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Nagesh (actor)
Encyclopedia
Nagesh (born C. Krishna Rao Gundu Rao; 27 September 1933 – 31 January 2009), was a Tamil film actor
, mostly remembered for his roles as a comedian
during the 1960s. He is regarded as one of the most prolific comedians in Tamil cinema.
Nagesh was born in a Kannada family from Dharapuram
, Erode
. He was educated in Madras and worked as a clerk in the Indian Railways
before entering Tamil film industry. He acted in over 1,000 Indian films from 1958 to 2008, performing in variety of roles as comedian
, lead roles, supporting actor
and antagonist. He died on 31 January 2009.
In a stark contrast to the comic roles he performed, Nagesh's personal life was wrought with suffering. After losing his father at an early age, Nagesh had to endure a weak financial situation and family ostracism which plagued him throughout his life. The film Server Sundaram
, a rags to riches
story in which Nagesh plays the lead role, is believed to be roughly based on the real life story of the actor.
Despite being primarily a comedian, Nagesh was rated highly as a character actor
by his peers. Nagesh's style of comedy was largely inspired by Hollywood actor Jerry Lewis
. Similarities between Nagesh and Lewis earned Nagesh the sobriquet
"Jerry Lewis of India".
in Former Integrated Erode district
, now changed to new Tirupur district
. His father died at an early age and the burden of educating Nagesh fell upon his mother. In his childhood, Nagesh was afflicted by small pox which slightly disfigured him.
He left Dharapuram at an early age and moved to Madras city in search of a career. At Madras, he shared a one-bedroom room with two others. His room mates, writer Vaali and director Sridhar, later became established themselves as prominent personalities in the Tamil cine field. He found employment as a clerk in the Indian Railways
and was thus able to pay his rent and cope up with expenses.
, 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. In 1960, Nagesh made his debut in Kannada with Makkala Rajya.
Nagesh won critical acclaim for his performance in the 1961 movie Thayilla Pillai. But it was his 1962 hit Nenjil Oru 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. 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.... still famous with youth.
), the daughter of the owner of the hotel in which he is working. The film is about how with the aid of his rich friend Raghavan (R. Muthuraman
), "server" Sundaram gets a chance to act in movies and eventually, emerges as a rich and prominent actor. However, he is heartbroken when he learns that Radha is actually in love with Raghavan. While Nagesh drives viewers into laughter with his comical antics in the early scenes, his sensitive portrayal of a failed lover in the second half of the movie too earned widespread appreciation. The rags-to-riches story in the movie was actually based on Nagesh's own life. With Server Sundaram, Nagesh earned critical acclaim for versatility.
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 for 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 as Kaadhalikka Neramillai
where he wants to direct a film under his own production house named OHO PRODUCTIONS(but till climax he didn't make film), Anbe Vaa
, Shanthi Nilayam, Pattanathil Bhootham
and Vietnam Veedu. He played the role of Mohan in Major Chandrakant 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 villany. In most of his films as comedian, Nagesh paired with the actress Manorama. In 1967, Nagesh acted in his first Hindi movie
Farz
And Apart from performing in supporting roles, Nagesh also acted as the main protagonist in a number of movies. Server Sundaram is one of them. Another performance which is well-remembered is his role as the poor struggling orphan Maadhu in Ethir Neechal
. His sensitive and sympathetic portrayal of Maadhu evoked comparisons with top character actors of the day. Jayakanthan
chose Nagesh to play the lead in the 1966 film Yaarukkaha Azhudhan overlooking Sivaji Ganesan
.
In the 1970 movie Navakiragam K Balachandar wanted to have Nagesh along with Manorama as his sidekick but Nagesh refused for the reason that he preferred to act without Manorama. Manorama was offended by this decision and refused to act with Nagesh ever since. And In the movie "theepam" in the late 70's, there was a scene where they both were together, but there was no dialogue exchange between the two.
After ruining a great chance of Manorama's to be in K. Balachandar's movie, Navagragam in 1970, and later some unintelligent annotations about MGR's womanizing lifestyle Nagesh became a charity case from 1972. Nagesh's financial problems evolved and his acting chances declined as producers feared to offer him parts in their movies he turned to drinking. So MGR offered him some comedy parts in his movies with the condition that he would have no contact with him: Ulaikum Karangal, Meenava Nanban and Urimai Kural. But after MGR became Chief Minister the producers again circumvented Nagesh circumspectly, of course. But in 1977 after a convincement of MGR to Manorama [rumors have it] she agreed to have Nagesh in her movie with the same condition MGR once made: Deepam; but the producers took advantage of the situation and the director tried to put both in one scene but Manorama dodged Nagesh for entirety: you can sense the tension when once loved couple never looked at each other for the whole scene even after eight years in the same profession.
,Ramesh Babu and Rajesh Babu, the latter going on to be actor plagued by personal problems in his career. In 1973, his mother died causing him irreparable grief. At about the same time, he had a fallout with Tamil actor and politician M. G. R. whose fellow producers omitted Nagesh from most of his films. Nagesh theatre owned by him in Chennai was on the verge of getting seized for non-payment of dues forcing Nagesh to patch up differences with M. G. R. who subsequently bailed him out.But later in the 1970s and 1980s, when MGR was the chief minister, Nagesh and MGR resumed the age old friendship on stages and screens. In order to cope up with the changing trends, Nagesh had to switch over to playing character roles full time.
Nagesh acted in a few movies during this period some of which were hits. One of his notable roles was that of a drunkard in the 1974 Kamal Hassan-starrer Apoorva Raagangal
where he talks to his own shadow and hurls the empty glass upon it while saying "Cheers". In the theaters where the film was shown the audience imitated him and threw cups on the wall of the lobby during interval. He played the role of writer Jayakanthan in the 1977 movie Sila Nerangalil Sila Manitharkal . Nagesh appeared as himself in Thillu Mullu
, which was a remake of Gol Maal(1979)
, a Hindi film.
and Mounam Sammadham. His negative roles included sadistic schemers then muscular giants.
In the comedy flick, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Nagesh played the role of a dishonest secretary Avinashi who commissions a look-alike Kameswaran to impersonate his boss, Madan, and lend him money from Madan's account. He even acted as a dead body in the 1994 film Magalir Mattum. He won a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor
for his role in the 1994 film Nammavar
Nagesh did a series of supporting roles in the 1990s and 2000s. Notable among them were those of make-up artist Joseph in Avvai Shanmugi
in which he featured alongside another veteran Gemini Ganesan
, Arjun
's father in Rhythm
, Madhavan
's grandfather Subbuni in Minnale
, Ajit's Grandfather in Poovellam Un Vasam
, Father Rozario in Kadhal Kondain and Kamal Hassan's father in Vasool Raja MBBS
. His handling of these roles gained him considerable appreciation from the public.
Nagesh had a good relationship with Kamal Hassan, with whom he had co-starred in a variety of movies from the 1970s to the 2000s. Kamal Hassan cast Nagesh in most of his self-productions. He also won the National Award for his supporting role as the Principal of a college troubled by rowdies, in the movie "Nammavar
". Kamal Hassan plays the role of a professor in this movie.
, Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi
, and his last appearance, Dasavathaaram.
He died on 31 January 2009 at the age of 75 due to diabetes and a heart ailment while he was admitted in Balaji Hospital.
His final rituals was attended by all film actors including, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Ms. J. Jayalalitha, actor Kamal Haasan
, Rajinikanth, Manorama, Venkataramani, V.S. Raghavan
and Y. G. Mahendran.
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, mostly remembered for his roles as a comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
during the 1960s. He is regarded as one of the most prolific comedians in Tamil cinema.
Nagesh was born in a Kannada family from Dharapuram
Dharapuram
Dharapuram is a town and a municipality in the Tirupur district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Dharapuram one of the Oldest Town in Tiruppur District. Dharapuram, then known as Rajarajapuram was the capital of Kongu Nadu under Kongu Cholas. The Amaravathi River flows through the ancient...
, Erode
Erode
Erode is a city, a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Erode district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is situated at the center of the South Indian Peninsula, about southwest from the state capital Chennai and on the banks of the rivers Cauvery and Bhavani, between 11° 19.5"...
. He was educated in Madras and worked as a clerk in the Indian Railways
Indian Railways
Indian Railways , abbreviated as IR , is a departmental undertaking of Government of India, which owns and operates most of India's rail transport. It is overseen by the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India....
before entering Tamil film industry. He acted in over 1,000 Indian films from 1958 to 2008, performing in variety of roles as comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
, lead roles, supporting actor
Supporting actor
A supporting actor is an actor who performs roles in a play or film other than that of the leads.These roles range from bit parts to secondary leads. They are sometimes but not necessarily character roles. A supporting actor must also use restraint not to upstage the main actor/actress in the...
and antagonist. He died on 31 January 2009.
In a stark contrast to the comic roles he performed, Nagesh's personal life was wrought with suffering. After losing his father at an early age, Nagesh had to endure a weak financial situation and family ostracism which plagued him throughout his life. The film Server Sundaram
Server Sundaram
- External links :*...
, a rags to riches
Rags to riches
Rags to Riches refers to any situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth, or sometimes from obscurity to fame. This is a common archetype in literature and popular culture ....
story in which Nagesh plays the lead role, is believed to be roughly based on the real life story of the actor.
Despite being primarily a comedian, Nagesh was rated highly as a character actor
Character actor
A character actor is one who predominantly plays unusual or eccentric characters. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a character actor as "an actor who specializes in character parts", defining character part in turn as "an acting role displaying pronounced or unusual characteristics or...
by his peers. Nagesh's style of comedy was largely inspired by Hollywood actor Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis is an American comedian, actor, singer, film producer, screenwriter and film director. He is best known for his slapstick humor in film, television, stage and radio. He was originally paired up with Dean Martin in 1946, forming the famed comedy team of Martin and Lewis...
. Similarities between Nagesh and Lewis earned Nagesh the sobriquet
Sobriquet
A sobriquet is a nickname, sometimes assumed, but often given by another. It is usually a familiar name, distinct from a pseudonym assumed as a disguise, but a nickname which is familiar enough such that it can be used in place of a real name without the need of explanation...
"Jerry Lewis of India".
Early life
Nagesh was born as Gundu Rao to Krishna Rao and Rukmaniamma on 27 September 1933. His parents belonged to the Kannada-speaking Madhwa Brahmin community. It is believed that he was born in DharapuramDharapuram
Dharapuram is a town and a municipality in the Tirupur district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Dharapuram one of the Oldest Town in Tiruppur District. Dharapuram, then known as Rajarajapuram was the capital of Kongu Nadu under Kongu Cholas. The Amaravathi River flows through the ancient...
in Former Integrated Erode district
Erode District
Erode District is a western district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India, with Erode as its headquarters. Until the year 1996, Erode district was called as Periyar District....
, now changed to new Tirupur district
Tirupur district
Tiruppur District is a district of the Indian state Tamil Nadu, formed in October 2008. This district is formed with these taluks from Coimbatore district and Erode district: Tirupur, Avinashi, Palladam, Dharapuram, Kangeyam, Madathukulam and Udumalpet. Tirupur district is a well-developed and...
. His father died at an early age and the burden of educating Nagesh fell upon his mother. In his childhood, Nagesh was afflicted by small pox which slightly disfigured him.
He left Dharapuram at an early age and moved to Madras city in search of a career. At Madras, he shared a one-bedroom room with two others. His room mates, writer Vaali and director Sridhar, later became established themselves as prominent personalities in the Tamil cine field. He found employment as a clerk in the Indian Railways
Indian Railways
Indian Railways , abbreviated as IR , is a departmental undertaking of Government of India, which owns and operates most of India's rail transport. It is overseen by the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India....
and was thus able to pay his rent and cope up with expenses.
Early career
Early in his life, he saw a Tamil play Kamba Ramayanam enacted by his colleagues, and felt that he could do a good job. He persuaded the secretary of the Railways cultural association to give him the role of a man suffering from stomach pain. MGRM. G. Ramachandran
Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran , popularly known by his initials , was an Indian film actor, director, producer and politician....
, 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. In 1960, Nagesh made his debut in Kannada with Makkala Rajya.
Nagesh won critical acclaim for his performance in the 1961 movie Thayilla Pillai. But it was his 1962 hit Nenjil Oru Aalayam which launched his career in the Tamil film industry. Nagesh was seen playing the lead role in Server Sundaram
Server Sundaram
- External links :*...
(1964) directed by Krishnan Panju. 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.... still famous with youth.
Rise to stardom
Server Sundaram marked Nagesh's rise to prominence. The film was about a restaurant waiter "server" Sundaram who struggles to make his ends meet. He is in love with Radha (K. R. VijayaK. R. Vijaya
K. R. Vijaya is a popular Indian actress who has starred in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. She started her career in the 1960s. She has been acting for more than four decades now in South Indian cinema. K. R...
), the daughter of the owner of the hotel in which he is working. The film is about how with the aid of his rich friend Raghavan (R. Muthuraman
R. Muthuraman
R. Muthuraman was an Indian actor who has performed in Tamil language films. He was a leading actor during the 60's and 70's and was fondly called Navarasa Thilakam. He has paired with all the leading heroines of his time and acted in over a hundred films. Muthuraman's son Karthik Muthuraman is...
), "server" Sundaram gets a chance to act in movies and eventually, emerges as a rich and prominent actor. However, he is heartbroken when he learns that Radha is actually in love with Raghavan. While Nagesh drives viewers into laughter with his comical antics in the early scenes, his sensitive portrayal of a failed lover in the second half of the movie too earned widespread appreciation. The rags-to-riches story in the movie was actually based on Nagesh's own life. With Server Sundaram, Nagesh earned critical acclaim for versatility.
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 for 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 as Kaadhalikka Neramillai
Kaadhalikka Neramillai
Kadhalikka Neramillai is a 1964 Tamil comedy film starring T. S. Balaiya, R. Muthuraman, Ravichandran, Nagesh and others. The film was directed by Sridhar and music by M.S.Viswanathan.-Plot:...
where he wants to direct a film under his own production house named OHO PRODUCTIONS(but till climax he didn't make film), Anbe Vaa
Anbe Vaa
Anbe Vaa was a high-budget Tamil language film starring M. G. Ramachandran and Saroja Devi in the lead rols. The film was released in the year 1966.The lead actor MGR was paid a new career peak salary of $70,000 for this project.-Plot:...
, Shanthi Nilayam, Pattanathil Bhootham
Pattanathil Bhootham
Pattanathil Bhootham is a Tamil film directed by M.V. Raman, shot in Eastman Colour released in 1967.-Plot:Pattanathil Bhootham is a straightforward adaptation of The Brass Bottle 1964 with a romantic comedy twist, written by 'Javart' Sitaraman....
and Vietnam Veedu. He played the role of Mohan in Major Chandrakant which was a popular hit and won for its lead actor Sundararajan
Sundarrajan (actor)
Sundarrajan , popularly known as Major Sundararajan, was an Indian actor who has performed in Tamil language films.-Biography:...
, 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 villany. In most of his films as comedian, Nagesh paired with the actress Manorama. In 1967, Nagesh acted in his first Hindi movie
Bollywood
Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
Farz
Farz (1967 film)
Farz is a 1967 Indian Hindi film. Directed by Ravikant Nagaich, it has music by Laxmikant Pyarelal and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The film stars Jeetendra and Babita along with Aruna Irani, Nagesh, Agha and David. The film was a surprise hit.-External links:*...
And Apart from performing in supporting roles, Nagesh also acted as the main protagonist in a number of movies. Server Sundaram is one of them. Another performance which is well-remembered is his role as the poor struggling orphan Maadhu in Ethir Neechal
Ethir Neechal
Ethir Neechal is a 1968 Tamil language drama film directed by K. Balachander starring Nagesh, Jayanthi, Sowcar Janaki, R. Muthuraman, Sundarrajan and Srikanth.- Plot :...
. His sensitive and sympathetic portrayal of Maadhu evoked comparisons with top character actors of the day. Jayakanthan
Jayakanthan
- Biography:Jayakanthan was born in 1934 in a family of agriculturists in Cuddalore, in the South Arcot district of Tamil Nadu. He quit school after completing grade 3 education. He was then considered a problematic child. He was close to his mother and grandfather. He had a rocky relationship with...
chose Nagesh to play the lead in the 1966 film Yaarukkaha Azhudhan overlooking Sivaji Ganesan
Sivaji Ganesan
Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
.
In the 1970 movie Navakiragam K Balachandar wanted to have Nagesh along with Manorama as his sidekick but Nagesh refused for the reason that he preferred to act without Manorama. Manorama was offended by this decision and refused to act with Nagesh ever since. And In the movie "theepam" in the late 70's, there was a scene where they both were together, but there was no dialogue exchange between the two.
After ruining a great chance of Manorama's to be in K. Balachandar's movie, Navagragam in 1970, and later some unintelligent annotations about MGR's womanizing lifestyle Nagesh became a charity case from 1972. Nagesh's financial problems evolved and his acting chances declined as producers feared to offer him parts in their movies he turned to drinking. So MGR offered him some comedy parts in his movies with the condition that he would have no contact with him: Ulaikum Karangal, Meenava Nanban and Urimai Kural. But after MGR became Chief Minister the producers again circumvented Nagesh circumspectly, of course. But in 1977 after a convincement of MGR to Manorama [rumors have it] she agreed to have Nagesh in her movie with the same condition MGR once made: Deepam; but the producers took advantage of the situation and the director tried to put both in one scene but Manorama dodged Nagesh for entirety: you can sense the tension when once loved couple never looked at each other for the whole scene even after eight years in the same profession.
Financial stress and decline
Nagesh's career witnessed a decline from the mid-1970s onwards. He was plagued by personal problems. His marriage to a Christian woman named Regina had fractured his relationship with his mother and other relatives. From the relationship, he had three sons, Anand BabuAnand Babu
Anand Babu is an Indian film actor, who has appeared in leading and supporting roles throughout his career. Despite, appearing in several leading roles in the early 1990s, he is most widely known for being the son of legendary actor, Nagesh as well as due to his dancing exploits.-Personal...
,Ramesh Babu and Rajesh Babu, the latter going on to be actor plagued by personal problems in his career. In 1973, his mother died causing him irreparable grief. At about the same time, he had a fallout with Tamil actor and politician M. G. R. whose fellow producers omitted Nagesh from most of his films. Nagesh theatre owned by him in Chennai was on the verge of getting seized for non-payment of dues forcing Nagesh to patch up differences with M. G. R. who subsequently bailed him out.But later in the 1970s and 1980s, when MGR was the chief minister, Nagesh and MGR resumed the age old friendship on stages and screens. In order to cope up with the changing trends, Nagesh had to switch over to playing character roles full time.
Nagesh acted in a few movies during this period some of which were hits. One of his notable roles was that of a drunkard in the 1974 Kamal Hassan-starrer Apoorva Raagangal
Apoorva Raagangal
Apoorva Raagangal is a 1975 Tamil film directed by K. Balachander. This film was controversial upon release as it examines relationships between people with wide age gaps, which challenged Indian social mores. The film went on to win the National Film Awards in 1976...
where he talks to his own shadow and hurls the empty glass upon it while saying "Cheers". In the theaters where the film was shown the audience imitated him and threw cups on the wall of the lobby during interval. He played the role of writer Jayakanthan in the 1977 movie Sila Nerangalil Sila Manitharkal . Nagesh appeared as himself in Thillu Mullu
Thillu Mullu
Thillu Mullu is a 1981 Tamil movie starring Rajinikanth, Madhavi, 'Thengai' Srinivasan, Nagesh, Sowkar Janaki and music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The film is directed by noted filmmaker, K. Balachander.The film is actually a remake of the Hindi Blockbuster comedy film Gol Maal released in 1979...
, which was a remake of Gol Maal(1979)
Gol Maal
Gol Maal is a 1979 Bollywood comedy movie directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The film was produced by Mukherjee and N.C.Sippy with music by Rahul Dev Burman...
, a Hindi film.
Resurgence
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. His most remembered role as a villain was in the 1989-hit Apoorva Sagodharargal. The movie was later dubbed into Hindi as Appu Raja. He also played the villain in Rajinikanth films Athisaya PiraviAthisaya Piravi
Athisaya Piravi is a 1990 Tamil film starring Rajinikanth, Nagesh and Kanaka and music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was directed by SP. Muthuraman...
and Mounam Sammadham. His negative roles included sadistic schemers then muscular giants.
In the comedy flick, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Nagesh played the role of a dishonest secretary Avinashi who commissions a look-alike Kameswaran to impersonate his boss, Madan, and lend him money from Madan's account. He even acted as a dead body in the 1994 film Magalir Mattum. He won a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor
National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor
The National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor is an annual award that was first given in 1968. The actors to have won the most awards in this category include Nana Patekar, Atul Kulkarni, and Pankaj Kapoor, each have received two....
for his role in the 1994 film Nammavar
Nammavar
Nammavar is a 1994 Tamil language film K. S. Sethumadhavan and starring Kamal Haasan and Gouthami in lead roles.Kamal Hassan plays a revolutionary lecturer/vice principal of a college. The movie is about how he tries to reform the downtrodden college by his initiatives and its consequences. The...
Nagesh did a series of supporting roles in the 1990s and 2000s. Notable among them were those of make-up artist Joseph in Avvai Shanmugi
Avvai Shanmugi
Avvai Shanmugi is a 1996 Tamil comedy film directed by K. S. Ravikumar and written by Crazy Mohan, which is an Indian adaptation of the American comedy film, Mrs. Doubtfire. The film features Kamal Haasan in the lead role with Meena, Gemini Ganesan, Nagesh, Heera, Manivannan and Nassar...
in which he featured alongside another veteran Gemini Ganesan
Gemini Ganesan
Ramaswami Ganesan , popularly known as Gemini Ganesan , was an Indian actor. He was nicknamed "Kadhal Mannan" of Tamil cinema for the romantic roles he played in movies....
, Arjun
Arjun Sarja
Arjun Sarja is an Indian film actor and director. Son of Kannada film star Shakti Prasad, he has primarily acted in Tamil films, and also appeared in Kannada and Telugu films. The title "Action King" has been given to Arjun by fans, for the numerous roles he has portrayed in action films. He is...
's father in Rhythm
Rhythm (film)
Rhythm is a 2000 Tamil film directed by Vasanth. The film stars Arjun, Meena and Manivannan in lead roles and Ramesh Aravind and Jyothika in supporting roles. The music is by A. R. Rahman, while cinematography was handled by P.S. Vinod and Arthur A. Wilson...
, Madhavan
R. Madhavan
R. Madhavan is an Indian actor, writer, film producer and television host. Madhavan has received a Filmfare Award, an award from the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards alongside recognition and nominations from other organisations...
's grandfather Subbuni in Minnale
Minnale
Minnale is a 2001 Tamil film written and directed by Gautham Menon. The film featured Madhavan, Abbas and Reemma Sen, with Vivek and Nagesh also appearing in pivotal roles. The film's soundtrack was composed by debutant Harris Jayaraj, which became successful prior to release, helping the film...
, Ajit's Grandfather in Poovellam Un Vasam
Poovellam Un Vasam
Poovellam Un Vasam is a 2001 Tamil film directed by Ezhil and produced by Venu Ravichandran, starring Ajith Kumar and Jyothika in leading roles. Nagesh, Sivakumar, Sayaji Shinde, Vivek also appear in supporting roles while Yukta Mookhey appeared in a solo item number...
, Father Rozario in Kadhal Kondain and Kamal Hassan's father in Vasool Raja MBBS
Vasool Raja MBBS
Vasool Raja MBBS is a Tamil film starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Saran. This film is a remake of Hindi film Munnabhai MBBS. The rest of the cast includes Sneha, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, Sneha, Jayasurya, Nagesh, Malavika and Karunas...
. His handling of these roles gained him considerable appreciation from the public.
Nagesh had a good relationship with Kamal Hassan, with whom he had co-starred in a variety of movies from the 1970s to the 2000s. Kamal Hassan cast Nagesh in most of his self-productions. He also won the National Award for his supporting role as the Principal of a college troubled by rowdies, in the movie "Nammavar
Nammavar
Nammavar is a 1994 Tamil language film K. S. Sethumadhavan and starring Kamal Haasan and Gouthami in lead roles.Kamal Hassan plays a revolutionary lecturer/vice principal of a college. The movie is about how he tries to reform the downtrodden college by his initiatives and its consequences. The...
". Kamal Hassan plays the role of a professor in this movie.
Later years
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 MBBSVasool Raja MBBS
Vasool Raja MBBS is a Tamil film starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Saran. This film is a remake of Hindi film Munnabhai MBBS. The rest of the cast includes Sneha, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, Sneha, Jayasurya, Nagesh, Malavika and Karunas...
, Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi
Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi
Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi is a 2006 Tamil historical comedy film directed by Chimbudeven. The film stars Vadivelu in his first lead role alongside Monica, Tejashree, Manorama, Nassar and Nagesh. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Sabesh-Murali. The film was produced and distributed...
, and his last appearance, Dasavathaaram.
Death
Nagesh was a chain smoker and a heavy drinker in his early days. However, he gradually gave up his smoking and drinking habit when he was dangerously ill during the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, his health began to decline in late 2008 due to progressive heart ailments.He died on 31 January 2009 at the age of 75 due to diabetes and a heart ailment while he was admitted in Balaji Hospital.
His final rituals was attended by all film actors including, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Ms. J. Jayalalitha, actor Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is an Indian film actor, screenwriter and director, considered to be one of the leading method actors of Indian cinema. He is widely acclaimed as an actor and is well known for his versatility in acting...
, Rajinikanth, Manorama, Venkataramani, V.S. Raghavan
V.S. Raghavan
V.S. Raghavan is a Tamil actor, who acts in both Tamil films as well as television, who started his career as a dramatist and stage actor and went on act as a character actor in films, starting with Vairamali and over 1000 films in all, he has also acted in numerous television series.-Early life...
and Y. G. Mahendran.
1960's
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Manamulla Marudhaaram | ||
| 1960 | Pachai Vilakku | ||
| Makkala Rajya | Kannada film | ||
| 1961 | Thayilla Pillai | ||
| 1962 | Nenjil Oru Aalayam | Ward boy | |
| 1963 | Madras To Pondicherry | ||
| 1964 | Server Sundaram Server Sundaram - External links :*... |
Sundaram | |
| Navarathri Navarathri Navratri, Navaratri, or Navarathri is a Hindu festival of worship of Shakti and dance & festivities. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped... |
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| Kaadhalikka Neramillai Kaadhalikka Neramillai Kadhalikka Neramillai is a 1964 Tamil comedy film starring T. S. Balaiya, R. Muthuraman, Ravichandran, Nagesh and others. The film was directed by Sridhar and music by M.S.Viswanathan.-Plot:... |
Chellappa | ||
| 1965 | Kuzhandhaiyum Deivamum | ||
| Enga Veettu Pillai Enga Veettu Pillai Enga Veettu Pillai is a Tamil language film starring M. G. Ramachandran in the lead role. The film was released in the 1965. This movie was a major box office success. This was a remake of the Telugu movie Ramudu Bheemudu released in 1964 with N. T. Rama Rao in the lead role.-Plot:Ramu is the... |
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| Neer Kumizhi | |||
| Thiruvilayadal | Dharumi | ||
| Aayirathil Oruvan Aayirathil Oruvan Aayirathil Oruvan is a 2010 Tamil fantasy-adventure film directed by Selvaraghavan in his fifth feature film. Produced by R. Ravindran at a budget of 32 crore rupees , it features music composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, cinematography by Ramji and editing by Kola Bhaskar... |
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| 1966 | Nadodi Nadodi Naadody is a 1992 Malayalam film produced and directed by Thampi Kannanthanam, and starring Mohanlal in the title role. Others in the cast include N. N. Pillai, Suresh Gopi, Babu Antony, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kuthiravattam Pappu, Jose Pellissery, Sathaar, Mohini, Sangeetha, and Baby Vichitra. The... |
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| Motor Sundaram Pillai | Saambu | ||
| Anbe Vaa Anbe Vaa Anbe Vaa was a high-budget Tamil language film starring M. G. Ramachandran and Saroja Devi in the lead rols. The film was released in the year 1966.The lead actor MGR was paid a new career peak salary of $70,000 for this project.-Plot:... |
Raamaiyaa | ||
| Chiththi | Widower's son | ||
| Saraswati Sabatham | |||
| 1966 | Major Chandrakanth Major Chandrakanth Major Chandrakanth is a 1993 Telugu film. N.T. Rama Rao and Mohan Babu played the lead roles. It Is Produced by Mohan Babu under His Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures Banner. Presented by Mohan Babu's younger son Manoj Kumar and directed by veteran K. Raghavendra Rao, the film had music by M. M... |
Mohan | |
| Yaarukkukaha Azhudhan | Joseph | ||
| 1967 | Jewel thief | ||
| Aalayam | |||
| Anubhavi Raja Anubhavi | Dual role | ||
| Athey Kangal | |||
| Bama Vijayam Bama Vijayam Bama Vijayam is a Tamil movie directed by K. Balachander. It is a family story narrated as a full-length comedy. The cast includes T. S. Balaiah, Nagesh, Sowcar Janaki, Kanchana, Jayanthi, Rajashri, Major Sundarrajan, Muthuraman, Srikanth, Kumari Sachu. Music is by M. S... |
Krishnan | ||
| Bhavani | |||
| Engalukkum Kaalam Varum | |||
| Farz Farz (1967 film) Farz is a 1967 Indian Hindi film. Directed by Ravikant Nagaich, it has music by Laxmikant Pyarelal and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The film stars Jeetendra and Babita along with Aruna Irani, Nagesh, Agha and David. The film was a surprise hit.-External links:*... |
Hindi film | ||
| Iru Malargal | |||
| Pattanathil Bhootham Pattanathil Bhootham Pattanathil Bhootham is a Tamil film directed by M.V. Raman, shot in Eastman Colour released in 1967.-Plot:Pattanathil Bhootham is a straightforward adaptation of The Brass Bottle 1964 with a romantic comedy twist, written by 'Javart' Sitaraman.... |
cheenu | ||
| 1968 | Ethir Neechal Ethir Neechal Ethir Neechal is a 1968 Tamil language drama film directed by K. Balachander starring Nagesh, Jayanthi, Sowcar Janaki, R. Muthuraman, Sundarrajan and Srikanth.- Plot :... |
Maadhu | |
| Ragasiya Police 115 | |||
| Soaappu Seeppu Kannadi Soaappu Seeppu Kannadi Soaappu Seeppu Kannadi is a 1968 Tamil family comedy drama starring Nagesh, Vijayanirmala in lead roles. It is produced by Karthikeya Films and directed by Thirumalai.-Plot:... |
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| Thamarai Nenjam | |||
| Thillana Mohanambal | Vaidhy | ||
| 1969 | Shanti Nilayam | ||
| Adimai Penn |
1970's
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Vietnam Veedu | ||
| Enga Mama | |||
| 1971 | Nootrukku Nooru Nootrukku Nooru Nootrukku Nooru is a 1971 Tamil-language film directed and written by K. Balachander. The protagonist who is a college professor is accused by three girls for sexual nuisance, just before the protagonist’s marriage... |
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| 1972 | Papam Pasivadu Papam Pasivadu Papam Pasivadu is a 1972 Telugu film directed by V. Ramachandra Rao. It is remake of South African film Lost in the Desert directed by Jamie Uys.-The plot:... |
Pilot | |
| Vasantha Maaligai | |||
| 1975 | Apoorva Raagangal Apoorva Raagangal Apoorva Raagangal is a 1975 Tamil film directed by K. Balachander. This film was controversial upon release as it examines relationships between people with wide age gaps, which challenged Indian social mores. The film went on to win the National Film Awards in 1976... |
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| Soggadu Soggadu (1975 film) Soggadu is a 1975 blockbuster Telugu drama film directed by K. Bapaiah. It was remade as Dildaar in Hindi in 1977, starring Jeetendra and Rekha.-The plot:... |
Sanyasi Rao | ||
| 1976 | Manushulanta Okkate Manushulanta Okkate -Boxoffice:The film ran for more than 100 days in many centers. It even celebrated Silver Jubilee.-External Links:* *... |
Ganapathi | |
| Vaanga Sambandhi Vaanga | |||
| Uthaman | |||
| Uzhaikkum Karangal | |||
| Unakkaaga Naan | |||
| Aatukaara Alamelu | |||
| Thaayilla Kuzhandhai | |||
| 1977 | Indradhanusu | ||
| Aasai Manaivi | |||
| Sri Krishna leela | kuselan | ||
| Meenava Nanban | |||
| Swargam naragam | |||
| Deepam | |||
| 1978 | Oru Nadigai Naadagam Paarkiraal | ||
| Sila nerangalil sila manithargal | |||
| Thripurasundari | |||
| Rudrathaandavam | |||
| Thaayagam | |||
| Varuvaan Vadivelan | |||
| Raadhaiketha kannan | |||
| 1979 | Dhairiyalakshmi | ||
| Veettukku Veedu Vaasappadi | |||
| Velliratham | |||
| Neelamalargal | |||
| Annai Oru Aalayam |
1980's
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Natchathiram | ||
| Sujatha | |||
| Enga Vathiyaar | |||
| Adhirshtakaaran | |||
| Bhama Rukmani | |||
| 1981 | Valarthu Mirugangal | Naanu | |
| Thillu Mullu Thillu Mullu Thillu Mullu is a 1981 Tamil movie starring Rajinikanth, Madhavi, 'Thengai' Srinivasan, Nagesh, Sowkar Janaki and music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The film is directed by noted filmmaker, K. Balachander.The film is actually a remake of the Hindi Blockbuster comedy film Gol Maal released in 1979... |
As himself | Cameo | |
| Gadasari Attaha Sosagara Kodalu | |||
| Arumbugal | |||
| Devudu Mamayya | |||
| Kadal Meengal Kadal Meengal Kadal Meengal is a 1981 Indian Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan, Sujatha, Nagesh and Thangavelu. -Cast:*Kamal Haasan as Selvanayakam and Rajan*Sujatha as Bhagyam*Nagesh*Thangavelu *Ambika -Soundtrack:... |
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| Kondavetti Simham | |||
| 1982 | Justice Chowdhury | ||
| Amarakaaviyam | |||
| Kalthoon | |||
| Vaa Kanna Vaa | |||
| 1983 | Thookumedai | ||
| Mohanapunnagai | |||
| 1984 | Magudi | ||
| Thenkoodu | |||
| 1985 | Padikkaadhavan | ||
| Priyamudan Prabhu | |||
| 1986 | Karu Diddina Kapuram | ||
| Maaveeran Maaveeran Maaveeran is a Tamil film is directed by Rajasekar. It was a 100 days film in south India and a major hit in its dubbed versions of "Telugu" , "Malayalam" and "Kannada". The film is a remake of the 1985 Hindi film Mard. Ambika appeared in a highly glamorous role alongside Rajinikanth, who first... |
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| Paadum Vaanampaadi | |||
| 1987 | Kachchi Kali | ||
| Cooliekaaran | |||
| 1989 | Apoorva Sagodharargal | Dharmaraj | |
| Indrudu Chandrudu Indrudu Chandrudu -Awards:* Kamal Haasan won Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu in 1989.-Features:*For the Tamil dubbing, Kamal Haasan, Srividya and Nagesh dubbed their own voice for their part.*This is the only film that both Kamal Haasan and Vijayashanti acted together.... |
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| Raja Rajathaan | |||
| Mounam Sammadham |
1990's
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Athisaya Piravi Athisaya Piravi Athisaya Piravi is a 1990 Tamil film starring Rajinikanth, Nagesh and Kanaka and music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was directed by SP. Muthuraman... |
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| Engal Swamy Ayyappan | |||
| Pudhu Pudhu Raagangal | |||
| 1991 | Michael Madana Kama Rajan | Avinashi | |
| Raja Kaiya Vechaa | |||
| Cheran Pandiyan | |||
| Nanbargal | |||
| Thalapathi Thalapathi Thalapathi is a 1991 Indian Tamil film written and directed by Mani Ratnam, and produced by G. Venkateswaran under the banner of G. V. Films. The film stars Rajnikanth, Mammootty and Shobana in the lead roles with Arvind Swamy, Srividya, Amrish Puri, Bhanupriya, Nagesh, and Charuhasan essaying... |
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| Gopura Vaasalile | |||
| Putham Pudhu Payanam | |||
| 1992 | Allari Mogudu | ||
| Thambi Pondaatti | |||
| Purushan Enakku Arasan | |||
| Rickshaw Mama | |||
| Brindavanam | |||
| 1993 | Madam Madam Madam, or madame, is a polite title used for women which, in English, is the equivalent of Mrs. or Ms., and is often found abbreviated as "ma'am", and less frequently as "ma'm". It is derived from the French madame, which means "my lady", the feminine form of lord; the plural of ma dame in this... |
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| Kattabomman | |||
| 1994 | Magalir Mattum Magalir Mattum Magalir Mattum is a 1994 Tamil-language Indian feature film directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, starring Revathy, Urvashi, Rohini and Nassar in lead roles with Nagesh and Kamal Haasan in guest appearance. The film was inspired by the American film 9 to 5... |
A dead body | |
| Gandeevam | |||
| Brahmachari Mogudu | |||
| Nammavar Nammavar Nammavar is a 1994 Tamil language film K. S. Sethumadhavan and starring Kamal Haasan and Gouthami in lead roles.Kamal Hassan plays a revolutionary lecturer/vice principal of a college. The movie is about how he tries to reform the downtrodden college by his initiatives and its consequences. The... |
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| 1995 | Marumagan | ||
| Kizhakkumalai | |||
| 1996 | Avvai Shanmugi Avvai Shanmugi Avvai Shanmugi is a 1996 Tamil comedy film directed by K. S. Ravikumar and written by Crazy Mohan, which is an Indian adaptation of the American comedy film, Mrs. Doubtfire. The film features Kamal Haasan in the lead role with Meena, Gemini Ganesan, Nagesh, Heera, Manivannan and Nassar... |
Joseph | |
| Aayudha Poojai | |||
| 1997 | Pagaivan Pagaivan Pagaivan is a 1997 Tamil film starring Sathyaraj, Ajith Kumar and Anjala Zhaveri in the leading roles. The film revolves around a kidnapping undertaken by Ajith and the actions that the victim's father take to save his daughter. The film also featured Ranjitha, Nagesh, K. S. Ravikumar and Vivek... |
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| Poochooda Vaa | |||
| Raasi | |||
| Thadayam | |||
| 1998 | Tholi Prema Tholi Prema Tholi Prema is a Telugu film which released on 24 July 1998 which was produced by G.V.G Raju and directed by Karunakaran. It stars Pawan Kalyan and Keerthi Reddy. The film was later remade in Hindi as Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai starring Tusshar Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor. It was dubbed in Tamil as... |
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| Desiya Geetham Desiya Geetham -Plot:Keeping in line with his two earlier films he came up with 'Desiyageetham' which created a controversy while in the making. In walks Nasser wearing dark glasses etc. as Chief Minister. The four youths led by Murali spit on the banner and abuse Nasser. Reports had it that Tamil Nadu Chief... |
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| Subhakankshalu | |||
| Kaadhala Kaadhala | Chokkalingam |
2000's
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Rhythm Rhythm (film) Rhythm is a 2000 Tamil film directed by Vasanth. The film stars Arjun, Meena and Manivannan in lead roles and Ramesh Aravind and Jyothika in supporting roles. The music is by A. R. Rahman, while cinematography was handled by P.S. Vinod and Arthur A. Wilson... |
Kathikeyan's father | |
| 2001 | Minnale Minnale Minnale is a 2001 Tamil film written and directed by Gautham Menon. The film featured Madhavan, Abbas and Reemma Sen, with Vivek and Nagesh also appearing in pivotal roles. The film's soundtrack was composed by debutant Harris Jayaraj, which became successful prior to release, helping the film... |
Subbuni | |
| Poovellam Un Vasam Poovellam Un Vasam Poovellam Un Vasam is a 2001 Tamil film directed by Ezhil and produced by Venu Ravichandran, starring Ajith Kumar and Jyothika in leading roles. Nagesh, Sivakumar, Sayaji Shinde, Vivek also appear in supporting roles while Yukta Mookhey appeared in a solo item number... |
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| 2002 | Panchathanthiram | Parthasarathy | |
| Bala Bala - Places :* Balâ, Ankara, a town and district of Ankara Province in Turkey* Bala , another name for Segor or Zoara, one of the Old Testament "Cities of the Plain"* Bala, Gwynedd, Wales, United Kingdom** Bala Lake, the largest natural lake in Wales... |
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| 2003 | Kadhal Kondain | ||
| 2004 | Vasool Raja MBBS Vasool Raja MBBS Vasool Raja MBBS is a Tamil film starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Saran. This film is a remake of Hindi film Munnabhai MBBS. The rest of the cast includes Sneha, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, Sneha, Jayasurya, Nagesh, Malavika and Karunas... |
Sriman Venkatraman | |
| 2006 | Saravana Saravana Saravanaa is a 2006 Tamil language film directed by K. S. Ravikumar. It is a love story set in the backdrop of a village war starring Silambarasan, Jyothika, Prakash Raj, Vivek, Radha Ravi, Devadarshini, Nagesh, and others. The film was a high-budget production and the soundtrack was composed by... |
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| Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi | Mokkayappar | ||
| 2007 | Pori Pori (film) Pori is a Tamil film directed by Subramani Siva. Subramani Siva, who rendered his debut Thiruda Thirudi, a 2004 runaway blockbuster. This movie has Jeeva in the lead and Pooja as his lady love. The film failed to make an impact in box office.-Plot:Hari is an unemployed youth who runs a pavement... |
Jeeva's father | |
| 2008 | Dasavathaaram | Sheikh | Posthumous film |
External links
- Veteran comedian Nagesh dead in The HinduThe HinduThe Hindu is an Indian English-language daily newspaper founded and continuously published in Chennai since 1878. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, it has a circulation of 1.46 million copies as of December 2009. The enterprise employed over 1,600 workers and gross income reached $40...
- Nagesh: Comedy King of Tamil Cinema
- Great Comedian Nagesh