Legendary dance choreographer Sivakshankar master passed away earlier tonight in Hyderabad. He was 72 and is survived by his wife Suganya and sons Vijay Sivashankar and Ajay Sivashankar. A few weeks before he, his wife and elder son tested positive for COVID 19 and all three were admitted to the AIG Hospital in Hyderabad.

Sivashankar's health detoriarated after severe lung damage due to the virus and even though actors Chiranjeevi, Sonu Sood, Vishnu Manchu and Dhanush gave the family financial aid he could not be saved.

Sivashankar who was born in Chennai in 1948 started his film career as an assistant of Saleem master in 1974 and made his debut as master in the 1980 film 'Kuruvikoodu' starring Sivakumar and Suruli Rajan. He then went on to work in over 800 films in all South Indian languages and has taught dance steps for all the superstars of the South.

To modern fans Sivashankar is famous for choreographing the "Manmadha Raasa" song in 'Thiruda Thirudi' which gave actor Dhanush his first big break in Tamil cinema as a commercial hero. His other recent choreography was for the global hit movie 'Baahubali' directed by S.S. Rajamouli.

Sivashankar also delighted with his acting in films such as 'Paradesi', 'Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya', 'Thaana Serndha Koottam', 'Sarkar' and 'Dhillukku Dhuddu 2'. He also has played a pivotal character in the upcoming movie 'Bhagheera' starring Prabhu Deva and Gayathrie directed by Aadhik Ravichandran.

Several celebrities including Chiranjeevi, S.S. Rajamouli, Nandita Shwetha and Shruste Dange among others have paid tributes on social media, We join the South Indian film industry in expressing our condolences to Sivashankar master's family.