Tearful farewell to Manorama

Chennai: Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Governor K. Rosaiah and leaders of various political parties condoled the death of film actress Manorama while praising her illustrious career and contribution to cinema.

In her message, the CM said the legacy left behind by the stage and screen actress would be unparalled. She said the late actor Sivaji Ganesan used to tell her that Manorama is a genius as an actress. “This is hundred percent true,” she said, adding there would not be another like her in Tamil cinema.

Describing the passing away of Manorama as a huge void in the Tamil film industry which cannot be filled by anyone, Ms Jayalalithaa said she was deeply anguished by her death. Reminiscing her experiences of acting along with her, she said, "the experience of acting with her is forever etched in my memory in movies like Kandan Karunai and Galatta Kalyanam."

Ms Jayalalithaa recalled that Manorama had sung over 300 songs, including the hugely popular "Va Vathyaraey" (in Bommalattam in which she and Manorama had acted) and "Theriyatho Nokku." "She made a huge achievement in the annals of Indian film industry by acting in over 1,300 films and has acted with heroes of past and present generations, including Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and Sivaji Ganesan and ruled Tamil cinema for over four decades," she said while lauding her acting skills.

Bommalattam, Suriyagandhi, Pattikada Pattanama and Thillana Mohanambal demonstrated her scintillating talent. She was pleasant in disposition and had acted in many films along with Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and Ms. Jayalalithaa. Noting that Manorama's name featured in Gunineess Book of World Records for acting in over 1,000 movies, she said the actress was honoured for her matchless contribution by way of several awards, including Padma Shri, and Kalaimamani of the Tamil Nadu government. "I express my condolences to the family of Manorama, her fans and the film industry and I pray to the Almighty that her soul rest in peace," she said.

Expressing shock and grief, Governor K. Rosaiah said the passing away of Manorama, who had created a Guinness World Record by acting in more than 1,000 films, has created a void in Tamil Cinema. "I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and to her rasikas and pray to God to rest her soul in peace."

Minister of state for information and broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Union minister of state for road transport, highways and shipping, expressed their condolences.

In his condolence message, DMK president M. Karunanidhi who also paid floral tributes, said he was shocked to hear the demise of Manorama who was affectionately called 'Aachi' by everybody in the Tamil movie field. She was affectionate towards him and his family, and was like a member of the family. She had acted in a slew of stage plays scripted by DMK founder leader C. N. Annadurai. "Her passing away is a huge loss to the film industry. I convey my condolences to her family, friends and the film fraternity," he said.

DMK treasurer M. K. Stalin condoled her death, praising her contribution to Tamil cinema saying her roles in movies like 'Jiljil Ramamani' in Thillana Mohanambal would continue to be remembered by Tamil people.

CPI (M) State Secretary G. Ramakrishnan said her passing away was a loss not only for the Tamil film fraternity but also to the entire Tamil society. CPI State Secretary R. Mutharasan hailed her matchless contribution and said she was a teacher to other actors by virtue of her talent.