Delhi Ganesh dies at 80: Rajinikanth, Pawan Kalyan, Karthi share condolences

On Sunday morning, people in Chennai woke up to the news that well-known actor Delhi Ganesh died at his home on Saturday night at the age of 80. He was not just a popular actor, but one who was loved by his colleagues in the Tamil film industry too. The actor was last seen in Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2, which released a few months ago. His funeral will be held on Monday, November 11. (Also Read – Delhi Ganesh dies at 80: Veteran Tamil actor appeared in over 400 films, last seen in Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2)
Celebrities from Tamil cinema, politicians and fans have been sharing their condolences on social media after hearing about his sudden passing. Tamil superstar Rajinikanth wrote on his X handle, “My friend Delhi Ganesh is a wonderful man. Amazing actor. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.” Tamil Nadu Health Minister, Ma. Subramanian met Ganesh’s family and praised him while talking to the press.
Tamil Nadu Deputy CM and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin wrote on X in Tamil, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Mr Delhi Ganesh, a veteran artist of the film industry due to ill health. He has acted in more than 400 films, starting with stage plays. Be it character, comedy or villain, he left his mark in all his roles. He also has the talent to show his acting personality on the small screen. His death is a loss to the art world,” offering his condolences to Ganesh’s family.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM and actor Pawan Kalyan wrote, “Deeply saddened by the death of veteran Tamil actor Thiru Dilli Ganesh Avl. His amazing acting career and contribution to Indian cinema with over 400 films have made a lasting impression on audiences.” He added, “His prior service in the Indian Air Force demonstrates his passion and patriotism to the country. My deepest condolences to his family and fans. May he rest in peace.”
Actor Vijay posted from his official Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party account on X in Tamil, “The news of veteran actor Mr Delhi Ganesh’s demise due to ill health is saddening. His sudden demise is a shock to the Tamil film industry after he played various roles in more than 400 films spanning more than 40 years. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family and friends.”
Vijay Sethupathi also wrote on X, “Deeply pained to know of the demise of #DelhiGanesh sir, one of Tamil cinema’s most versatile actors.The void he leaves behind will be hard to fill. My deepest condolences to his family members, friends and fans.”
Tamil star Karthi wrote, “Saddened by the demise of Delhi Ganesh sir. His iconic roles in numerous films and his ability to bring to life, unforgettable characters on screen will forever be etched in the history of Tamil cinema. You will be deeply missed, sir.” Karthi and his father, veteran actor Sivakumar, went to Delhi Ganesh’s home to offer their condolences on Sunday morning.
Actor Sriman was one of the first ones to post saying, “Versatile actor, Respected Delhi Ganesh sir. May your soul rest in peace. Physically we will miss you. But your performance your screen presence will be alive for ever. Miss you sir.”
Meanwhile, Shubh Mangal Saadan director RS Prasanna wrote, “Heartbreaking to even think the LEGEND is no more. Delhi Ganesh Sir – one of the most encouraging, humble, supportive, positive and unbelievably talented thespians of humor and drama. Kalayana Samayal Saadham would not exist without your generosity Sir. Om Shanti. Love You Sir.”
Baashha director Suresh Krissna, who has worked with Delhi Ganesh in numerous films, wrote, “Delhi Ganesh Sir’s passing is a profound loss. From working together with KB Sir to his remarkable roles in Aahaa, Sangamam, Baba, Oruvan, Sathya, he was both a phenomenal actor and a dear friend. He’ll forever live on in my films and in the legacy of our cinema.”
A fan of Delhi Ganesh’s also shared his thoughts on the actor on social media, saying, “Delhi Ganesh was an integral part in the cine journey of @ikamalhaasan sir and the latter has always manifested his respects towards the departed actor. This duo has lit the cinema halls in laughter in many movies and May his soul rest in peace. #Delhiganesh.”
Another of the actor’s fans wrote about his roles in Superstar Rajinikanth films, especially in Baba, stating, “#RIPDelhiGanesh. One of the greatest actor passed away. May his soul rest in peace. #SuperstarRajinikanth fans forever greatful for this lifetime dialogue.” In Baba, Delhi Ganesh mouths the famous dialogue that respect for Baba comes innately from the heart.
Ajith Kumar’s fans also paid tribute to Delhi Ganesh and put up a video talking about the Tamil star. Delhi Ganesh, who has acted with Ajith in two films, had reminisced, “Ajith has a huge fan following. He is a person who does not get involved in any sort of controversy. He is the only Indian actor who has the guts to act with grey hair. Once while shooting, Ajith asked me if I’ll have soup. He had made mutton soup, but when I told him I was vegetarian, he made veg soup for me the next day!”
BJP leader Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan shared her condolences as well, writing, “I was deeply saddened to hear the news of veteran actor Delhi Ganesh’s demise. A great philanthropist who spoke for social welfare like Gurukulam beyond cinema and stage drama, his death is a tragedy.”