When G Marimuthu revealed Ajith Kumar's biggest favour to his family

Actor-director G Marimuthu's untimely death sent a shock wave across the Tamil film industry. While he became popular only recently after he started pursuing acting, his association with the Tamil film world spanned nearly three decades.

He had a good rapport with all the leading stars of Tamil cinema, including Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar. His friendship with Ajith dated back to the days when both were struggling to establish themselves in the industry. In a previous interview, Marimuthu fondly recalled Ajith's early aspirations as an actor. "Ajith used to wonder whether he could achieve stardom, with people applauding him and asking for his autograph. His kind-heartedness remains unchanged; he is not a calculating individual," Marimuthu had said.

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"I think it's his patience and good nature that was the driving force behind his success," he added.

Ajith Kumar's generosity

Marimuthu assisted director Vasanth during the making of the 1995 hit Aasai. At that time, Ajith was still an emerging talent in Tamil cinema.

As Ajith knew Marimuthu's struggle in the film industry, he took it upon himself to fund the education of his son. "Ajith paid my son's school fees up to the 10th standard. At the time of enrolling my son in LKG, I asked him for help. And he immediately asked the manager to pay the fee. He also instructed his manager to pay my son's school fee every year till I become a director," Marimuthu revealed.

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Marimuthu passed away earlier this week after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. He was dubbing for a television series when he developed pain in the chest. And he drove himself to the nearest hospital immediately. However, he didn't survive the cardiac arrest. He was 57.

Marimuthu shot to fame with his role in the popular television serial Ethir Neechal. He was also seen in Superstar Rajinikanth's latest blockbuster Jailer.