Tamil comedy actor Robo Shankar dies in hospital at 46
Chennai: Tamil film star Robo Shankar, who was known for his effective presentation of comedy roles, died at a private hospital in the city at 9:50 pm on Thursday.
Shankar’s body is kept at his home in Valasaravakkam in Chennai for people to pay homage to the popular actor. His funeral rites are expected to be held in the city on Friday.
The actor, who was 46 years old, is survived by his wife Priyanka and a daughter Indraja.
Condolences are pouring in from various quarters at the death of Shankar, with some people expressing shock and calling it a great loss to Tamil film industry.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed his sorrow at the demise of the actor, tweeting on his personal ‘X’ account, “We paid our respects by placing a garland on his body kept at his residence. Starting his journey as a stage performer, achieving success on the small screen, and entertaining Tamil audiences with his realistic humour in films, brother Robo Shankar was truly remarkable.”
Vijay Sethupathi shared a photo of Robo Shankar and wrote RIP with a folded-hands emoji, while actor-director Raghava Lawrence messaged on his ‘X’ page, “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Robo Shankar. His contribution to entertainment will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Actor-producer Vishnu Vishal shared a screengrab of an iconic comedy scene featuring Robo Shankar from their film, ‘Velainnu Vandhutta Vellakaaran’ and posted, “Probably the most iconic comedy scene in my films.. Without him, it wouldn’t have been this memorable... Rest in peace, #RoboShankar. Tamil cinema will definitely miss a talent like you (sic).”
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Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
