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Bonda Mani (19 September 1963 – 23 December 2023) was an Indian actor who appeared in Tamil language films. He predominantly worked in comedy and supporting roles in over 270 films in his illustrious career spanning three decades. He was well known for his performances in Winner (2003), Englishkaran (2005), Aaru (2005) and Marudhamalai (2007) and Kannum Kannum (2008). He was known for his one-line dialogues in films he acted. He came to Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka as a refugee.

Early life and career

Kedheeswaran was born on 19 September 1963 in Mannar District, Sri Lanka, where he was also raised. Bonda Mani described that his stage name was derived from his diet of bondas, when he was a struggling actor, and the suffix of his mentor, Goundamani. He was born as the fifteenth child in his family and had fifteen siblings in his family. He moved to India after spending his early childhood in Sri Lanka. He grew up as a die-hard fan of M. G. Ramachandran. His mother and his family members, including eight siblings, attempted to flee Sri Lanka in 1983 by getting into a boat, but the boat was capsized due to one of the bombs deployed by the Sri Lankan Army during the peak of the Sri Lankan civil war falling into the sea location in which his family members were traveling. His mother and his eight siblings eventually died in the same spot. He lost both his parents at an early age, as both became victims of the Sri Lankan civil war.

In an exclusive interview with Kumudam, he revealed that he was cheated by his agent, who promised him that he would make arrangements to get him a job in Tamil Nadu, but the agent apparently made Bonda Mani sign a unilateral agreement in order for Mani to stay in Singapore for five years. Bonda Mani came to know about it but could not do anything against it, and he also stayed in Singapore for five years. However, he received a timely opportunity to meet K. Bhagyaraj, where he asked for a film acting offer, which Bhagyaraj refused, and Mani also asked for Bhagyaraj's address, which Bhagyaraj initially refused to give. Bhagyaraj asked Mani to meet him in Chennai and clarify the situation accordingly. He then realized that many Tamils in Sri Lanka were moving to Tamil Nadu to seek asylum, and he also got into a boat with the intention of getting film opportunities in 1983. He then joined a refugee camp in Chidambaram and worked under Udaiyar Ramachandran in Chennai and Mani also apparently tried his luck to act in films. He attempted to enter the Tamil film industry for a duration of seven years during that time, but his attempts failed to materialise.

Mani then came back to Sri Lanka in 1990 and launched a grocery shop, naming it "Latha Stores." He then left Sri Lanka in 1990 with one of his legs nearly paralyzed due to a bomb attack and joined a refugee camp in Salem.

Prominence

While working in Singapore during the 1980s, he became acquainted with director K. Bhagyaraj who visited the country for a show. He later reconnected with Bhagyaraj during a visit to Chennai and was cast in a supporting role in Pavunnu Pavunuthan (1991). He came to Tamil Nadu mainly with the intention of entering the film industry, as he had dreamed of an acting career since his childhood, and he also made the decision to enter Kollywood due to the lack of Tamil films being produced in Sri Lanka.

Mani subsequently made a breakthrough after his performance in Thendral Varum Theru (1994) and the film received positive reviews. He was cast in Raj TV television soap opera Ganga Yamuna Saraswati (1998) where he starred alongside veterans including M. S. Viswanathan. He eventually made his television debut through Ganga Yamuna Saraswati. He appeared with veteran Tamil actor Vadivelu in many of his memorable comedy tracks. He was influenced by director Suraj and actor Arjun Sarja to portray the role of a beggar in Marudhamalai over a call although his mentor Vadivelu told him not to act in such role who also explained him about the dire consequences of acting in such kind of roles. He had maintained good companionship with both Vadivelu and Vivek, and he also gave credit to both Vadivelu and Vivek for helping him grow in his career.

His iconic comedy dialogues in films came mostly when he collaborated alongside Vadivelu including "annan ethayum sollidathinga adichu kooda kepanga sollidathinga" (Kannum Kannum), "mooku podappa iruntha thaan ipdi lam yosika thonum, "neenga cheeppa potta planna naa seeppa vacha mudichiten paathingala” (Englishkaran), "enna ne thakkali chutney ah moonjila oothi vechi irukeenga” (Aaru), “Indha polappu polakirathukku and en kooda sernthu pichchai edukalam” (Marudhamalai). He also occasionally collaborated with Vivek in films including Thirumalai (2003) and Padikkadavan (2009). Vivek also advised Bonda Mani that he will get more recognition and fame when he collaborates with Vadivelu. Bonda Mani also credited G. Marimuthu with the iconic dialogue "annan ethayum sollidathinga adichu kooda kepanga sollidathinga" in the film Kannum Kannum (2008) which made Bonda Mani an household name among the general audience at the time of the film's theatrical release.

Along with commitments as an actor, Bonda Mani ran a stage drama troupe called "Sai Kalai Koodam" and organised theatrical shows. He made a comeback return to television with a fully-fledged role in Enga Veetu Meenakshi (2021) where he played the role of a snake charmer.

Personal life

In June 2016, Bonda Mani joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam political party along with a few Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party workers. Bonda Mani personally met the Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to officially join the party.

Illness and death

Mani faced severe health issues as his health deteriorated around 2022 and he confronted diabetes. He fainted when travelling in a bus in September 2022 and he was immediately admitted to Omandurar Rajiv Ghandhi Hospital for medical treatment and he was assisted by fellow comedian King Kong. Bonda Mani was depressed to know that the bill amount was 60,000 which was unaffordable for him during that time especially with lack of film opportunities. It was also reported that both his kidneys were starting to malfunction.

Film producer Ishari K. Ganesh reportedly told Bonda Mani to undergo operations and dialysis and also told him to not worry about the medical expenses. He also received financial support from prominent actors including Vijay Sethupathi, Rajnikanth, Dhanush and Samuthirakani.

Mani died due to kidney failure in Pozhichalur, Chennai, on 23 December 2023, at the age of 60. He had been admitted to intensive care unit at a government hospital at Omandurar.

Notable filmography

• Pavunnu Pavunuthan (1991)
• Manikuyil (1993)
• Pon Vilangu (1993)
• Thendral Varum Theru (1994)
• Nila (1994)
• Ravanan (1994)
• Naan Petha Magane (1995)
• Paattu Padava (1995)
• Muthu (1995)
• Murai Mappillai (1995)
• Aruva Velu (1996)
• Vaazhga Jananayagam (1996)
• Avathara Purushan (1996)
• Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996)
• Selva (1996)
• Nattupura Nayagan (1997)
• Bharathi Kannamma (1997)
• Arunachalam (1997)
• Pongalo Pongal (1997)
• Ponmaanai Thedi (1998)
• Suyamvaram (1999)
• Nesam Pudhusu (1999)
• Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai (2000)
• Ninaikkatha Naalillai (2001)
• Sri Raja Rajeshwari (2001)
• Vivaramana Aalu (2002)
• Thenkasi Pattanam (2002)
• Karmegham (2002)
• Naina (2002)
• Run (2002)
• Sundara Travels (2002)
• Maaran (2002)
• Vaseegara (2003)
• Anbu (2003)
• Winner (2003)
• Thirumalai (2003)
• Ottran (2003)
• Kadhal Kirukkan (2003)
• Maanasthan (2004)
• M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi (2004)
• Chatrapathy (2004)
• Sollattuma (2004)
• Jaisurya (2004)
• Meesai Madhavan (2004)
• Remote (2004)
• Ayya (2005)
• Aayudham (2005)
• Mannin Maindhan (2005)
• Sachein (2005)
• 6'2 (2005)
• Englishkaran (2005)
• Kaatrullavarai (2005)
• February 14 (2005)
• Chanakya (2005)
• Mazhai (2005)
• Aaru (2005)
• Vetrivel Sakthivel (2005)
• Pachchak Kuthira (2006)
• Aadhikkam (2006)
• Kurukshetram (2006)
• Vathiyar (2006)
• Thaamirabharani (2007)
• Manikanda (2007)
• Thottal Poo Malarum (2007)
• Marudhamalai (2007)
• Piragu (2007)
• Muniyandi Vilangial Moonramandu (2008)
• Kuselan (2008)
• Padikkadavan (2009)
• Rajadhi Raja (2009)
• Azhagar Malai (2009)
• Vaadaa (2010)
• Aarvam (2010)
• Velayudham (2011)
• Masani (2013)
• Adhu Vera Idhu Vera (2014)
• Sokku Sundaram (2014)
• Kalkandu (2014)
• Maharani Kottai (2015)
• Kathirvel Kaakha (2015)
• Aluchattiyam Appadi Irikum (2015)
• Vaaliba Raja (2016)
• Bathiladi (2016)
• Andaman (2016)
• Ilamai Oonjal (2016)
• Nari Vettai (2017)
• Solli Vidava (2018)
• Thanimai (2019)
• Manguni Pandiyargal (2019)
• Sariya Thavara (2021)
• Chinna Pannai Periya Pannai (2021)
• Uzhaikkum Kaigal (2022)
• Paruva Kadhal (2022)
• Striker (2023)
• Va Varalam Va (2023)
• Sri Sabari Ayyappan (2023)

Television

• Ganga Yamuna Saraswati (1998)
• Poove Poochudava - special appearance
• Enga Veetu Meenakshi (2022) as Snake Charmer

References

1. Dinamalar (16 January 2017). "என் மீது அதிக பாசம் கொண்டவர் வடிவேலு! -நடிகர் போண்டாமணி - vadivelu has more affection on me says actor bonda mani".
2. ^ "Tragedy continues in film industry... Actor Bonda Mani passes away..." indiaherald.com. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
3. ^ Bonda Mani and Pudhupettai Suresh's Emotional Moment Stole the Show at the Golden Carpet Awards, retrieved 24 December 2023
4. "Bondamani (a.ka) Kedhesvaran - Official Site of South Indian Artists Association, Nadigar Sangam, Tamil Nadigar Sangam". www.nadigarsangam.org.
5. "Behindwoods : Comedian 'Bonda' Mani". www.behindwoods.com.
6. "Behindwoods : Comedian 'Bonda' Mani". www.behindwoods.com.
7. ^ Bonda Mani Emotional Untold Story | Sri Lanka to Tamil Cinema | Kumudam | Naan Yaar, retrieved 24 December 2023
8. Thandora (3 April 2015). "Exclusive interview with Bonda Mani Movie Comedian" – via YouTube.
9. Desk, HT Tamil. "Bonda Mani: 'என் வீட்ல தங்கி சாப்பிட்ட நன்றி இருக்கா சூரிக்கு?' -போண்டா மணி!". Tamil Hindustan Times (in Tamil). Retrieved 24 December 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
10. "Tamil Comedian Bonda Mani - Nettv4u".
11. ^ "Actors Vijayakumar and Bonda Mani to make television comeback after a break". The Times of India. 4 February 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
12. "Comedian Bonda Mani joins AIADMK". 9 June 2016.
13. "அதிமுகவில் மேலும் ஒரு "காமெடி".. கட்சியில் சேர்ந்தார் "போண்டா" மணி!". 9 June 2016.
14. "தி.மு.க. நிர்வாகிகள் - நடிகர் போண்டா மணி ஜெயலலிதா முன்னிலையில் அ.தி.மு.க.வில் சேர்ந்தனர் -- DMK administrators actor bonda mani Jayalalithaa before join AIADMK". www.maalaimalar.com.
15. "Please save Bonda Mani- Popular comedian appeals for help in tearful video - Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
16. "Comedian Bonda Mani hospitalized | Tamil Movie News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
17. "போண்டாமணிக்கு உதவி பண்ணுங்க - நடிகர் பெஞ்சமின் வேண்டுகோள்". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). 21 September 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
18. "Comedy actor Bonda Mani hospitalized after serious illness - Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
19. "Tamil Nadu: Actor 'Bonda' Mani needs kidney transplant". The Times of India. 23 September 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
20. "Dhanush, Vijay Sethupathi donate Rs 1 lakh each to Bonda Mani for medical treatment". India Today. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
21. "Vijay Sethupathi donates Rs 1 lakh for Bonda Mani's medical treatment; Vadivelu assures to help too". The Times of India. 24 September 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
22. 24 disamber 2023 Bonda Mani - Famous actor Bonda Mani passes away, said goodbye to the world at the age of 60
23. "நகைச்சுவை நடிகர் "போண்டா" மணி காலமானார் - Dinamalar Tamil News". Dinamalar (in Tamil). 24 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
24. "Comedian Bonda Mani dies of kidney-related illness at 60". India Today. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
25. Navaneethakrishnan, Stalin. "RIP Bonda Mani: சாவிடம் போராடி மீண்ட போண்டா மணி.. திடீர் மரணம்!". Tamil Hindustan Times (in Tamil). Retrieved 24 December 2023.
26. தினத்தந்தி (24 December 2023). "நகைச்சுவை நடிகர் போண்டா மணி காலமானார்". www.dailythanthi.com (in Tamil). Retrieved 24 December 2023.

External links

• Bonda Mani at IMDb
• Bonda Mani on Moviebuff
• Bonda Mani at Creddits

• 1963 births
• 2023 deaths
• Indian male film actors
• Male actors in Tamil cinema
• 21st-century Indian male actors
• Indian male comedians
• Tamil comedians
• Sri Lankan emigrants to India
• Indian people of Sri Lankan descent
• People from Mannar District
• Deaths from kidney disease