Madurai, Sept. 11 -- Tamil scholar, renowned debate moderator and actor Solomon Pappaiya passed away in Madurai on Friday, at the age of 90. He had been suffering from age-related ailments.

Actor and dancer Prabhudeva also mourned the demise of the actor on his official X handle.

He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Solomon Pappayya Sir. A great voice of Tamil, forever remembered."

Filmmaker G Dhananjheyan on his official X handle wrote, "#RIPSolomonPappaiah sir. We will miss your live & enjoyable Patti Mandrams."

Pappaiya was widely known for popularising the traditional Tamil debate format, pattimandram, and bringing discussions on classical literature and everyday social issues to households through wit and accessible langu...