The death of popular Tamil actor-director Manivannan, who passed away due to a cardiac arrest here Saturday, has sent shock waves through the Tamil film industry. Celebrities say they will remember him as a "great soul" who was versatile, talented and humble.

One of the most influential writers, actors and directors, Manivannan starred in over 400 Tamil films and helmed 50 Tamil films in a career spanning three decades. He was 58.

Southern actress Khushbu Sundar remembers him as a "great soul".

"RIP Manivannan sir. (He was) my husband's (Sundar C) guru. (I) learnt the finer nuances of being a producer's director from him. (A) great soul. We will miss you, sir," Khushbu posted on her Twitter page.

Especially known for his roles in films such as "Avvai Shanmugi", "Amaidhi Padai" and "Ullathai Allitha", Manivannan was regarded as one of the best character actors of Tamil cinema.

Southern actress Priyamani, who was yet to work with him, posted on her Twitter page: "(I) haven't had the opportunity to work with him, but what a versatile actor-director".

Tamil actor Subbu Panchu posted: "RIP Manivannan sir, we will miss you. What a writer, director (and) actor. (It's a) huge loss to the Tamil film industry."

Manivannan was a member of "Naam Tamizhar" (We Tamils) group. He supported the Sri Lankan Tamils so much that he got his son engaged to a Sri Lankan Tamil girl not long ago.

Recently, speaking at the audio launch of "Nagaraja Cholan MA, MLA", which was his 50th directorial film, he said: "When I die, I want my body to be handed over to (Tamil director) Seeman and my funeral should take place under his guidance."

Seeman, who is Manivannan's protege, heads the "Naam Tamizhar" group.

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood also mourned Manivannan's death and said he considers himself "lucky" to have worked with him.

"(I) just got to know about Manivanan sir's demise. An actor so humble, (I) was lucky to work with him in my 1st film and recently again shot with him," posted Sonu Sood on his Twitter page.

Sonu worked with Manivannan in his Tamil debut "Kallazhagar" and recently in "Madha Gadha Raja".

Tamil producer Dhayanidhi Alagiri, tweeted: "We lost one of finest actor(s) of Tamil cinema".