Nagesh
Nagesh | |
|---|---|
 Nagesh in 2005 | |
| Born | Cheyur Krishna Nageshwaran 27 September 1933[1] |
| Died | 31 January 2009 (aged 75) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1958– 2008 |
| Spouse |
Regina
(m. 1957; died 2002) |
| Children | Anand Babu |
Nagesh (born Cheyur Krishnarao Nageshwaran; (27 September 1933 – 31 January 2009)[1][3] was an Indian actor and comedian mostly remembered for his comic roles in Tamil films during the 1960s. Nagesh was born in Dharapuram. He acted in over 1,000 films from 1958 to 2008, performing in a variety of roles as comedian, lead roles, supporting actor and antagonist. He has also acted in Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada films. Nagesh's style of comedy was largely inspired by Hollywood actor Jerry Lewis. Similarities between Nagesh and Lewis earned Nagesh the sobriquet the "Jerry Lewis of India".[4] He was also nicknamed as the King of Comedy due to his impeccable comedy timing and body language.[5][6] He featured regularly in the film projects of M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan even at a time when there was a massive rift between the two leading actors in Tamil cinema at that time.[7]
He has a unique distinction of sharing screen with lead actors belonging to three generations of Tamil film industry, starring with MGR and Sivaji Ganesan in the 1960s; Kamal Haasan and Rajnikanth in the 1980s: Vijay and Ajith before his death.[8]
He was also a dancer. The song "Kanni Nathiyoram" in the movie Neerkumizhi shows some of his dance skills.
Early life
[edit]Nagesh was born as Cheyur Krishna Nageshwaran to Kannadiga Hindu parents.[9] His parents were Krishnan Rao and Rukmani Ammal. Nagesh was born in Dharapuram. He completed his schooling in Dharapuram. He left Dharapuram at an early age and moved to Madras city in search of a career. His roommates, the writer Vaali and actor Srikanth, later established themselves as prominent personalities in the Tamil cinema field. He worked as a clerk in the Indian Railways.[10]
Film career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Early in his life, he saw the Tamil play Kamba Ramayanam, enacted by his colleagues, and felt that he could do a good job. He persuaded the secretary of the railway's cultural association to give him the role of a man suffering from stomach pain. MGR, then chief guest, seeing this play, in his speech praised Nagesh for his performance. From then onwards, Nagesh played small roles in various drama troupes.[11]
In 1958, producer Balaji spotted Nagesh and gave him his first break in a film called Manamulla Marudhaaram. The film did not do well at the box office.[10] Moreover, Nagesh had only a small role to play in the movie.[12]
Nagesh won critical acclaim for his performance in the 1961 movie Thayilla Pillai. But it was his 1962 hit Nenjil Or Aalayam which launched his career in the Tamil film industry.[13] Nagesh was seen playing the lead role in Server Sundaram (1964), directed by Krishnan–Panju, adapted from a 1963 play of the same name written by the legend K. Balachander. The movie was a remarkable hit and proved to be a great turning point in his career. The song from this film "Avalukenna... Azhagiya Mugam...", written by Vaali was a big hit.
Rise to prominence
[edit]Server Sundaram marked Nagesh's rise to prominence. The film was about a restaurant waiter, "server" Sundaram, who struggles to make ends meet.[14]
The success of Server Sundaram ensured that Nagesh was one of the most sought-after actors in the 1960s. At the height of his career, he acted in as much as 35 movies in a single calendar year, at one time shooting six movies simultaneously. He appeared in a cameo in the 1965 mythological Thiruvilayadal, in which he portrayed the poor, simpleton temple priest Dharumi. The soliloquy which Dharmi indulges in, within the temple precincts, is regarded as one of the unforgettable scenes of Tamil cinema.[15] He followed the success with supporting roles in films such as Kaadhalikka Neramillai, where he wants to direct a film under his own production house, Oho Productions (but until the climax he does not make a film), Anbe Vaa, Shanthi Nilayam, Pattanathil Bhootham and Vietnam Veedu. He played Mohan in Major Chandrakanth, which was a popular hit and won for its lead actor Sundararajan the nickname "Major" Sundararajan. His portrayal of the detestable pimp Vaidhy in Thillana Mohanambal was noted for the way in which Nagesh blended humour with villainy. In most of his comic films, Nagesh paired with the actress Manorama. In 1967, Nagesh acted in his first Hindi movie, Farz.
Manorama was paired with Nagesh regularly in films with M.G. Ramachandran as lead between 1960 and 1970 such as Thaali Bagyam, Vettaikaran, En Kadamai, Kanni Thai, Thayin Madiyil, Kadhal Vaganam, Chandrodhyam, Anbe Vaa, Padagotti, Panathotaam, Kaavalkaran, Kadhal Vagahnam, Vivasaaye, Thaikku Thalaimagan, Ther Thiruvizha, Thanipiravi, Thazhampoo and Thozhilali.[16] Other directors cast the Nagesh-Manorama pair in memorable films beginning from 1962, such as Nenjil Or Aalayam, Kungumam, Rakta Thilagam, Panjavarnakilli, Navarathiri, Puthiya Paravai, Anbu Karangal, Anubhavi Raja Anubhavi, Saraswathi Sabadham, Gowri Kalyanam, Galatta Kalyanam, Ner Vazhi, Ninaivin Nindraval, Poojaikku Vandamalar, Deiva Thirumagal, Deivathin Deivam, Shanti, Thenmazhai, Aannavin Asai, Andru Kanda Mugam, Seetha, Mani Makutam, Nagamali Azhagi, Kandan Karunai, Saadu Mirandal, Thaimel Aanai, Kaalam Vellum, Annai Abirami, Thiruvarutchelvar, Karunthel Kannayiram, Kalangarai Vilakkam and Annamitta Kai.[17] Few films where they were not paired together include Server Sundaram, Madras to Pondicherry, Thillana Mohanambaal, Thiruvarul, Bommalattam and Nanbargal.
Nagesh rose to prominence through Server Sundaram (1964) for which he received praise for his evergreen comedy performances as a server in a hotel.[18] The film was helmed by director duo Krishnan-Panchu and the screenplay had been written by K. Balachander. It also marked the first collaboration between Nagesh and K. Balachander. Since then it led to many successful collaborations between the two.[19]
Resurgence
[edit]Kamal Haasan again gave a brilliant role for Nagesh in the comedy flick Michael Madana Kama Rajan. Nagesh played the dishonest secretary Avinashi, who commissions a look-alike, Kameswaran to impersonate his boss, Madan, and lend him money from Madan's account. During the shooting of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Nagesh felt disappointed and unhappy over his role as Avinashi and had also argued with Kamal Haasan.[20][21]
Nagesh had a good relationship with Kamal Haasan, with whom he had co-starred in a variety of movies between 1975 and the 2000s. Kamal Haasan cast Nagesh in most of his self-productions regularly.[22]
Later years
[edit]
Nagesh had a series of supporting roles in the 2000s. Notable among them were those of Vijay's grandfather in Poove Unakkaga, Arjun's father in Rhythm, Pawan Kalyan's Uncle Peddhananna in Toli Prema, Madhavan's grandfather Subbuni in Minnale, Ajith Kumar's Grandfather in Poovellam Un Vasam, Father Rozario in Kadhal Kondain, Srikanth's grandfather in Bose, Silambarasan's grandfather in Saravana, Jeeva's father in Pori and Kamal Haasan's father in Vasool Raja MBBS. His handling of these roles gained him considerable appreciation from the public.
Nagesh acted in Tamil films till a few months before his death in 2009. Notable among some of his later movies were Panchathanthiram, Vasool Raja MBBS, Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi and his last appearance, Dasavathaaram.[23][24] However, an animated version of him was seen in the 2014 performance capture film Kochadaiiyaan.[25][26][27]
Awards
[edit]- 1974 — Kalaimamani
- 1994 — National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Nammavar[28]
- 1994 — Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Nammavar[29]
- 1995 — Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South[30]
Death
[edit]Nagesh was a chain smoker and a heavy drinker. However, he gradually gave up these habits when he was dangerously ill during the period 1978–1982. His health began to decline in late 2008 due to progressive heart ailments. In November 2008, his health conditions further deteriorated when he slipped and fell down at his home which also resulted in a severe head injury.[31] He died on 31 January 2009 at the age of 75 due to diabetes and a heart ailment.[2][32][33][24]
Partial filmography
[edit] |
Tamil films
[edit]Telugu films
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Mohini Bhasmasura | Devotee of Vishnu | [34] |
| 1972 | Papam Pasivadu | Pilot | |
| 1973 | Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu | Obaiah | |
| Doctor Babu | Special appearance | ||
| 1975 | Soggadu | Sanyasi Rao | |
| 1976 | Aadavalu Apanindhalu | ||
| Thoorpu Padamara | Shivaranjani's family doctor | [35] | |
| 1977 | Savasagallu | ||
| Gadusu Pillodu | Kailasam | [36] | |
| 1978 | Indradhanussu | Chakram | [37] |
| Pottelu Punnamma | Varadhachari | [38] | |
| 1979 | Allari Vayasu | Gopi | |
| Sri Rama Bantu | Lord Hanuman | [39] | |
| Vetagadu | Ponnusamy | ||
| Oka Challani Rathri | Dr. Rao | [40] | |
| Urvasi Neeve Naa Preyasi | Victor | ||
| 1980 | Mayadari Krishnudu | ||
| 1981 | Kondaveeti Simham | Sitapati | |
| Gadasari Attaha Sosagara Kodalu | |||
| 1982 | Justice Chowdhury | ||
| Doctor Cine Actor | |||
| Nivuru Gappina Nippu | |||
| 1983 | Muddula Mogudu | Simham | |
| Amarajeevi | Babu | ||
| Sri Ranga Neethulu | Dr. Sundara Murthy | ||
| 1984 | Kode Trachu | Rambabu | [41] |
| Koteeswarudu | Little Boss | ||
| Sahasame Jeevitham | Babu Rao | ||
| Anubandham | Tata Rao | ||
| Kanchu Kagada | Jaggu | [42] | |
| 1985 | Prachanda Bhairavi | Kodandam | [43] |
| Sri Katna Leelalu | Panganamalu | [44] | |
| Bhale Tammudu | Siva Rao | ||
| 1986 | Car Diddina Kapuram | Pulla Rao | |
| 1987 | Rowdy Babai | ||
| Thene Manasulu | Seshu | ||
| 1989 | Indrudu Chandrudu | Minister | |
| 1991 | Sathruvu | Sambaya | |
| Vidhata | Somasundaram | [45] | |
| 1993 | Allari Mogudu | Sivasamba Deekshutulu | |
| Pattudala | |||
| Brundavanam | Perumallu | ||
| 1994 | Madam | Rayudu | |
| Gandeevam | Idea Appa Rao | ||
| Brahmachari Mogudu | |||
| 1996 | Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam | ||
| Neti Savithri | |||
| 1998 | Tholi Prema | Balu's uncle | |
| Subhakankshalu | Stephen | ||
| 2000 | Maa Pelliki Randi | ||
| Balaram | Rao Bahadur Lakshmi Varaprasad | [46] |
Malayalam films
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Aparadhi | ||
| 1981 | Valarthu Mrigangal | Naanu | |
| Sreeman Sreemathi | Subbaraman | ||
| 1993 | O' Faby | Muthusaami | |
| 1996 | Swarnachamaram | Unreleased |
Other language films
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Farz | Hindi | |
| Jewel Thief | |||
| 1987 | Kachchi Kali | ||
| 1993 | Gadibidi Ganda | Singer | Kannada |
| 2000 | Preethsu Thappenilla | Balu's uncle |
Director
[edit]| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Paartha Gnabagam Illayo |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Mohan Raman (1–15 March 2009). "He made you weep while you laughed". Madras Musings. Archived from the original on 21 November 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ^ a b "Dinamalar". Archived from the original on 4 February 2009. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ^ S.Theodore Bhaskaran (14–27 February 2009). "Tragic comedian". Frontline Magazine. 26 (4). Archived from the original on 7 March 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Srivatsan (27 September 2016). "Happy Birthday Nagesh: Remembering the legendary comedian on his 83rd birthday". India Today. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Uncrowned monarch of humorous actors in Tamil movies | Daily FT". www.ft.lk. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Nagesh birth anniversary: Check out some rare snaps of Kollywood's undisputed comedy king". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Jayalalithaa, Nagesh, Sivaji Ganesan and more: Celebrities whose lives deserve biopics". The New Indian Express. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "CK Nagesh, RIP". Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "CK Nagesh, RIP". Outlook India. 31 January 2009. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ a b Comedy king of south. 1965. p. 56.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ "Actor Nagesh is no more". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 1 February 2009. Archived from the original on 16 March 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
- ^ "Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – Cinema seithigal". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ^ Kesavan, N. (7 June 2016). "Into the world of Tamil film comedians". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – Cinema seithigal". Archived from the original on 28 April 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ^ "Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – Cinema seithigal". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ^ Kesavan, N. (26 June 2016). "Comediennes who made Tamil cinema bright". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ Desk, Internet (11 October 2015). "Six decades of Manorama". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Vivekh remembers the legend Nagesh on his birth anniversary". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "'Server Sundaram': Revisiting Nagesh's evergreen Tamil comedy". The News Minute. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Nagesh fought with Kamal Haasan over Avinashi role in Michael Madana Kama Rajan". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Kamal Haasan remembers Nagesh on his birthday: He was my guru in disguise of a friend". India Today. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Nagesh – actor nonpareil". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 1 February 2009. Archived from the original on 2 February 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
- ^ "13 years of 'Dasavatharam': Kamal Haasan reminisces about the making of the movie". The News Minute. 14 June 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ a b "Veteran comedian Nagesh dead". The Times of India. February 2009.
- ^ V Lakshmi (5 March 2012). "Nagesh in Kochadaiyaan". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 September 2013. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- ^ "Movie review: Kochadaiiyaan – Bangalore Mirror". Archived from the original on 19 June 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ^ "Late comedian Nagesh will come alive in Rajinikanth's Kochadaiiyaan". Hindustan Times. 10 September 2013. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "42nd National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 28–29. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ Sitaraman, Sandya (22 October 1996). "Virudhugal & Vizhaakkal". Tamil Movie News. Archived from the original on 14 March 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ "Special Updates". 28 April 1997. Archived from the original on 28 April 1997. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ "Veteran comedian Nagesh dead". The New Indian Express. 15 May 2012. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Nagesh no more". www.sundaytimes.lk. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Veteran Tamil actor Nagesh dead". India Today. 31 January 2009. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Mohini Bhasmasura 1966 Telugu Movie Cast Crew,Actors,Director, Mohini Bhasmasura Producer,Banner,Music Director,Singers & Lyricists". MovieGQ. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "45 ఏళ్ళ 'తూర్పు - పడమర'". NTV (in Telugu). 23 October 2021. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ^ "Gadusu Pillodu (1977)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ "Indradhanusu (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ "Pottelu Punnamma - Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
- ^ "Sriramabantu (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
- ^ "Oka Challani Rathri (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "Kode Trachu (1984) | V CINEMA - Movie, Review, Cast, Songs & Release Date". www.vcinema.com. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ "Kanchu Kagada (1984)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ^ Prachanda Bhairavi Telugu Full Movie | Narasimha Raju | Prabha | KV Mahadevan | Indian Video Guru, 20 March 2017, retrieved 23 September 2023
- ^ "Sree Katna Leelalu (1985)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Vidhata 1991 Telugu Movie Cast Crew,Actors,Director, Vidhata Producer,Banner,Music Director,Singers & Lyricists". MovieGQ. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ^ "Balaram - Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
External links
[edit]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
- Indian male film actors
- Tamil comedians
- Telugu comedians
- 1930s births
- 2009 deaths
- Kannada male actors
- Male actors in Tamil cinema
- Male actors in Kannada cinema
- Male actors in Malayalam cinema
- Best Supporting Actor National Film Award winners
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners
- Indian male comedians
- People from Tiruppur district
- 20th-century Indian male actors
- 21st-century Indian male actors
- Male actors from Tamil Nadu
- Male actors in Hindi cinema
- Male actors in Telugu cinema
- 20th-century Indian comedians