Nagesh | |
|---|---|
| 👁 Image Nagesh in 2005 | |
| Born | Cheyur Krishna Rao Nageswaran (1933-09-27)27 September 1933[1] |
| Died | (2009-01-31)31 January 2009 (aged 75) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 1958– 2008 |
| Spouse |
Regina
(m. 1957; died 2002) |
| Children | 3 including Anand Babu |
Cheyur Krishna Rao Nageswaran (27 September 1933 – 31 January 2009),[1][3] popularly known as Nagesh, was an Indian actor and comedian mostly remembered for his comic roles in Tamil films during the 1960s. 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 comedic timing and body language.[5][6]
Early life
[edit]Nagesh was born as Cheyur Krishna Nageshwaran to Kannadiga Hindu parents in Dharapuram.[7] 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 Tamil cinema. He worked as a clerk in the Indian Railways.[8]
Film career
[edit]Early career (1958-1961)
[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.[9]
He got his first break in the film Manamulla Maruthaaram (1958), in which Balaji played the lead role.
Though he had his initial training in theatre, he did not carry any baggage from the stage to the screen. He intuitively understood the difference between the two mediums. That turned out to be his strong point. It was a time when the comedian Chandrababu was fading out of Tamil cinema, having lost his money and health, and Nagesh could slide into that slot comfortably.
His variety of humour was wholesome and free from double entendres. It was also a time when the Jerry Lewis-Dean Martin duo was at the height of its glory in Hollywood. Nagesh was greatly influenced by Jerry Lewis, as can be seen from his early films.
Nagesh won critical acclaim for his performance in the movie Thayilla Pillai (1961).[10]
Rise to prominence (1962-1975)
[edit]Nageshs role as a ward boy in Nenjil Or Aalayam (1962) established his position. Sridhar, the director of that movie, was also on the rise and he signed up Nagesh in some of his most successful films such as the 1964 comedy Kadhalikka Neramillai.[11]
The great actor's performance as a hospital ward boy in Nenjil Or Aalayam earned him the success and he followed it up with some powerful roles in Periya Idathu Penn (1963), Server Sundaram (1964), Enga Veettu Pillai (1965), Neerkumizhi (1965) and Anbe Vaa (1966).
There was T. R. Ramanna’s Panakkara Kudumbam (1964) where Nagesh acted in four roles as son, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.[12]
Nagesh rose to prominence through Server Sundaram (1964) for which he received praise for his evergreen comedy performances as a server in a hotel.[13] The film was helmed by director duo Krishnan–Panju 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.[14]
Nagesh’s screen persona combined style and substance. Witty dialogue delivered with a superb sense of timing, mimicry, mannerisms, facial expressions ranging from grotesque contortions to deadpan countenance, slapstick and humorous body language were his hallmarks. He also became to lead actor in some films. Many of these did not do well at the box office presumably due to a mental block among fans in seeing comedians as heroes. Nevertheless, Nagesh’s acting brought in rave reviews. Some like Server Sundaram (1964) and Edhir Neechal (1968) were blockbusters.
He featured regularly in the film projects of M.G.R and Sivaji Ganesan even at a time when there was a massive rift between the two leading actors in Tamil cinema at that time.[15]
In the case of Nagesh, one can never forget his memorable roles in various films. He dominated the industry in the 1960s.[16]
The director who brought out the best in Nagesh was K. Balachander. Neerkumizhi (1965), Naanal (1965), Major Chandrakanth (1966), Bama Vijayam (1967), Anubavi Raja Anubavi (1967), Thamarai Nenjam (1968), Edhir Neechal (1968), Poova Thalaiya (1969), Iru Kodugal (1969), Navagraham (1970), Patham Pasali (1970) and Apoorva Raagangal (1975) were all films by Balachander where Nagesh provided marvellous displays of his histrionic talents.
Resurgence and return to success (1976-1994)
[edit]Nagesh who was riding the crest of a wave as the popular actor had a big decline in the late seventies and early eighties. While his popularity with fans had not decreased film producers were reluctant to cast him in their movies. This was due to Nagesh becoming an alcoholic. The problems he caused producers, directors and co-stars made him an untouchable. Thus Nagesh faded away from the public gaze for many years.
He played the role of writer Jayakanthan in the 1977 movie Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal. Nagesh appeared as himself in Thillu Mullu (1981), the Tamil remake of Gol Maal. Nagesh's career enjoyed a partial resurgence from the 1980s onwards when he acted in a number of movies, mostly in elderly roles, some of them as the villain.
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.[17] His most remembered role as a villain was in the 1989-hit Apoorva Sagodharargal. Kamal Haasan again gave a role for Nagesh in the comedy flick Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990). During the shooting of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Nagesh pretended to be disappointed and unhappy over his role as Avinashi and had also argued in jest with Kamal Haasan.[18][19] He even acted as a dead body in the 1994 film Magalir Mattum. He won a National Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in Nammavar (1994).[20]
Later years (1995-2008)
[edit]
Nagesh did a series of supporting roles in the 1990s and 2000s.
Subsequently, he starred in numerous notable films, including Ayudha Poojai (1995), Poove Unakkaga (1996), Tholi Prema (1998), Kaathala Kaathala (1998), Rhythm (200), Minnale (2001) and Poovellam Un Vaasam (2001).
Nagesh acted in Tamil films till a few months before his death in 2009. Notable among some of his later movies were Panchathanthiram (2002), Vasool Raja MBBS (2004), Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi (2006) and his last appearance Dasavathaaram (2008).[21][22] However, an animated version of him was seen in the 2014 performance capture film Kochadaiiyaan.[23][24][25]
Awards
[edit]- 1974 — Kalaimamani
- 1994 — National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Nammavar[26]
- 1994 — Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Nammavar[27]
- 1995 — Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South[28]
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.[29] He died on 31 January 2009 at the age of 75 due to diabetes and a heart ailment.[2][30][31][22]
Filmography
[edit]Tamil films
[edit]Telugu films
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Mohini Bhasmasura | Devotee of Vishnu | [32] |
| 1972 | Papam Pasivadu | Pilot | |
| Hanthakulu Devanthakulu | Nagesh Khanna | [33] | |
| 1973 | Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu | Obaiah | |
| Doctor Babu | Special appearance | ||
| 1975 | Soggadu | Sanyasi Rao | |
| 1976 | Aadavalu Apanindhalu | ||
| Thoorpu Padamara | Shivaranjani's family doctor | [34] | |
| 1977 | Savasagallu | ||
| Gadusu Pillodu | Kailasam | [35] | |
| 1978 | Indradhanussu | Chakram | [36] |
| Pottelu Punnamma | Varadhachari | [37] | |
| 1979 | Allari Vayasu | Gopi | |
| Sri Rama Bantu | Lord Hanuman | [38] | |
| Vetagadu | Ponnusamy | ||
| Oka Challani Rathri | Dr. Rao | [39] | |
| Urvasi Neeve Naa Preyasi | Victor | ||
| 1980 | Mayadari Krishnudu | ||
| 1981 | Kondaveeti Simham | Sitapati | |
| Gadasari Attaha Sosagara Kodalu | |||
| Devudu Mamayya | |||
| 1982 | Justice Chowdary | Anthony | |
| Doctor Cine Actor | |||
| Nivuru Gappina Nippu | |||
| 1983 | Muddula Mogudu | Simham | |
| Amarajeevi | Babu | ||
| Sri Ranga Neethulu | Dr. Sundara Murthy | ||
| 1984 | Kode Trachu | Rambabu | [40] |
| Koteeswarudu | Little Boss | ||
| Sahasame Jeevitham | Babu Rao | ||
| Anubandham | Tata Rao | ||
| Kanchu Kagada | Jaggu | [41] | |
| 1985 | Prachanda Bhairavi | Kodandam | [42] |
| Pelli Meeku Akshintalu Naaku | |||
| Sri Katna Leelalu | Panganamalu | [43] | |
| Bhale Tammudu | Siva Rao | ||
| 1986 | Car Diddina Kapuram | Pulla Rao | |
| 1987 | Rowdy Babai | ||
| Trimurtulu | Ad Film Hero | ||
| Thene Manasulu | Seshu | ||
| Bhanumati Gari Mogudu | Lawyer Chinta Singinadham | ||
| 1989 | Indrudu Chandrudu | Minister | |
| Lankeswarudu | |||
| Indrudu Chandrudu | Minister | ||
| 1991 | Sathruvu | Sambaya | |
| Vidhata | Somasundaram | [44] | |
| 1992 | Allari Mogudu | Sivasamba Deekshutulu | |
| Pattudala | |||
| Brundavanam | Perumallu | ||
| 1993 | One By Two | ||
| 1994 | Madam | Rayudu | |
| Gandeevam | Idea Appa Rao | ||
| Brahmachari Mogudu | Retired Army Colonel | ||
| Kishkindha Kinda | |||
| 1996 | Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam | ||
| Neti Savithri | Ramamoorthy | ||
| 1998 | Tholi Prema | Balu's uncle | |
| Subhakankshalu | Stephen | ||
| 2000 | Maa Pelliki Randi | Papa Rayudu | |
| Balaram | Rao Bahadur Lakshmi Varaprasad | [45] |
Malayalam films
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Aparadhi | ||
| 1981 | Valarthu Mrigangal | Naanu | |
| Sreeman Sreemathi | Subbaraman | ||
| 1982 | Ezham Rathri | ||
| 1991 | Kalari | Manickam | |
| 1993 | O' Faby | Muthusaami | |
| 1996 | Swarnachamaram |
Other language films
[edit]- Note: not to be confused with the Kannada actor of the same name.
| 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. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "CK Nagesh, RIP". Outlook India. 31 January 2009. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "Comedy King The South". Sotttli Kndfon Stage and Screen.
- ^ "Actor Nagesh is no more". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 1 February 2009. Archived from the original on 16 March 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
- ^ "Nagesh". Indian Mirror.
- ^ "Tragic comedian". Frontline The Hindu. Retrieved 27 February 2009.
- ^ "Nagesh the King of Comedians in Tamil Cinema". Daily mirror. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Jayalalithaa, Nagesh, Sivaji Ganesan and more: Celebrities whose lives deserve biopics". The New Indian Express. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Into the world of Tamil film comedians". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
- ^ "Nagesh – actor nonpareil". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 1 February 2009. Archived from the original on 2 February 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
- ^ "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 Biography". Filmibeat.
- ^ "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. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "Special Updates". 28 April 1997. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "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.
- ^ "Hanthakulu Devanthakulu (1972)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
- ^ "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]
- 1930s births
- 2009 deaths
- Indian male film actors
- Tamil comedians
- Telugu comedians
- 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
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