After a protracted illness, veteran cinema star Chilhiya Moosa Manik died on Tuesday night at the age of 81.

In 1984, Chilhiya Moosa Manik made his Maldivian film debut with TVM's historic film "Mohamed Thakurufaanu, Aadhe! Ghazi Bandarain."

From his first role in the Maldivian film business, he received critical acclaim and established himself in the industry.

He went on to portray numerous roles in over 50 movies and over 30 TV dramas after winning a national award in the field of stage play for his outstanding talent on stage plays.

Chilhiya Moosa Manik was a gifted artist as well as one of the Maldives' most well-known actors.

After Fajr prayer, his funeral prayer was held in Masjid al-Taqwa (New Cemetry).