Chennai: Well-known Tamil actor-director Manobala died here on Wednesday following illness, film industry sources said.

Manobala (69) started off his career as a director, making movies with top stars including Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth and Sathyaraj. He had of late ventured into acting, largely confining himself to comic roles and featured in a number of movies with top actors including Vijay and Dhanush. He has also produced a couple of films. In a tweet, Rajinikanth expressed grief over the death of his ''dear friend'' and extended his sympathies with the family of the deceased.

''Shocking & it's unbelievable such a sweet person & a good friend #Manobala sir passed away. Heartfelt condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace,'' film producer Dr Dhananjayan said in a tweet.

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Kalaburagi: Members of the Kalyana Karnataka Pratyeka Rajya Horata Samiti, who staged a protest in the city on Friday morning demanding a separate state, were taken into custody by the police.

The members of the committee, led by President MS Patil Naribola, protested at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Circle in the city. The office-bearers hoisted a red flag as a part of the protest and shouted a slogan stating their demand for a new state named ‘Kalyana Karnataka’.

The city police intervened and took into custody Naribola and Laxmikanth Sadhvi, among other leaders of the movement.

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