Robo Shankar’s Final Battle: Actor Succumbs to Gastrointestinal Bleed and Multiorgan Failure at 46

Chennai, September 19, 2025 - Tamil actor and comedian Robo Shankar died on September 18, 2025, at age 46 in Chennai. Reports confirm he had been battling serious health issues involving his liver and kidneys, including jaundice, prior to his sudden collapse.

Shankar fainted earlier in the week and was taken to GEM Hospital, Perungudi, Chennai, on 16th September 2025 in a critical condition with a massive gastrointestinal bleed and multiorgan dysfunction secondary to a complex abdominal condition.

Hospital authorities have issued a statement regarding the same. It states that despite the best efforts of their multidisciplinary team, his conditions deteriorated rapidly and he was declared dead on 18th at 9.05 pm.

Shankar is survived by his wife, Priyanka, and daughter Indraja. His final rites will be held at his Chennai residence. Kamal Haasan, other film personalities, and fans have expressed condolences.

In an interview a year ago, he spoke about how his name, Robo Shankar, originated from his performances at schools, colleges, and village functions. He would cover his body in aluminum paint and perform robot-style dances, which earned him the nickname "Robo." He applied the metallic paint after shaving, and he expressed concern that the paint could dry out and seep into his blood through the shaved areas. He noted that these metallic paints can be harmful, and long-term exposure might damage the liver or kidneys.

He recounted an incident where he experienced a burning sensation on his skin and bleeding from all his orifices, except for his ears. Previously, he had suffered from jaundice, which caused significant weight loss. He sought medical advice and was allegedly informed to consider a liver transplant due to the impact on his health.
Robo Shankar also publicly addressed his long struggle with alcoholism, which had seriously affected his well-being. He credited actor Dhanush and journalist Nakkeeran Gopal with assisting him during his recovery.

Notably, he had also suffered from jaundice just a month before his death but had recovered and resumed his work.

Multiorgan dysfunction refers to failure of more than one vital organ (such as the kidneys, liver, lungs) and is a known serious complication when conditions such as massive bleed or advanced liver failure occur. Jaundice indicates liver dysfunction and may be a symptom of underlying damage. Massive gastrointestinal bleeding can lead to shock and worsen organ function. These conditions carry high risk and require rapid medical intervention.

Reviewed by Dr. Sumbul, MD Anatomy

(Rh/Eth/TL/SS/MSM)