2021 is turning out to be a year filled with grief and sorrow as the coronavirus pandemic, which has been at its heights since last year, continues to rampage on around the world. As India continues to battle the second wave of COVID-19, people around the country have lost their near and dear ones over the past one and half years either due to the pandemic or other health reasons. The despair experienced by commoners and celebrities over this period of time has been unparalleled, with people from all walks of life lending emotional support and solace for their anguish. It has now come as a big shock to many in Tamil cinema as blockbuster director Shankar's mother S. Muthulakshmi passed away on Tuesday due to age-related issues in Chennai. She was 88. 

The news of Shankar's mother's demise has come as a severe blow to everyone in the Tamil film industry, including fans, who have seen a number of high-profile deaths this past year. Among those who passed away in recent times include directors KV Anand, S.P. Jhananathan and Thamira, followed by comedy actors Vivek and Pandu to name a notable few, with Shankar's mother's demise now sending fans and celebrities into a state of shock and sadness. Film personalities in Tamil cinema and fans have been offering their respects to director Shankar’s mother at this hour and Galatta offers its deepest condolences to him and the bereaved family.