The Tamil film industry has been left stunned after news came on Sunday night that veteran music director, lyricist, and director Gangai Amaran's wife, Manimegalai, had passed away. Manimegalai Gangai Amaran, mother to director Venkat Prabhu and actor-composer Premgi, was admitted to Kauvery Hospital in Chennai following a brief illness, with her demise leaving many among fans and those in Tamil cinema in a state of shock and sorrow.
As condolences continue to pour in, the Gangai Amaran family, along with team members of the Chennai 600028 films, paid their last respects to the late Manimegalai on Monday. A video shows the Gangai Amaran family and the Chennai 28 team in deep sorrow as they pay their final respects during the last rites ceremony. In the video, we see Gangai Amaran being escorted to his car, with Venkat Prabhu and Premgi, along with several other family members performing the last rites.
Earlier in the day, actress Radikaa Sarathkumar mourned the demise of Manimegalai Gangai Amaran on Twitter and wrote, "Our condolences to @vp_offl and @Premgiamaren and to Gangai Amaran for their huge loss. I know your mom as a very special special and lovely soul, may she rest in peace,". Likewise, actor Silambarasan TR posted his heartfelt condolences on his social media pages saying, "Beloved director Venkat Prabhu and friend Premgi, Yuvan, who are all my brothers, I do not know how to comfort you now. You are all people who usually take things in your stride. These past two years, despite us being friends for a long time, I have noticed how you all casually move forward in accordance to any situation over these two years. The love and affection you have for your mother, I understand how difficult it will be to overcome this pain. The loss of your mother is definitely not something believable. It is a loss I cannot comfort you with my words. I am sharing the grief along with your father and your family. I pray for your mother's soul to rest in peace in the hands of God. With tears, Silambarasan TR". Popular actress and television anchor Ramya Subramaniam also tweeted her condolences and said, "My heartfelt condolences to @vp_offl @Premgiamaren for the passing away of their mother who was a kind hearted and very special person to everyone around her . I am praying for the family to face the days ahead and for aunty’s soul to rest in peace".
Watch below the video of the Gangai Amaran family at the last rites of the late Manimegalai: