu’s demise was a “big loss” to the cinema industry,” he added.

Sun Pictures, actors Radhikaa Sarathkumar, M Sasikumar and Arun Vijay among others condoled his death.

Industry sources told DT Next that Marimuthu was under financial pressure which led to his cardiac arrest.

“He is building a house in the outskirts of the city and was in need of funds to complete it. Apart from this, he was shooting for several projects without a break. These could have been the reason behind the sudden demise.”