Actor Murali died of a massive cardiac arrest in the early morning on Wednesday. He was 46. Murali was rushed to Sri Ramachandra University Hosptial, Porur, after he complained of severe chest pain. But, according to the hospital sources, he had no pulse even as he was brought in and was declared ‘Dead on Arrival.'
Murali, son of Kannada film director G.Siddalingiah, started his acting career in Kannada films, but it was his stint in Tamil cinema that fetched him fame and recognition. Murali's first Tamil film was “Poovilangu.” The film was directed by Amirjan, who was then the associate of director K.Balachander. After the success of the film he did “Pagal Nilavu” which was the first Tamil film of director Mani Rathnam.
Some of Murali's hit films include “Puthu Vasantham”, “Porkalam”, “Kalamellam Kadhal Vazhga”, “Vetri Kodi Kattu”, “Sundara Travels”, “Poomani”, “Alithantha Vanam”, “Desiya Geetham”, “Idayam”, “Thanga Manusukkaran”, “En Asai Machan”, “Anandam” and “Samuthiram.” He got an award from the State government for his acting in director Bharathiraja's “Kadal Pookkal” and won the Kalaimamani in 2001. He has done 98 films and his 99th film is said to be half-completed. Murali also played a small part in his son Atharvaa's debut film “Bana Kathadi.”
Producer Sathyajothi Thygarajan said, “I will miss a good friend. Only last Sunday we all celebrated the engagement of his daughter Kaavya in his house. In “Bana Kathadi”, he makes a statement about good heart health, ironically.”
Tamil film director Amirjan said Murali was a good person and a talented actor. “He was spotted by director K.Balachander who wanted me to use him in “Poovilangu.” The director was convinced of Murali's acting talents and the film's success proved this judgement right.”
Actor Kuyili, the first heroine to be paired with Murali in “Poovilangu” said, “he was a very good actor and was always on time to his shoot. One cannot forget his subtle performances on screen. The talented actor made it big in Tamil cinema with his unique style and ability to blend romance, pathos and comedy in the right measure.”
Murali is survived by his wife Shoba, sons Atharvaa and Akash, and daughter Kaavya.
