Vadivelu
Encyclopedia
Vadivelu often referred to as Vadivel, is a Tamil film actor,comedian and playback singer
. Since 2000, he has acted as a comedian in various Tamil films
. During his career, Vadivelu has won several Filmfare Awards
and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
. He is renowned for his slapstick comedies.
, Vadivelu is popularly known as Vaigai Puyal, meaning "the storm from the Vaigai River
", a river which flows through Madurai, for his high sense of humor. Prior to his film career, he was working in a small shop where glass frames for photos and paintings were done. He was struggling with his then monthly income of just a few hundred rupees. With his movie career taking off, his fortunes turned. By 1994, he owned a Tata Sierra
(which at that time was considered a luxury).
-Senthil comedy duo, he rose to prominence after his role in Kadhalan
(1994), although his debut movie was En Rasavin Manasiley (1991), directed by Kasthoori Raja. He came to the forefront after his role in Kadhalan. Some of his most famous movies are: Bharathi Kannamma, Vetri Kodi Kattu, Winner
and Chandramukhi
. The actor played the lead role in the blockbuster Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi where he played the dual role of twin brothers. His next movie in a lead role was Indiralogathil Na Azhagappan, which was however a big failure.
neighbourhood in Chennai
, was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows and furniture smashed and damaged. The actor had taken refuge in a room in his home and was safe. Vadivelu is said to have suspected Vijayakanth because of a recent controversy that broke out between the two. Vadivelu had previously filed a case against Vijayakanth for assault and the final court hearing took place on Monday, 22 September 2008. The attack may have occurred in order to prevent Vadivelu from attending the court hearing.
Vadivelu has filed another case against Vijayakanth for attempted murder and investigations are taking place. Vadivelu has also mentioned his keen interest in competing against Vijayakanth in the next assembly elections and "teaching him a lesson." In response, actor Vijayakanth told a press meet on September 22 that Vadivelu's allegations are based on hearsay.
during the month of April in 2011, Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
(DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned politician and actor Vijayakanth, whose party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam
(DMDK), allied with the opposition party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
(AIADMK), headed by J. Jayalalitha. His allegations of Vijayakanth included him being a "drunkard". In a campaign speech in Tiruvarur
, Vadivelu stated that "(his) only aim is to sweep out Vijayakanth’s whole team and to campaign vigorously for DMK’s victory". Vadivelu was criticized as being biased, only supporting a DMK-led victory for personal gains and not once mentioning anything against the official opposition, the AIADMK, or its leader. In a turn of events, the election was eventually successful for the AIADMK alliance while Vijayakanth was victorious by a significant margin in his own constituency.
Playback singer
A playback singer is a singer whose singing is prerecorded for use in movies. Playback singers record songs for soundtracks, and actors or actresses lip-sync the songs for cameras, while the actual singer does not appear on screen.-South Asia:...
. Since 2000, he has acted as a comedian in various Tamil films
Tamil cinema
Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered...
. During his career, Vadivelu has won several Filmfare Awards
Filmfare Awards South
Filmfare Awards South is the South Indian segment of the annual Filmfare Awards, presented by The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the South Indian film industry. The awards are separately given for Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films...
and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards are the most notable film awards given for Tamil films in India. They are given annually to honour the best talents and provide encouragement and incentive to the South Indian film industry by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The awards are decided by a committee headed by...
. He is renowned for his slapstick comedies.
Early life
Born in the city of MaduraiMadurai
Madurai is the third largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the capital city of the Pandyan Kingdom. It is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District and is famous for its temples built by Pandyan and...
, Vadivelu is popularly known as Vaigai Puyal, meaning "the storm from the Vaigai River
Vaigai River
The Vaigai is a river in Madurai, Tamil Nadu state of southern India. It originates in the Periyar Plateau of the Western Ghats range, and flows northeast through the Kambam Valley, which lies between the Palni Hills to the north and the Varushanad Hills to the south. The Vattaparai Falls are...
", a river which flows through Madurai, for his high sense of humor. Prior to his film career, he was working in a small shop where glass frames for photos and paintings were done. He was struggling with his then monthly income of just a few hundred rupees. With his movie career taking off, his fortunes turned. By 1994, he owned a Tata Sierra
Tata Sierra
The Tata Sierra, or the Tata Sierra Turbo, was a three door sport utility vehicle produced by Tata Motors of India.It was the first automobile to be designed and produced in India. The vehicle also forms the basis for DC Design's Arya Concept vehicle. The Sierra is powered by a 1.9 litre...
(which at that time was considered a luxury).
Career
Starting as a sidekick to the famed GoundamaniGoundamani
Goundamani is a Tamil film actor, comedian and screen icon. He is considered as the greatest comic actor in Kollywood and is renowned for his alliance with fellow actor Senthil.-Early Life:...
-Senthil comedy duo, he rose to prominence after his role in Kadhalan
Kadhalan
Kadhalan is a Tamil film released in 1994, written and directed by S. Shankar. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by A. R. Rahman. The film stars Prabhu Deva and Nagma in the lead roles. Actor Vikram has dubbed his voice for Prabhu Deva...
(1994), although his debut movie was En Rasavin Manasiley (1991), directed by Kasthoori Raja. He came to the forefront after his role in Kadhalan. Some of his most famous movies are: Bharathi Kannamma, Vetri Kodi Kattu, Winner
Winner (film)
Winner is a 2003 Indian Tamil film, written and directed by Sundar C, that stars Prashanth, Kiran and Vadivelu in lead roles, while Vijayakumar, M. N. Nambiar, Rajkapoor, Prathap Singh, Riyaz Khan among others play other supporting roles. The film, scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja and filmed by M....
and Chandramukhi
Chandramukhi
Chandramukhi is a 2005 Indian horror, comedy and drama film directed by P. Vasu and produced by Ramkumar Ganesan. With a few deviations, it is a remake of Vasu's 2004 Kannada film Apthamitra, which was in-turn a remake of the 1993 Malayalam film Manichithrathazhu...
. The actor played the lead role in the blockbuster Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi where he played the dual role of twin brothers. His next movie in a lead role was Indiralogathil Na Azhagappan, which was however a big failure.
Acting style
Vadivelu's roles involve heavy use of slapstick and puns, which has led him to being typecast. His comedy sequences typically end with him getting soundly thrashed and a closing one-liner from him bemoaning his situation or antagonists. Some of his famous lines are "Aaha oru guruppa thaaanya alayaraangaya" (this roughly translates to: These people seem to roam around in groups to pick on him), "vanduttangayya, vandutanngya" (In Tamil this announces the arrival of his soon-to-be tormentors). His popularity could be ascribed to the general audience being able to identify with him thanks to his rustic looks, accent and body language. This is unlike other actors, especially heroes, who are generally perceived as ideals, adored but not seen as the guy or girl next door. He has worked in over 350 films.Dispute with Vijayakanth
On 21 September 2008, Vadivelu's residence, located in the SaligramamSaligramam
Saligramam is a residential locality situated in the western part of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India. Saligramam is surrounded by Vadapalani in the East Virugambakkam in the West, KK Nagar in the South and Koyambedu in the north. Saligramam was having the Majority of Film Studios...
neighbourhood in Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
, was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows and furniture smashed and damaged. The actor had taken refuge in a room in his home and was safe. Vadivelu is said to have suspected Vijayakanth because of a recent controversy that broke out between the two. Vadivelu had previously filed a case against Vijayakanth for assault and the final court hearing took place on Monday, 22 September 2008. The attack may have occurred in order to prevent Vadivelu from attending the court hearing.
Vadivelu has filed another case against Vijayakanth for attempted murder and investigations are taking place. Vadivelu has also mentioned his keen interest in competing against Vijayakanth in the next assembly elections and "teaching him a lesson." In response, actor Vijayakanth told a press meet on September 22 that Vadivelu's allegations are based on hearsay.
Dispute with Singamuthu
In 2010, Vadivelu held a press conference, accusing fellow comedian and actor Singamuthu for forgery and financial cheating. Vadivelu, who was previously friends with Singamuthu, purchased land from him but later came to learn that the documents were void. This resulted in the former taking legal action on the latter.2011 state election in Tamil Nadu
During the legislative assembly elections that took place in Tamil NaduTamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
during the month of April in 2011, Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is a state political party in the states of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, India. It is a Dravidian party founded by C. N. Annadurai as a breakaway faction from the Dravidar Kazhagam headed by Periyar...
(DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned politician and actor Vijayakanth, whose party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam is a regional political party formed by Tamil film actor Vijayakanth in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu along the lines of the regional Dravidian political parties. He formally announced party formation on September 14, 2005 at Madurai...
(DMDK), allied with the opposition party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is a state political party in the states of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, India. The party was founded by M. G. Ramachandran and is now headed by J. Jayalalithaa. The party headquarters is in Royapettah, Chennai, and was gifted to the party in 1986 by its...
(AIADMK), headed by J. Jayalalitha. His allegations of Vijayakanth included him being a "drunkard". In a campaign speech in Tiruvarur
Tiruvarur
Tiruvarur is a town and a municipality in Tiruvarur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Tiruvarur is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvarur district. Tiruvarur is one of the oldest towns which has been popular as cultural head quarters for many centuries...
, Vadivelu stated that "(his) only aim is to sweep out Vijayakanth’s whole team and to campaign vigorously for DMK’s victory". Vadivelu was criticized as being biased, only supporting a DMK-led victory for personal gains and not once mentioning anything against the official opposition, the AIADMK, or its leader. In a turn of events, the election was eventually successful for the AIADMK alliance while Vijayakanth was victorious by a significant margin in his own constituency.