Veteran Tamil actor Delhi Ganesh, celebrated for his exceptional versatility in supporting roles, has sadly passed away at the age of 80 due to health complications. He took his last breath on the night of November 9, 2024. Ganesh's family issued a poignant statement confirming his demise, stating, "We deeply regret to inform that our father Mr Delhi Ganesh has passed away on 9th November at around 11pm." His mortal remains have been placed in Ramapuram, Chennai, and his final rites are scheduled for November 11.
Delhi Ganesh's illustrious acting career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in more than 400 films, solidifying his status as a beloved character actor in Tamil cinema. Renowned for his ability to effortlessly embody a wide array of roles—be it a comedian, a villain, or a heartfelt supporting character—he shared the screen with some of Tamil cinema's most iconic stars, including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
Ganesh made his film debut in 1976 with the movie Pattina Pravesam, directed by the legendary K. Balachander, who also bestowed upon him the stage name 'Delhi Ganesh'. Although he briefly took on the role of a hero in Engamma Maharani (1981), it was his extensive work as a supporting actor that truly made him a household name. His most memorable performances include roles in films like Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), Nayakan (1987), Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990), Aahaa..! (1997), and Thenali (2000), where his ability to evoke both humor and emotion garnered him widespread acclaim.
Delhi Ganesh's contributions to Tamil cinema were recognized with several prestigious awards. He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for his performance in Pasi (1979). Additionally, he was honored with the Kalaimamani award in 1994 by then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, acknowledging his excellence in the arts. In the later years of his career, Ganesh also explored television and short films, continuing to captivate audiences with his unique style. Notably, he appeared in a memorable cameo as Alfred Pennyworth in the short film What If Batman Was from Chennai. His brief yet impactful role in the 2016 thriller Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru, directed by Karthick Naren, also received positive reviews. Furthermore, he was a member of the Delhi-based theatre troupe Dakshina Bharata Nataka Sabha.
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