The Timeless Artist : Legendary Actor Nagesh - Chance Illa - Endrendrum Nagesh

Those who are keen in knowing about the history of Madras (now Chennai) might be wondering about many of the articles in print/visual media carrying titles such as MADRAS NAMMA MADRAS Or MADRAS NALLA MADRAS, et al ? Presumably such catchy captions - true to the spirit of Chennaites- might have a great degree of link with a Tamil movie song MADRAS NALLA MADRAS from the 1967-JAN FIRST DAY's RELEASE movie ANUBHAVI RAJA ANUBHAVI. The film has been directed by Ace Director K Balachander. Famous comedy actor Shri Nagesh had enacted this song sequence which carries events of modernity that caught up Madras and its citizens on those days.

At a time when comedy in recent

movies is considered to be replaced by vulgarity and buffonery and on its lowest ebb in today's times. Nagesh and his colleagues had rendered their tremendous lifetime performances in Tamil Filmdom satisfying the taste of audiences of all times. His role in Neerkumizhi and Ethirneechchal are being appreciated by audience who wept in theatres for this unique genius"s neat role which brought pathos in the eyes of audience. That is why his role as Dharumi (an impoverished poet) in Thiruvilaiyadal, as Vaithi in Thillana Mohanambal, as Maadhu in Ethir Neechchal, waiter-turned-actor in Server Sundaram and various roles in other classics such as Neerkkumizhi, Ooty Varai Uravu, et al. are still being remembered and watched and heard by cine-watchers. Nagesh's illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he featured in more than 1,000 films from 1958 to 2008, showcasing his versatility across various genres and languages.

Nagesh (Cheyur Krishnarao Nageshwaran), born in a Kannada family from Dharapuram, is being remembered mainly for his roles as a comedian during the 1960s, albeit he has successfully made his foray into character roles, supporting roles and antagonist roles. He plunged into cine field after quitting his railway service. 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". He was also nicknamed as the King of Comedy due to his impeccable comedy timing and body language.

Ironically, Nagesh featured regularly in the film projects of MGR and Sivaji Ganesan even at a time when there seemed to be a massive rift between the two leading actors in Tamil cinema at that time. The script narration in "Kathalikka Neramillai" in Tamil was applauded as an all time favourite during those times. Nagesh's body language and delivery of dialogues are worthy to watch even after so many decades of its release. Though its Hindi version with Mehmood too was equally enjoyable, but the original was considered too good by the audience. He did not show any bandhaa or carry hi-fi costumes even during his public appearances too. On January 31, 2009, Nagesh bid farewell to the world in Chennai leaving behind a legacy of laughter and brilliance. He has left an indelible mark in Indian Cinema.

Every budding actor has to take a leaf out of the revered Comedian Nagesh's timely comedies, exceptional body language, modesty during public appearances, et al. What we have to appreciate about Nagesh"s multifaceted skills is his 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 - a unique and rare distinction indeed in Indian filmdom.

On Nagesh's birthday today, as part of ProjectMadrasNammaMadras, I dedicate this small write up with a worthy note that Nagesh remains The King of Comedy forever in Kollywood.