Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, leaders of political parties and the film fraternity on Sunday condoled the death of film actress Manorama and hailed her illustrious career and contribution.
As condolences kept pouring in, the who's who of the Tamil film industry, including actor Rajinikanth descended at the residence of Manorama in T Nagar to pay their last respects.
Manorama passed away here late Saturday night after a heart attack at the age of 78.
"The passing away of Manorama is a huge loss for the Tamil film industry and her place cannot be filled by anybody, I am deeply anguished by her death," Jayalalithaa said in her condolence message.
Reminiscing her experience of acting alongside her, Jayalalithaa said, "The experience of acting with her is forever etched in my memory in movies like Kandan Karunai and Galatta Kalyanam."
Hailing her versatility, Jayalalithaa recalled that Manorama had sung over 300 songs, including the hugely popular 'Va Vathyaraey' (in movie Bommalattam in which Jayalalithaa 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.
Praising Manorama's acting skills, she named movies including Bommalattam, Suriyagandhi, Pattikada Pattanama and Thillana Mohanambal which demonstrated her scintillating talent.
"She was pleasant in disposition and had acted in many films along with Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and me," she said.
Noting that Manorama's name featured in Guinness 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.
DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin condoled the death of Manorama and hailed her contribution to Tamil cinema and said her roles in movies like that of 'Jiljil Ramamani' in Thillana Mohanambal would continue to be remembered by Tamil people.
CPM State Secretary G. Ramakrishnan said her passing away was a loss not only for the Tamil film fraternity, but 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.
BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan showered encomiums on her and said she was a great role model who made great achievements and rose in life through sheer hard work.
TMC chief G.K. Vasan and Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi chief Velmurugan were among other leaders who condoled her death.
Manorama's grandson Rajarajan told reporters that the final rites and cremation would be held here Sunday evening.
"It is the desire of the film industry that the road where she lived be named after her," said actor Vignesh.
PMK chief Ramadoss said, "The history of Tamil cinema cannot be written by avoiding her. She was emotionally attached with Tamil film industry."
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore expressed his condolences on the demise of Manorama.
"Sad to know the demise of Tamil actor Manorama. Her sensitivity in portraying complex emotions credits her a special place in cinematic history, RIP," he wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah expressed shock and grief over the demise of Manorama.
"I am deeply shocked and grieved to hear about the sudden demise of renowned Tamil actor, comedian and singer Manorama, who had created a Guinness World Record by acting in more than 1,000 films," he said.
"Not only in comedy roles but also in character roles and through her melodious voice she had captivated the rasikas by her wonderful acting in the stage and silver screen," he said.
He said the passing away of 'Aachi' 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."
DMK chief Karuananidhi too visited the residence of Manorama and placed a wreath. Expressing grief, he said she was affectionate towards him and his family, 'and was a member of the family'.
He also said that 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.
(With agency inputs)