Tamil actor Thavasi dies of cancer in Madurai

Tamil actor Thavasi who was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Madurai passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020, following a long battle with cancer.

"Character artiste Thavasi was admitted to our hospital on November 11 with advanced cancer of the food pipe. We were treating him in a separate room with the help of oesophageal stent. Earlier today, he was moved to the intensive care unit of the hospital after he faced difficulty in breathing. He passed away around 8 pm today. I express deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans," The Indian Express quoted Dr P Saravanan, Managing Director of Saravanan Multispeciality Hospital, as saying.

Earlier, in a viral video, the actor had sought financial help for his treatment.

In the video, Thavasi had reportedly said, "I have been in this industry for 30 years, I never knew that this kind of disease would affect me.. this is a challenge that God has posed... Kindly help me avail treatment."

A Facebook post by DMK MLA Dr Saravanan from Thirupparankundram had said that Thavasi's condition worsened on November 11, after which he was admitted to the hospital.

In a video shared by a drama artist who met Thavasi in the hospital, he said that "it was a sad situation being faced by a man who made everyone laugh and feels happy by his performance. He acted in several films from 'Kizhakku Cheemiayile' to even the upcoming Rajinikanth movie 'Annaatthe' and also hit projects of Sivakarthikeyan. He worked hard and came up to this level."