Vijay, Stalin, EPS, Udhayanidhi and many others condole death of actor Ajith Kumar’s mother Mohini Mani

CHENNAI: A wave of solemnity swept through the Tamil film industry and political circles on Saturday, following the passing of Mohini Mani, mother of cine actor Ajith Kumar. She passed away at the age of 89 at a private medical facility in Chennai following a period of age-related health complications.

The actor, who was travelling in Dubai when the news broke, immediately made emergency transit arrangements and arrived at the Chennai airport on Saturday afternoon to lead the final family rites. The news prompted immediate, widespread condolences from across the political spectrum and the cinema landscape.

TVK founder and chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited the residence of actor Ajith Kumar to pay his final respects to the actor's mother. Vijay travelled directly to the residence located in the coastal suburb of Injambakkam in Chennai, where the mortal remains were kept for family and close acquaintances to pay their tributes.

Stepping away from state duties, Vijay spent time offering his deep personal condolences directly to Ajith Kumar and his family members. The visit marked a poignant moment of solidarity between the two icons, who share a long-standing mutual respect spanning several decades.

Earlier in the day, Vijay had released an official statement expressing his profound grief. "I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mrs. Mohini Ammaiyar, the mother of my dear friend Mr. Ajith Kumar. I pray that her soul rests in peace at the divine feet of the Lord. I convey my deepest condolences to my friend,", he said in a post of X.

Former chief minister M K Stalin shared words of comfort. "I find myself without words to console Mr Ajith Kumar, who is grieving the loss of the mother who gave him life, a mother who rejoiced as she watched him scale great heights," he said.

Former chief minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said he was deeply grieved to learn the news of the passing of the ‘beloved mother of my brother Mr. Ajith Kumar, who is a leading star-actor in the film industry and a professional racing driver’. “I extend my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to my brother Mr. Ajith Kumar, who is grieving the loss of his affectionate mother, and to his family members. I pray to the Almighty that the soul of the departed Mrs. Mohini Mani may rest peacefully under the divine shadow of the Lord's feet," he said.

Leader of opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, actor-politician, MNM founder and MP Kamal Haasan, NTK chief coordinator Seeman, actress Radhikaa Sarathkumar, and actor Sarathkumar were among the early voices offering strength to the grieving family.

Mohini Mani, known for her quiet grace, was the inspiration behind the Mohini Mani Foundation, a non-profit social welfare organization established by Ajith Kumar to fund civic awareness and public healthcare initiatives. She is survived by her three sons, Anup Kumar, Ajith Kumar, and Anil Kumar.

“Our mother, Mohini Mani, passed away early this morning, in her sleep, after a period of declining health. She was 89. We are grateful for the care and support provided to her and our family by a number of medical professionals these last few years. We are comforted, even in this time of grief, that she lived a long life…We are moved by the kind, heartfelt messages, condolences, and remembrances that have been pouring in, and we ask for your understanding if we are unable to take calls or are slow to respond to messages,” Ajith Kumar’s brother S Anil Kumar.

“Her last rites will be a private, family affair. We trust that all who have known the ache of losing a parent or a beloved elder will respect our wish to grieve quietly, honouring her memory with the same equanimity, dignity, and gentle strength she showed us every single day of her life,” he said in the post.