2020 has predominantly been a bad year for people around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic crisis, which has resulted in over 900,000 deaths leaving more than thirty million testing positive for the deadly infection. Apart from the COVID-19 outbreak, the economic crisis that has spiraled out leaving countless jobless and affecting their livelihoods including several natural disasters and man-made calamities have made 2020 possibly the worst year in the history of mankind. In that light, there have also been numerous celebrity deaths reported over this past one year among whom the demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput and Tamil comedian Vadivelu Balaji left many around the country in a state of deep shock and sorrow. 

As many are yet to come to terms with the deaths of these celebrities, the news of popular Tamil actor Ruben Jay passing away due to the novel coronavirus has now created more heartbreak for many fans and those in the Tamil film industry. Condolences have been pouring in for the veteran actor from fans on social media including popular film personalities sharing their tributes. Ruben Jay has made appearances in supporting roles in Tamil films to a large extent during the course of his acting career and has also served as a screenwriter on a few occasions. Among his most notable films are 'Chiyaan' Vikram's box office smash hit, Dhool in 2003 and 'Thalapathy' Vijay's sports action blockbuster, Ghilli, released in 2004. 

In both films directed by Dharani, Ruben Jay was seen in the role of a railway TTR in Vikram's Dhool and as a referee during the Kabbadi matches in Vijay's Ghilli. Although he appeared for a limited time in both these films, the actor made an impression in quick time with his acting and dialogues, which served as highlights during the particular scenes.