Robo Shankar Biography
Robo Shankar was a talented comedian and actor in Tamil entertainment. He brought joy to many people through his unique style. Born as Shankar on December 24, 1978, in Eriyur, Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu, he grew up in a simple family. He earned the nickname “Robo” because of his special robot like dance moves that amazed audiences. This name stuck with him throughout his career.
His journey started from small stages in villages where he did mimicry. Mimicry means copying voices and actions of famous people. He copied actors, politicians, and singers very well. This skill helped him enter television. On TV, he became famous on shows like Kalakka Povathu Yaaru. There, he showed his comedy talent and won hearts.
Later, he moved to movies. He acted in over 50 Tamil films. Some big hits include Maari, where he played a funny character, and Viswasam, with star Ajith Kumar. His roles often made people laugh, but he also did serious parts. He was known for his body language and timing in comedy.
Robo Shankar’s life was full of hard work. He came from a small town but reached big success. He inspired many young artists who want to enter entertainment. Sadly, he passed away on September 18, 2025, at age 46. His death shocked fans and the industry. He left behind a legacy of laughter and good memories.
This biography covers his full story. It includes his early days, TV start, movie career, family, health problems, and awards. Readers can learn how a simple boy from Tamil Nadu became a star. His story shows that talent and effort can lead to great things. Even after his death, his work lives on in films and TV reruns. People remember him as a kind and funny person who made life brighter.
In Tamil cinema, comedians like him play key roles. They add fun to stories and help movies succeed at the box office. Robo Shankar was part of this tradition. He worked with top stars like Vijay, Dhanush, and Ajith. His mimicry added extra charm to his acts. For example, he could copy Rajinikanth’s voice perfectly, which fans loved.
His impact went beyond entertainment. He mentored young comedians on TV shows. He showed that comedy needs practice and observation. Many fans say his performances helped them during tough times. This article aims to educate about his life while keeping it easy to read. We use simple words so everyone can understand.
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Early Life and Education
Robo Shankar came from humble roots. He was born on December 24, 1978, in Eriyur village, Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu. His real name was Shankar. His family lived a simple life in rural areas. From a young age, he showed interest in arts. He loved watching movies and copying actors.
As a child, he performed in village events. He did dances and mimicry at school functions. His robot style dance came from watching sci fi films. He moved like a machine, which made people clap. This talent grew with time.
For education, he studied in local schools. He was good in studies. Later, he went to Madurai Kamaraj University. There, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Economics. This was in the late 1990s. Economics taught him about money and planning. It helped him manage his career later.
Even while studying, he practiced mimicry. He joined local groups for stage shows. Madurai, a city near his village, had many cultural events. He performed there often. This built his confidence.
His family supported his dreams. They saw his passion for entertainment. In Tamil Nadu, arts like mimicry are popular in festivals. He learned from watching senior artists. By age 19, in 1997, he started professional mimicry.
Education gave him a backup plan. But his heart was in acting. He balanced both. This shows discipline. Many artists drop studies, but he finished his degree. It made him smart in handling fame and money.
His early life teaches a lesson. Hard work from young age pays off. Rural kids can dream big. He moved to Chennai for better chances. Chennai is the hub of Tamil cinema. There, he faced struggles but kept going.
In summary, his early years shaped him. From village boy to educated man, he prepared for stardom. His story inspires students who love arts.
Career Beginnings and Television Breakthrough
Robo Shankar started his career in 1997 as a mimicry artist. He performed in stage shows across Tamil Nadu. He copied famous voices like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. People loved his acts in weddings and events.
His big break came on television. In 2007, he joined Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Season 3 on Star Vijay channel. This was a comedy talent show. He was a contestant. His mimicry and robot dance won judges and viewers. He became popular overnight.
After that, he appeared in more TV shows. He did the Siricha Pochu segment on Athu Ithu Ethu. This ran from 2009 to many years. He performed comedy skits there. Fans tuned in to see him.
Later, he became a judge on Kings of Comedy Juniors in 2018. He guided young kids in comedy. This showed his experience.
Here is a list of his key TV appearances:
- Kalakka Povathu Yaaru, 2007, Contestant, Broke through with mimicry acts.
- Athu Ithu Ethu, 2009 onward, Performer and Guest, Appeared in multiple seasons as fan favorite.
- Kings of Comedy Juniors, 2018, Judge, Mentored new talents in comedy.
These shows helped him gain fame. TV was his stepping stone to movies. In Tamil entertainment, reality shows launch many stars. He used them well.
On TV, he showed versatility. He did stand up comedy, dances, and games. His energy kept audiences engaged. He often won prizes for best performer.
This phase lasted about 10 years. It built his fan base. People called him “Mister Madurai” for his roots. His success proved that talent from small towns can shine.
TV taught him timing and audience reaction. These skills helped in films later. He also earned money to support his family.
In all, his TV career was key. It turned a mimicry artist into a household name. Young viewers learned comedy from him.
Entry into Tamil Cinema and Breakthrough Roles
Robo Shankar entered films slowly. His first roles were small. In 1997, he had uncredited parts in Dharma Chakkaram. Then in 1999, Padayappa with Rajinikanth. But scenes got cut sometimes.
In 2011, Rowthiram had his scenes removed. This was tough. But he kept trying.
His breakthrough came in 2013 with Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara. Directed by Gokul, he played a funny role. Audiences noticed him.
Then in 2015, Maari with Dhanush. He played Sanikilamai, a comic villain. This role made him famous. His lines and actions went viral.
He worked with director Gokul again. Gokul saw his talent from TV.
Early films showed his comedy strength. He added humor to stories. In Tamil cinema, supporting actors like him are important.
He faced rejections but persisted. This entry phase was from 2011 to 2015.
His roles grew bigger. He proved mimicry works on screen.
This period changed his life. From TV star to movie actor, he adapted well.
Notable Film Roles and Achievements
Robo Shankar acted in many films. He did comedy mostly, but some serious roles too.
In 2015, Touring Talkies, he played a negative character. It showed his range.
Then Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran in 2016. He was a comedic MLA. Fans loved it.
In 2017, Velaikkaran with Sivakarthikeyan. He had a key supporting role.
Puli in 2015 with Vijay. He added fun.
Viswasam in 2019 with Ajith. Big hit.
He dubbed for The Lion King in 2019, Tamil version.
Recent films like GodsJilla in 2025, his last.
Here is a list of some top films:
- Maari, 2015, Role: Sanikilamai, Co stars: Dhanush, Reception: Acclaimed for comedy.
- Viswasam, 2019, Role: Supporting, Co stars: Ajith Kumar, Reception: Blockbuster.
- Bigil, 2019, Role: Cameo, Co stars: Vijay, Note: His daughter acted too.
- Velaikkaran, 2017, Role: Supporting, Co stars: Sivakarthikeyan, Reception: Well received.
- Puli, 2015, Role: Supporting, Co stars: Vijay, Reception: Mixed but his part funny.
- Maari 2, 2018, Role: Sanikazhamai again, Co stars: Dhanush, Reception: Sequel hit.
- Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran, 2016, Role: MLA, Co stars: Vishnu Vishal, Reception: Comedy success.
- Irumbu Thirai, 2018, Role: Supporting, Co stars: Vishal, Reception: Thriller with humor.
- Chakra, 2021, Role: Supporting, Co stars: Vishal, Reception: Action film.
- Cobra, 2022, Role: Supporting, Co stars: Vikram, Reception: Adventure.
He did over 50 movies. His achievements include box office successes. Films earned crores thanks to his appeal.
He collaborated with top directors and stars. This boosted his career.
In dubbing, he voiced characters in animated films. This added to his skills.
His roles often highlighted social issues with humor. For example, in Velaikkaran, about workers’ rights.
Fans praise his best role in Maari. It defined his style.
These films show his growth. From small parts to key comedian.
Personal Life and Family
Robo Shankar married Priyanka in 2002. Priyanka is an actress too. She debuted in Kanni Maadam in 2020.
They have one daughter, Indraja Shankar. Born in early 2000s, she is an actress. She debuted in Bigil in 2019 as Pandiamma. She acted with Vijay. Indraja also did TV like Survivor on Zee Tamil.
Family supported his career. They lived in Chennai.
Rumors about a second daughter exist. But it is his niece, Indhu Sivaraman. Not a daughter.
Indraja married Karthick, a filmmaker.
Family faced his health issues together. They stayed strong.
His personal life was private. He focused on work and home.
Health Struggles and Untimely Death
Robo Shankar faced health problems later. In 2023, he got jaundice. This is a liver issue. He lost much weight during treatment. He talked about it in interviews. He said diet changes helped.
He battled liver and kidney ailments. On September 18, 2025, he collapsed on GodsJilla set. He had gastrointestinal bleed. This means bleeding in stomach area.
Doctors at GEM Hospital in Chennai treated him. But he had multi organ failure. This is when many body parts stop working. He died that day at age 46.
His death was sudden. Fans mourned. Stars like Kamal Haasan paid tribute.
Health issues started from jaundice. It weakened him. Stress from work may have added.
This shows importance of health checks. Actors face long hours.
Awards and Recognitions
Robo Shankar got some honors. He received Kalaimamani award from Tamil Nadu government. This is for arts contribution.
Also, a “Doctorate” from International Tamil University, USA. For his work in entertainment.
No big film awards listed. But fans gave him love.
His recognition came from audience applause. In TV awards, he won for comedy.
These honors validate his talent. They inspire others.
FAQs
What happened to Robo Shankar?
He collapsed on film set on September 18, 2025, and died from multi organ failure due to gastrointestinal bleed.
How old was Robo Shankar?
He was 46 years old at death, born December 24, 1978.
Who is Robo Shankar’s wife?
His wife is Priyanka Shankar, married in 2002.
Who is Robo Shankar’s daughter?
His daughter is Indraja Shankar, an actress who debuted in Bigil.
What movies did Robo Shankar act in?
He acted in Maari, Viswasam, Puli, Velaikkaran, and many more.
What was Robo Shankar’s cause of death?
Multi organ dysfunction from gastrointestinal bleed and liver kidney issues.
Did Robo Shankar have a second daughter?
No, the young woman seen is his niece, not daughter.