# Nagesh

Nageshwaran Rao (born Cheyur Krishnarao Nageshwaran; (27 September 1933 – 31 January 2009) 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". He was also nicknamed as the King of Comedy due to his impeccable comedy timing and body language. 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.
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.
He was also a dancer. The song "Kanni Nathiyoram" in the movie Neerkumizhi shows some of his dance skills.

## Early life

Nagesh was born as Cheyur Krishna Nageshwaran to Kannadiga Hindu parents. 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.

## Film career
### Early career

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.
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. Moreover, Nagesh had only a small role to play in the movie.
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. 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

Server Sundaram marked Nagesh's rise to prominence. The film was about a restaurant waiter, "server" Sundaram, who struggles to make ends meet.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

### Resurgence

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.
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.

### Later years

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. However, an animated version of him was seen in the 2014 performance capture film Kochadaiiyaan.

## Awards

* 1974 — Kalaimamani
* 1994 — National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Nammavar
* 1994 — Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Nammavar
* 1995 — Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South

## Death

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. He died on 31 January 2009 at the age of 75 due to diabetes and a heart ailment.

## Partial filmography
### Tamil films

| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1958 | Manamulla Maruthaaram | | |
| 1959 | Thamarai Kulam | | |
| 1960 | Uthami Petra Rathinam | | |
| 1961 | Thayilla Pillai | | |
| 1962 | Nenjil Or Aalayam | Ward boy | |
| 1962 | Annai | | Cameo |
| 1962 | Deivathin Deivam | | |
| 1963 | Panathottam | Ramu | |
| 1963 | Periya Idathu Penn | Arulappan alias Pitamdhi | |
| 1963 | Naanum Oru Penn | | |
| 1963 | Kunkhumam | Arasan | |
| 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 | Lead role |
| 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 | Panchavarna Kili | Kalyanam | |
| 1965 | Neerkumizhi | Sethu | Lead role |
| 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 | Lead role |
| 1966 | Motor Sundaram Pillai | Saambu | |
| 1966 | Nadodi | Valippu Manickam | |
| 1966 | Naan Aanaiyittal | | |
| 1966 | Sadhu Mirandal | Kabali, Taxi driver | Lead role |
| 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 | |
| 1967 | Thaikku Thalaimagan | Kuppu | |
| 1968 | Andru Kanda Mugam | Subbusamy | |
| 1968 | Ethir Neechal | Maadhu | Lead role |
| 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 | Lead role |
| 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 | Thirudan | Ranga | |
| 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 | |
| 1971 | Punnagai | | |
| 1972 | Pillaiyo Pillai | | |
| 1972 | Dharmam Engey | | |
| 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 | Cameo |
| 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 | Winner–National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 1995 | Marumagan | | |
| 1995 | Kizhakkumalai | | |
| 1995 | Ayudha Poojai | | |
| 1996 | Poove Unakkaga | Stephen | |
| 1996 | Meendum Savithri | | |
| 1996 | Kandaen Seethayae | | Unreleased |
| 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 | Special Appearance |
| 2007 | Pori | Hari's father | |
| 2007 | Nenjai Thodu | | |
| 2008 | Dasavathaaram | Sheikh | |
| 2014 | Kochadaiiyaan | Uncle of Ranadheeran and Senadheeran | Animation – played by similar appearance person |

### Telugu films

| Year | Film | Role |
| 1966 | Mohini Bhasmasura | Devotee of Vishnu |
| 1972 | Papam Pasivadu | Pilot |
| 1973 | Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu | Obaiah |
| 1973 | Doctor Babu | Special appearance |
| 1975 | Soggadu | Sanyasi Rao |
| 1976 | Aadavalu Apanindhalu | |
| 1976 | Thoorpu Padamara | Shivaranjani's family doctor |
| 1977 | Savasagallu | |
| 1977 | Gadusu Pillodu | Kailasam |
| 1978 | Indradhanussu | Chakram |
| 1978 | Pottelu Punnamma | Varadhachari |
| 1979 | Allari Vayasu | Gopi |
| 1979 | Sri Rama Bantu | Lord Hanuman |
| 1979 | Vetagadu | Ponnusamy |
| 1979 | Oka Challani Rathri | Dr. Rao |
| 1979 | Urvasi Neeve Naa Preyasi | Victor |
| 1980 | Mayadari Krishnudu | |
| 1981 | Kondaveeti Simham | Sitapati |
| 1981 | Gadasari Attaha Sosagara Kodalu | |
| 1982 | Justice Chowdhury | |
| 1982 | Doctor Cine Actor | |
| 1982 | Nivuru Gappina Nippu | |
| 1983 | Muddula Mogudu | Simham |
| 1983 | Amarajeevi | Babu |
| 1983 | Sri Ranga Neethulu | Dr. Sundara Murthy |
| 1984 | Kode Trachu | Rambabu |
| 1984 | Koteeswarudu | Little Boss |
| 1984 | Sahasame Jeevitham | Babu Rao |
| 1984 | Anubandham | Tata Rao |
| 1984 | Kanchu Kagada | Jaggu |
| 1985 | Prachanda Bhairavi | Kodandam |
| 1985 | Pelli Meeku Akshintalu Naaku | |
| 1985 | Sri Katna Leelalu | Panganamalu |
| 1985 | Bhale Tammudu | Siva Rao |
| 1986 | Car Diddina Kapuram | Pulla Rao |
| 1987 | Rowdy Babai | |
| 1987 | Thene Manasulu | Seshu |
| 1989 | Indrudu Chandrudu | Minister |
| 1991 | Sathruvu | Sambaya |
| 1991 | Vidhata | Somasundaram |
| 1992 | Allari Mogudu | Sivasamba Deekshutulu |
| 1992 | Pattudala | |
| 1992 | Brundavanam | Perumallu |
| 1993 | One By Two | |
| 1994 | Madam | Rayudu |
| 1994 | Gandeevam | Idea Appa Rao |
| 1994 | Brahmachari Mogudu | |
| 1994 | Kishkindha Kinda | |
| 1996 | Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam | |
| 1996 | Neti Savithri | |
| 1998 | Tholi Prema | Balu's uncle |
| 1998 | Subhakankshalu | Stephen |
| 2000 | Maa Pelliki Randi | |
| 2000 | Balaram | Rao Bahadur Lakshmi Varaprasad |

### Malayalam films

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

### Other language films

* Note: not to be confused with the Kannada actor of the same name.
| Year | Film | Role | Language |
| 1967 | Farz | | Hindi |
| 1967 | Jewel Thief | | Hindi |
| 1987 | Kachchi Kali | | Hindi |
| 1993 | Gadibidi Ganda | Singer | Kannada |
| 2000 | Preethsu Thappenilla | Balu's uncle | Kannada |

### Director

| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1985 | Paartha Gnabagam Illayo | |