CHENNAI: Neelakanda Mehta Street was jam packed with fans and celebrities on Sunday morning, as people jostled with one another to catch a last glimpse of Tamil film industry’s most beloved comedienne Manorama Aachi.
The who’s who of the Tamil film industry flocked to her bungalow ‘Manorama’ to pay their last respects as did politicians and the public.
Recalling the last time he had met the late actress, actor Kamal Haasan said, “I met her only last week when we were honouring film journalists. Manoramaji surprised us when she delivered by heart, a dialogue that ran into three pages. It was written by M Karunanidhi 69 years ago.
“I would say that Aachi and Nagesh are the mom and dad of Tamil cinema comedy. I am one among the millions who’ll miss her. Many even in her funeral will inadvertently have a smile on their faces when they reminisce those memorable screen moments she has given us. Thanks for the smile you stretched on faces with your sharp humour. Thanks for everything,” the actor said.
Several top film personalities like Rajinikanth, Ajith, Vijay, Visu, Simbu and Ilaiyaraaja too turned up to pay their last respects. They were so overcome by grief that words failed them.
Others like Goundamani, Vadivelu, Soori, Poornima Baghyaraj, Delhi Ganesh, Tyagu, Ramarajan and Leoni too paid their respects.
Recalling memorable moments, actress Saroja Devi said, “Manorama was a phenomenal actress, whose dedication and passion towards movies was inspiring.” Others shared her admiration.
“I am fortunate to have worked with a legend. A wonderful human being. We will miss you Aachi,” tweeted Sridevi Boney Kapoor as did actress Anushka Shetty.
Showering praises on Aachi’s efforts to bring about gender parity in the industry, comedienne Kovai Sarala said it was Aachi who inspired her to take up comedy. “She is my inspiration. I fine-tuned my career watching Manorama’s films. The industry is a male-dominated one and breaking through is tough. She has successfully done over a 1,000 films.”
For his part, comedian Senthil said, “No wonder why Manorama Aachi is called Lady Sivaji. I learnt a lot by watching her from very close quarters.”
“A matchless actress, she won our hearts playing versatile roles. She was friendly, down-to-earth and always stressed on unity. I am saddened by her demise,” R Sarathkumar observed.
Actors Nasser, Khushbu and Raadhika too spoke about the legend.