Tributes paid to actor Abhinay who has died at 44 after battling liver disease
Actor Abhinay, who has died at 44, was best known for his role in the 2002 film 'Thulluvadho Ilamai.’
Tamil actor Abhinay, who was best known for his role in the 2002 film 'Thulluvadho Ilamai', has died at 44 after battling liver disease. The Instagram account for The Adult Society paid tribute to Abhinay and wrote: “Tamil actor Abhinay, best remembered for his role in the 2002 coming-of-age film Thulluvadho Ilamai, has passed away at the age of 44 after a prolonged battle with liver disease!
“The actor, who won hearts with his youthful performance in the film, had been undergoing treatment for some time. His untimely demise has left fans and colleagues in the Tamil film industry deeply saddened. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, remembering his contribution to cinema and expressing condolences to his family.”
Universal InSights paid tribute to Abhinay on Facebook and wrote: “Heartbreaking Loss in Tamil Cinema. Renowned actor Abhinay Kinger, known for his memorable work alongside Dhanush, has passed away at just 44.
“He breathed his last in Chennai after a long battle with liver-related illness.His calm presence, natural acting and the warmth he brought to every character will forever stay in the hearts of his fans.
“Cinema has lost a gentle soul today. ”
Actress Vijayalakshmi paid tribute to Abhinay on Instagram and wrote: "After 'Chennai 28', I did a national commercial for WorldSpace Satellite Radio. It was a big deal back then. I did it with Abhinay, who was the No.1 face in the ad world. The ad was about a newlywed Tamil couple."
Vijayalaksmi went on to say that "Every evening, the north Indian crew would drop us off and leave," and added that "I was a timid girl, scared of strangers, shy, still figuring out my place in the world.”
"I was already in love with Feroz and terrified to even tell him that I was staying with a man alone. So I didn't. The stress of it was too much to handle. But Abhinay... was a gentleman. Well mannered, kind, and incredibly professional. You didn't need to mention his screen presence. He owned every frame effortlessly.”
Actress Vijayalakshmi also revealed that she asked Abhinay the question: “Why do you drink so much? You’re young, successful, doing well, why this habit?”
“That’s when he opened up. He spoke about his life, his responsibilities, his mother and the weight of being the provider. He spoke of the pressure, the pain, the loneliness.
“I didn’t say a word. I just listened. For two hours!! I let him empty his heart until he was tired, and almost peaceful.
“The next day at the airport, it was time to say goodbye. He looked at me and said..
“No one ever listened to my pain like that before. Thank you Viji. Didn’t know God made girls like you. Let me know if you have a twin sister.”
“I burst out laughing and gave him a hug. That was the last time I saw him.”
In response to her post, one fan wrote: “Beautifully written 👏👏👏 May his soul rest in peace,” whilst another said: “Again u penned beautifully❤️.”