Tamil actor Poo Ramu dies at 60; Mammootty, Vijay Sethupathi pay their respects

Renowned Tamil actor Poo Ramu, who played supporting roles in films such as Peranbu (2019), Soorarai Pottru (2020) and Karnan (2021), died of cardiac arrest on Monday. He had been admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. 

Known for his character roles, mostly as father or grandfathers, Ramu became a household name after appearing in the 2008 Tamil film Poo.

He was recently seen in the Suriya-starrer Soorarai Pottru in which he played his father. Some of his other popular films include Kaadhale Ennai Kaadhali (2013) and Nedunalvaadai (2019). 

Mammootty took to Twitter to share a photo with Poo Ramu and wrote, "Saddened to hear the demise of one of the finest artists in Tamil cinema  Poo Ramu. Heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones & Thank you for being a part of  Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (sic)."

Saddened to hear the demise of one of the finest artists in Tamil cinema #PooRamu . Heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones & Thank you for being a part of #NanpakalNerathuMayakkam pic.twitter.com/HSGPFTv43c

— Mammootty (@mammukka) June 28, 2022

Sharing the news of his demise, Vijay Sethupathi posted: “RIP Poo Ramu (sic).” 

#RIPPooRamu pic.twitter.com/ht2v6qYdeZ

— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) June 27, 2022

Actor Udhayanidhi Stalin visited Ramu at the hospital and paid his respects. Later, he tweeted in Tamil, “I paid my respects to my brother's body at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital and expressed condolences to his late brother 'Poo Ramu', who was acclaimed for his excellent acting and character selection in important films (sic).”

Ramu featured in director Arun Matheswaran's debut film Rocky (2021). The filmmaker took to Twitter to share his condolences, writing, “Saddened! Condolences to the family. A terrific performer, a good human.. you will be missed sir. He played Rolex Mahalingam in Rocky (sic).”