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The Life and Legacy Of actor Madhan Bob (S. Krishnamoorthy)

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Published on: 3 Aug 2025

The Life and Legacy Of actor Madhan Bob (S. Krishnamoorthy)

Veteran Tamil actor and comedian Madhan Bob (born S. Krishnamoorthy) passed away on August 2, 2025, at the age of 71 in Chennai after a battle with cancer. Known for his iconic comic timing, expressive acting, and infectious laughter, he appeared in nearly 700 films, making an indelible mark on Tamil cinema and television. From music to movies, his journey was one of talent, humility, and legacy.

Early Life & Musical Foundations

Birth Name: S. Krishnamoorthy
Stage Name: Madhan Bob
Born: 19 October 1953, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Family: Eighth child in a large family
The name "Bob" was given by K. Balachander, forming the comic duo name with his brother, “Madhan and Bob.”
Trained in Western classical and Carnatic music, he began his career composing music for stage plays and television jingles.
He also mentored A.R. Rahman, who assisted him on keyboards early in his career.

Personal Life

Wife: Susheela
Children: Two (names not publicly disclosed)
Grandchildren: Not publicly named
Residence: Lived in Adyar, Chennai

Acting & Television Career

🎥 Film Career Highlights

First major film: Neengal Kettavai (1984)
Rose to fame in: Vaaname Ellai (1992)
Notable films:
- Thevar Magan
- Thenali (as Diamond Babu)
- Friends (as Manager Sundaresan)
- Sathi Leelavathi
- Nammavar
- Pammal K. Sambandam
- Vasool Raja MBBS

📺 Television

Best known as a judge on the comedy show Asatha Povathu Yaaru? on Sun TV

Filmography Overview

Language	Estimated No. of Films
Tamil	650+
Hindi	3+
Telugu	Few
Malayalam	Few
Total	~700

Awards & Recognition

No nationally recorded film awards
Highly respected figure in Tamil cinema for his comedy, facial expressions, and distinctive laughter
Regarded as a mentor by many, including A.R. Rahman
His long-lasting popularity and fan following are his biggest honors

Other Contributions

Accomplished keyboardist and composer in early years
Transitioned fully to comedy acting by the 1990s
No known political career

Illness & Death

Cause of death: Cancer
When: 2 August 2025 (Saturday)
Time: Around 5:00 PM IST
Where: At his residence, Adyar, Chennai
Age: 71

Funeral & Tributes

Funeral: Held on the same evening (2 August 2025) at Besant Nagar crematorium, Chennai
Public homage at his residence
Fans, colleagues, and family gathered to pay tribute
Coverage by major Tamil media: DTNEXT, Mathrubhumi, Manorama, OneIndia
Reddit communities like r/kollywood also shared tributes

Final Notes

Madhan Bob’s legacy is one of laughter, humility, and versatility. From his humble beginnings in Chennai to becoming a household name in Tamil comedy, he touched hearts across generations. With nearly 700 films, television fame, and musical roots, he shaped an era of Tamil entertainment.

Even though he didn’t win official awards, the love and admiration from his fans, peers, and protégés like A.R. Rahman speak volumes about his impact.

May his laughter echo forever in Tamil cinema.
Rest in peace, Madhan Bob (1953–2025).

India | Tamilnadu | Chennai

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Quick Info

Who was Madhan Bob?

Madhan Bob, born S. Krishnamoorthy, was a veteran Tamil actor and comedian renowned for his expressive acting and comic timing. He appeared in nearly 700 films and was also a respected television personality and musician.

When did Madhan Bob pass away?

Madhan Bob passed away on August 2, 2025, at the age of 71. He died of cancer at his residence in Adyar, Chennai around 5:00 PM IST.

What was Madhan Bob's real name?

His birth name was S. Krishnamoorthy. He later adopted the stage name Madhan Bob, which was coined during a comic duo phase with his brother.

How did Madhan Bob get his stage name?

The name 'Bob' was given by filmmaker K. Balachander when Madhan Bob performed as part of a comic duo with his brother, leading to the duo being known as 'Madhan and Bob.'

What were Madhan Bob's early career beginnings?

He began his career as a musician, trained in Western classical and Carnatic music. He composed music for stage plays and television jingles, mentoring A.R. Rahman early on.

Which musical legend did Madhan Bob mentor?

Madhan Bob mentored A.R. Rahman, who worked as his keyboard assistant early in his career.

What was Madhan Bob best known for in film?

He was best known for his comic roles in Tamil cinema, with notable performances in films like 'Thenali', 'Friends', 'Thevar Magan', and 'Vasool Raja MBBS'.

What television show was Madhan Bob famous for?

He was widely recognized for his role as a judge on the comedy show 'Asatha Povathu Yaaru?' aired on Sun TV.

How many films did Madhan Bob appear in?

He appeared in approximately 700 films across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam languages, with over 650 in Tamil alone.

Did Madhan Bob receive any national film awards?

No, Madhan Bob did not receive any nationally recorded film awards, though he was highly respected within the Tamil film industry.

What was Madhan Bob’s first major film?

His first major film role was in 'Neengal Kettavai' (1984), but he gained widespread fame with 'Vaaname Ellai' in 1992.

What are some notable roles played by Madhan Bob?

Notable roles include Diamond Babu in 'Thenali' and Manager Sundaresan in 'Friends', along with key performances in 'Sathi Leelavathi', 'Nammavar', and 'Pammal K. Sambandam'.

What was Madhan Bob’s contribution to music?

He was an accomplished keyboardist and composer before fully transitioning into acting, contributing music to stage productions and TV commercials.

Was Madhan Bob involved in politics?

No, there is no known record of Madhan Bob having a political career.

Who survives Madhan Bob?

He is survived by his wife Susheela, two children, and grandchildren. However, their names have not been publicly disclosed.

In-Depth Answers

Where was Madhan Bob born?

Madhan Bob was born on October 19, 1953, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Where did Madhan Bob live later in life?

He lived in Adyar, Chennai, where he also passed away.

Where was Madhan Bob's funeral held?

His funeral was held on the evening of August 2, 2025, at the Besant Nagar crematorium in Chennai.

What was the cause of Madhan Bob’s death?

He died after battling cancer, though specific details about his illness were not publicly disclosed.

How did the public and industry react to Madhan Bob’s death?

Fans, colleagues, and family members gathered to pay tribute, and Tamil media outlets and Reddit communities like r/kollywood expressed their condolences and celebrated his legacy.

What is Madhan Bob’s legacy in Tamil cinema?

Madhan Bob is remembered for his laughter, expressive comedy, and versatility. His work inspired generations and remains beloved, even without formal awards.

Which major Tamil media covered Madhan Bob’s death?

Media outlets like DTNEXT, Mathrubhumi, Manorama, and OneIndia covered his passing and contributions to the film industry.

How old was Madhan Bob when he died?

Madhan Bob was 71 years old at the time of his passing in August 2025.

Did Madhan Bob act in languages other than Tamil?

Yes, while the majority of his work was in Tamil, he also acted in a few Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam films.

What made Madhan Bob stand out as a comedian?

His comic timing, distinctive facial expressions, and iconic laughter made him a standout figure in Tamil comedy.

Did Madhan Bob win any honors or recognitions?

Although he did not receive formal national awards, his reputation, popularity, and mentorship roles, especially with talents like A.R. Rahman, are seen as significant honors.

How did Madhan Bob transition from music to acting?

He began in music as a composer and keyboardist, later transitioning into full-time acting and comedy during the 1990s as his on-screen popularity grew.

What is one of Madhan Bob’s most iconic TV moments?

His judging on the comedy show 'Asatha Povathu Yaaru?' remains one of his most recognizable and beloved television roles.

Did Madhan Bob have siblings?

Yes, he was the eighth child in a large family, and his brother was part of the comic duo 'Madhan and Bob.'

What kind of comedic style was Madhan Bob known for?

He was known for situational humor, exaggerated facial expressions, and a unique laugh that became his trademark.

What tributes were made to Madhan Bob online?

Online tributes flooded platforms like Reddit (particularly r/kollywood), where fans shared memories, clips, and messages honoring his contributions.

What is Madhan Bob's lasting impact on Tamil entertainment?

His versatility across music, film, and television helped shape Tamil comedy and character acting, leaving behind a legacy cherished by audiences and peers alike.