Tamil actress Manorama passes away

Chennai: In a rather heartbreaking development, veteran Tamil actress Manorama passed away on Saturday at the age of 78. Initial reports suggest that she died after suffering from a multiple organ failure. Popularly referred to as 'Aachi', she began her career in 1963, essaying the lead role in 'Konjam Kumar'.

In the years to follow, Manorama acted alongside some of southern cinema's biggest names including NT Rama Rao, MG Ramachandaran, Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalitha, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.

Moreover, the actress also worked with comedian Nagesh in several films. The two always shared a crackling rapport on the silver screen. A versatile performer, Manorama bagged a National award for her act in the 1988 release 'Pudhiya Pathai'.