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July 13, 2024

Nagesh Filmography

Nagesh, originally Cheyur Krishnarao Nageshwaran, born on September 27, 1933, in Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu, India, remains an unforgettable icon in Indian cinema, renowned for his exceptional comedic prowess and versatile acting. His illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he made an indelible mark through his distinctive roles in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and Kannada films.

Can You Identify This Comedian With Nagesh? Hint: Its From The 1964 Film Server Sundaram - News18

Source: News18

Early Life and Entry into Cinema

Born to Kannadiga Hindu parents, Krishnan Rao and Rukmani Ammal, Nagesh’s early life was rooted in Dharapuram. His journey into cinema began serendipitously when he moved to Madras (now Chennai) in pursuit of a career, initially working as a clerk in the Indian Railways. His interest in acting blossomed after watching a Tamil play, where he convinced the Railway Cultural Association to give him a role, impressing none other than MGR (M.G. Ramachandran), who lauded his performance.

Rise to Prominence

Nagesh’s breakthrough came in the early 1960s, notably with his role in “Nenjil Or Aalayam” (1962), which garnered critical acclaim and marked a turning point in his career. However, it was the film “Server Sundaram” (1964) that catapulted him to stardom. Directed by Krishnan-Panju and based on K. Balachander’s play, the movie showcased Nagesh as “Server” Sundaram, a waiter aspiring to become an actor, highlighting his impeccable comic timing and expressive body language.

The King of Comedy

Known as the “Jerry Lewis of India,” Nagesh earned accolades for his ability to blend humor with pathos, drawing inspiration from Hollywood’s Jerry Lewis. His nuanced performances in films such as “Thillana Mohanambal” (1967), where he portrayed the detestable yet comical character of Vaidhy, further solidified his reputation as Tamil cinema’s “King of Comedy.” His partnership with actress Manorama in numerous films added to his comedic brilliance, creating unforgettable on-screen chemistry.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Despite his on-screen persona, Nagesh was known for his simplicity and humility off-screen. He received several accolades during his career, including the Kalaimamani Award in 1974 and the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Nammavar” (1994). His contributions to cinema were further recognized with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South in 1995.

Tamil films

Year Film Role
1958 Manamulla Maruthaaram
1959 Thamarai Kulam
1959 Uthami Petra Rathinam
1961 Thayilla Pillai
1962 Nenjil Or Aalayam Ward boy
1962 Annai
1962 Deivathin Deivam
1963 Panathottam Ramu
1963 Periya Idathu Penn Arulappan alias Pitamdhi
1963 Naanum Oru Penn
1963 Nenjam Marappathillai
1963 Naan Vanangum Deivam
1964 Vettaikkaran
1964 Kaadhalikka Neramillai Chellappa
1964 Pachai Vilakku
1964 Panakkara Kudumbam Raman
1964 Dheiva Thaai Vidwan Sargunam
1964 Padagotti
1964 Navarathri
1964 Server Sundaram Sundaram
1965 Aayirathil Oruvan Alagan
1965 Aasai Mugam Sankara
1965 Anandi Thambi Durai
1965 Enga Veettu Pillai Govindhan
1965 Kakkum Karangal Soma Sundaram
1965 Kalangarai Vilakkam Vasu
1965 Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum Sundaram
1965 Neerkumizhi Sethu
1965 Thaayum Magalum
1965 Poojaikku Vandha Malar Panju
1965 Thiruvilayadal Dharumi
1965 Vaazhkai Padagu
1966 Anbe Vaa Ramaiah
1966 Chitthi Widower’s son
1966 Naam Moovar
1966 Madras to Pondicherry Conductor
1966 Major Chandrakanth Mohan
1966 Motor Sundaram Pillai Saambu
1966 Nadodi Valippu Manickam
1966 Naan Aanaiyittal
1966 Sadhu Mirandal Kabali, Taxi driver
1966 Saraswati Sabatham
1966 Thenmazhai Venu
1966 Yaarukkukaha Azhudhan Joseph
1967 Aalayam
1967 Adhey Kangal
1967 Anubavi Raja Anubavi Thangamuthu and Manikkam
1967 Bama Vijayam Krishnan
1967 Bhavani
1967 Engalukkum Kaalam Varum
1967 Iru Malargal Principal
1967 Arasa Kattalai
1967 Kaavalkaran
1967 Ninaivil Nindraval Dr. Thirupathy
1967 Ooty Varai Uravu Balu
1967 Madi Veettu Mapillai Sankaran
1967 Pattanathil Bhootham Cheenu
1967 Vivasayee Chokkan
1968 Andru Kanda Mugam Subbusamy
1968 Ethir Neechal Maadhu
1968 Deiveega Uravu Manikkam
1968 Galatta Kalyanam Chandran
1968 Jeevanaamsam Advocate Ramanujam
1968 Kudiyiruntha Kovil
1968 Panakkara Pillai Mani
1968 Pudhiya Boomi
1968 Ragasiya Police 115
1968 Soaappu Seeppu Kannadi Madhusudhanan a.k.a. Madhu
1968 Thamarai Nenjam Narayanan
1968 Thillana Mohanambal Vaithi
1968 Kadhal Vaaganam Doctor
1968 En Thambi Sabapathy
1969 Thanga Surangam Mani
1969 Poova Thalaiya Nagesh
1969 Subha Dinam Raja bathar
1969 Deiva Magan
1969 Nam Naadu Govindha
1969 Shanti Nilayam
1969 Ponnu Mappillai
1970 Vietnam Veedu
1970 Anadhai Anandhan
1970 Kann Malar
1970 Ethiroli
1970 Maanavan Ramu
1970 Veetukku Veedu
1971 Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa
1971 Nootrukku Nooru
1971 Kettikaran
1971 Veguli Penn
1971 Irulum Oliyum
1971 Annai Velankanni Kannaiah
1971 Sabatham Shanmugam
1971 Thirumagal Subbusamy
1971 Then Kinnam Mohan
1972 Pillaiyo Pillai
1972 Punnagai
1972 Ganga
1972 Vasantha Maligai
1972 Raman Thediya Seethai
1973 Ulagam Sutrum Valiban
1973 Komatha En Kulamatha
1974 Paruva Kaalam
1974 Gumasthavin Magal
1975 Pattampoochi Vadivelu
1975 Apoorva Raagangal Suri / Hari
1976 Manushulanta Okkate Ganapathi
1976 Vaanga Sambandhi Vaanga
1976 Uzhaikkum Karangal
1976 Unakkaga Naan
1976 Aattukara Alamelu
1976 Thaayilla Kuzhandhai
1976 Naalai Namadhe
1977 Aasai Manaivi
1977 Sri Krishna Leela Kuselan
1977 Meenava Nanban
1977 Ilaya Thalaimurai Sharma
1977 Swargam Naragam
1977 Dheepam
1978 Oru Nadigai Natakam Parkiral
1978 Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal
1978 Thripurasundari
1978 Rudhra Thaandavam Ponnambalam
1978 Thaayagam
1978 Varuvaan Vadivelan
1978 Raadhaiketha Kannan
1979 Dhairiyalakshmi
1979 Velliratham
1979 Azhage Unnai Aarathikkiren Victor
1979 Neela Malargal
1979 Annai Oru Aalayam Himself
1980 Natchathiram
1980 Sujatha
1980 Enga Vathiyaar
1980 Anbukku Naan Adimai
1980 Polladhavan
1980 Adhirshtakaaran
1980 Bhama Rukmani
1981 Thillu Mullu Himself
1981 Arumbugal
1981 Devudu Mamayya
1981 Amarakaaviyam
1981 Kadal Meengal
1982 Kalthoon
1982 Vaa Kanna Vaa
1983 Thookumedai
1983 Mohana Punnagai
1984 Magudi
1984 Thenkoodu
1985 Padikkaadhavan
1985 Priyamudan Prabhu
1986 Maaveeran Raja’s mother
1986 Paadum Vaanampaadi
1987 Cooliekkaran Velu
1987 Ivargal Varungala Thoongal
1989 Apoorva Sagodharargal Dharmaraj
1989 Raja Rajathaan
1989 Mounam Sammadham
1990 Athisaya Piravi
1990 Engal Swamy Ayyappan
1990 Pudhu Pudhu Ragangal
1991 Michael Madana Kama Rajan Avinashi
1991 Raja Kaiya Vacha
1991 Cheran Pandiyan
1991 Nanbargal
1991 Thalapathi
1991 Gopura Vasalile
1991 Putham Pudhu Payanam
1992 Thambi Pondatti
1992 Purushan Enakku Arasan
1992 Rickshaw Mama
1993 Enga Thambi Muthu
1993 Amma Ponnu Vathiyar
1993 Kattabomman
1994 Magalir Mattum A dead body
1994 Nammavar Prabhakar Rao
1995 Marumagan
1995 Kizhakkumalai
1995 Ayudha Poojai
1996 Poove Unakkaga Stephen
1996 Meendum Savithri
1996 Kandaen Seethayae
1996 Avvai Shanmugi Joseph
1997 Raasi
1997 Pagaivan
1997 Thadayam
1997 Poochudavaa
1998 Desiya Geetham
1998 Kaathala Kaathala Chokkalingam
2000 Rhythm Karthikeyan’s father
2001 Minnale Subramani
2001 Poovellam Un Vasam Chinna’s grandfather
2002 Panchathanthiram Parthasarathy
2002 Bala Annachi
2003 Kadhal Kondain Church Father
2003 Indru Mudhal
2004 Vasool Raja MBBS Sriman Venkatraman
2004 Bose Bose’s grandfather
2006 Saravana Saravana’s grandfather
2006 Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei Raja Mokkaiyappar
2007 Pori Hari’s father
2007 Nenjai Thodu
2008 Dasavathaaram Sheikh
2014 Kochadaiiyaan Uncle of Ranadheeran and Senadheeran

Telugu films

Year Film Role
1966 Mohini Bhasmasura Devotee of Vishnu
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
1977 Savasagallu
Gadusu Pillodu Kailasam
1978 Indradhanussu Chakram
Pottelu Punnamma Varadhachari
1979 Allari Vayasu Gopi
Sri Rama Bantu Lord Hanuman
Vetagadu Ponnusamy
Oka Challani Rathri Dr. Rao
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
Koteeswarudu Little Boss
Sahasame Jeevitham Babu Rao
Anubandham Tata Rao
Kanchu Kagada Jaggu
1985 Prachanda Bhairavi Kodandam
Sri Katna Leelalu Panganamalu
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
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

Malayalam films

Year Film Role
1977 Aparadhi
1981 Valarthu Mrigangal Naanu
Sreeman Sreemathi Subbaraman
1993 O’ Faby Muthusaami
1996 Swarnachamaram Unreleased

Hindi films

Year Film
1967 Farz
Jewel Thief
1987 Kachchi Kali

Kannada films

Year Film
1993 Gadibidi Ganda
2000 Preethsu Thappenilla

Director

Year Title  
1985 Paartha Gnabagam Illayo

Versatility and Impact

Nagesh’s career spanned a wide spectrum of roles, from lead characters to supporting roles and even antagonists. He effortlessly transitioned between genres and styles, appearing in over 1,000 films across different languages. His versatility was evident in his portrayal of Mohan in “Major Chandrakanth” (1966), where his performance contributed significantly to the film’s success and earned him widespread acclaim.

Collaboration and Legacy

Throughout his career, Nagesh collaborated with legendary actors spanning generations. He starred alongside icons like MGR and Sivaji Ganesan in the 1960s, Kamal Haasan and Rajnikanth in the 1980s, and Vijay and Ajith in later years, showcasing his enduring appeal and adaptability across different cinematic eras.

Enduring Legacy and Demise

Nagesh’s legacy transcends his cinematic achievements. He was deeply cherished for his profound impact on Tamil cinema. His ability to evoke laughter and emotion with equal finesse endeared him to audiences across generations. Sadly, Nagesh passed away on January 31, 2009, at the age of 75, due to complications arising from diabetes and heart ailments, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy that continues to inspire and entertain.

Later Years and Recognition

In the latter part of his career, Nagesh continued to impress audiences with his memorable roles in films such as “Michael Madana Kama Rajan” (1990), where he played the role of Avinashi, a character that displayed his versatility beyond comedy. His performances in films like “Panchathanthiram” (2002), “Vasool Raja MBBS” (2004), and his final appearance in “Dasavathaaram” (2008) reaffirmed his status as a timeless actor capable of captivating audiences till his last days.

Nagesh’s contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Tamil cinema, is unparalleled. His mastery of comedy, coupled with his versatility as an actor, ensured that he remained a cherished figure throughout his career. Nagesh’s ability to infuse humor with humanity and depth in his performances set him apart as a true artist. His films continue to strike a chord with audiences, showcasing his lasting influence on Indian popular culture. Nagesh’s legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and admirers, perpetuating his status as one of the greatest comedic talents in the history of Indian cinema.

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