Ace Tamil comedian, philanthropist Mayilsamy passes away

While returning home, the actor — also a noted philanthropist — is believed to have suffered a heart attack and was taken to a private hospital for treatment. However, he passed away early on Sunday morning.

It may be recalled that Mayilsamy, who has already undergone heart surgery, suffered a heart attack in December last year.

The body of the actor has been kept at his residence for the public to pay their homage.

Mayilsamy has two sons —  Anbu Mayilsamy and Yuvan Mayilsamy — both actors.

A connoisseur of the arts

Mayilsamy began his impressive film career as a junior artiste in the K Baghyaraj film Dhavani Kanavugal.

He began to appear in small roles in several films, including the comedy classic Kanni Rasi.

He then grew from strength to strength with his sense of impeccable timing and soon began to establish his identity in the film world.

Late actor Vivek, in one of his speeches, spoke at length about the generous nature of Mayilsamy.

“Mayilsamy is a person who will not keep anything for himself. If he earns something, he distributes it to everybody around him before the day is over, and is a pauper by night,” he recalled.

“Some years ago, my family and I had gone to Aadhithya Hotel on New Year’s Eve. It so happened that Mayilsamy entered the hotel then. He came and sat with us. A person was singing Hindi songs on the stage. Mayilsamy, who does not understand Hindi, was still impressed with the singing. After all, music has no language. So, he went to the singer and showed appreciation for his skill by gifting him ₹100. He came back and sat down, by which time the singer had started singing the next song,” said Vivek.

“Mayilsamy was again back on his feet again to go praise the singer. He again gifted him money. At this point, I told Mayilsamy, ‘It would be better if you gave him a tip while leaving instead of giving him a tip after every song.’ Mayilsamy disagreed. The effort for each song would have to be appreciated individually, he said. This went on for a while and Mayilsamy kept giving him hundreds of rupees,” he continued.

“Finally, when it was closer to the New Year, he got up to leave. He wished us and left only to return two minutes later. He came and whispered in my ear, ‘Sir, Don’t mind. But can you lend me ₹50 to pay for the auto?’ That is Mayilsamy for you.”

Industry expresses grief

Mayilsamy worked in a number of superhit films including Dhill, Dhool, Mayandi Kudumbathar, Kaaki Sattai and LKG. Needless to say, his death has sent shock waves across the Tamil film industry.

Several actors, directors, and film industry professionals, apart from fans, expressed shock and sadness at his demise.

Actor Sarath Kumar was among those who expressed his shock. He tweeted, “Shocked and shattered on hearing the untimely demise of my good friend, great human being, philanthropist Mayilsamy.

“Deeply saddened. My heartfelt condolences to his family, relative, friends and colleagues of the film industry.”

Shocked and shattered on hearing the untimely demise of my good friend, great human being, philanthropist Mayilsamy.

Deeply saddened. My heartfelt condolences to his family, relative, friends and colleagues of the film industry (1)#RipMayilsamy pic.twitter.com/Uvl6aGsrbm

— R Sarath Kumar (மோடியின் குடும்பம்) (@realsarathkumar) February 19, 2023

Director Venkat Prabhu, in his condolence message, said, “Really shocking!!! I have been his fan from when he and Lakshman saar (Lakshman Shruti) did an audio comedy variety show named #SiripoSiripu. A bundle of talent gone too soon anna. #RIPmayilsamy deepest condolences to family and friends.”

Really shocking!!! I have been his fan from when he and Lakshman saar (Lakshman Shruti) did an audio comedy variety show named #SiripoSiripu A bundle of talent gone too soon anna. #RIPmayilsamy deepest condolences to family and friends pic.twitter.com/0MAyZxrgqg

— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) February 19, 2023