Tamil movie hero Murali dies following heart attack

Chennai, Sep 8 (IANS) Tamil film actor Murali died here Wednesday following a heart attack.

Son of famous Kannada film producer Siddhalingaiyah, Murali complained of chest pain Wednesday morning and was rushed to a private hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

Murali, who had acted in over 100 films, is survived by his wife and two sons. One of his sons, Atharva recently made his debut as a hero in Tamil movie 'Baana Kathadi'.

Forty-six-year-old Murali started his career as an assistant director and later turned out to be a successful hero in the Tamil movie industry.

Murali made his debut in Tamil film 'Poovilangu' and shot to fame in 'Pagal Nilavu', directed by Mani Ratnam.

In 2001 he won the best actor award for acting in 'Kadal Pookal', directed by Bharathiraja.

Murali also added star power to the AIADMK in 2006 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

Leading lights of Tamil movie industry like Rajinikanth, Sharath Kumar, Radhika and Surya, among others, paid homage to Murali at his home.

The funeral is slated for Thursday.