Veteran Tamil actor and comedian Pandu passed away during the early hours of Thursday due to COVID-19 complications at a private hospital in Chennai. He was 74. He was admitted to a hospital for further treatment for his COVID-19 diagnosis, but succumbed to the illness, while his wife reportedly Kumudha continues to be in the ICU. Known prominently for appearing in comedy roles, Pandu's death has left many in Tamil cinema shocked. He is survived by his wife and three sons - Prabhu, Panchu and Pintu. Condolences have been pouring in from several members of the Tamil film industry, who have been reminiscing the times they had spent with him, while also remembering some of his notable performances. 

Reputed Tamil film producer and distributor G Dhananjayan took to Twitter to share the sad news and wrote, "Better to switch off from all social media for sometime. Very shocking to read this morning news. #RIPPandu sir, one of the finest human beings & actors. Going to be on home quarantine for some days. Be safe at home friends. Take care. Very challenging days ahead." The second wave of COVID-19 is witnessing many notable names from the Tamil film industry succumbing to the disease as director KV Anand recently died of the illness. 

Pandu developed an interest for films upon completing his schooling and made his acting debut in 1970 with Maanavan playing the role of a student. Having said that, his turning point came when he starred in Karaiyellam Shenbagapoo garnering him widespread popularity, which had him sharing screen space with his brother Idichapuli Selvaraj. Pandu is known most among fans for his cameo in 'Thala' Ajith Kumar's box office hit, Kadhal Kottai, while also appearing as a policeman in the 'Thalapathy' Vijay blockbuster, Ghilli. His last starring role was Indha Nilai Maarum, which had Ashwin Kumar, Ramkumar and Nivedhithaa Sathish in the lead roles. A few other notable roles of Pandu include Panakkaran, Deiva Vaaku, Rajadhi Raja Raja, Naattamai, Ullathai Allitha, Vaali, Jodi, Ennavale and Citizen, to name a few.

Apart from his passion for acting, Pandu was also running a company called Capital Letters, specializing in designing name boards of several leading personalities' residences and offices. It is to be noted that Pandu had designed the 'Twin Leaves' party logo for the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).