Folk artiste Nellai Thangaraj, who played the important and tragic role of the hero's father in Mari Selvaraj's 'Pariyerum Perumal' passed away recently due to ill health. The cast and crew of the film as well as fans are expressing their condolences on social media platforms.

Thangaraj played the role of an effiminate street actor who is ridiculed by society but still supports his underpreviliged son in 'Pariyerum Perumal'. His authentic performance coming from the same background was the major highlight of the award winning film.

The scene where he is teased and tormented by heartless college students brought tears to the audience. Judging from the tributes on social media it is clear that the unsung actor will forever be remembered for his only film appearance. Poetic justice for an artiste RIP!

It is worth mentioning that a few months back The Nellai District Administration and The Progressive Writers Association built a new house for Nellai Thangaraj which was handed over to him by the Tirunelveli District Collector.