Chennai, July 20

Tamil actor Dhandapani, popular for his roles in films such as "Kaadhal" and "Englishkaran", died here Sunday of cardiac arrest. He was 71.

His last rites will be performed Tuesday in his hometown, Dindigul. He is survived by three sons and a daughter.

"He died of cardiac arrest this morning at Vijaya Hospital after he was admitted following complaint of uneasiness," Dhandapani's manager Mounam Ravi told IANS.

Till Saturday Dhandapani was shooting for R. Sarath Kumar's upcoming film "Sandamarutham".

"My deepest condolences to friend and colleague who worked with me yesterday. Kaadhal Dhandapani has left this world to the heavenly abode RIP," Sarath Kumar posted on his Twitter page.

Having earned appreciation for his villainous role in "Kaadhal", Dhandapani earned the moniker 'Kaadhal' to his name.

He also acted in popular films such as "Chithiram Pesuthadi", "Muni", "Krishna" and "Varutha Padatha Valibar Sangam".