Legendary Actor Nagesh is Dead

Nagesh - The Legendary Tamil Comedian is dead. Truly it is an end of an era.

He was not just a comedian; he was a great actor, probably better than even the lead role actors.

I personally was a BIG fan of his acting. No one can match his innate talent, timing and dialog delivery. Acting came very naturally to him and there will be no one ever to reach even half the way up to the height at which his accomplishments are.

There are so many performances from him that will stick in our minds forever. He has entertained Tamil Movie fans for so many years and his loss is irreplaceable.

I remember how I used to decide on whether to watch an old movie – by looking at the titles and if there was Nagesh, it meant it was a YES YES!

He has this uncanny ability to totally lift the movie up even with a few minutes of his presence.

His movies Ethirneechal and Server Sundaram, Poova Thalaya will be evergreen favorites. I watch Thiruvilayadal over and over again just for his scene – by far the best comedy of Tamil cinema.

No one can forget his stellar performance from the movie Nammavar as Professor Rao.

The greatest superstar of Tamil Cinema, may his soul rest in peace.

Onnukku Onnu Thunai from the movie Nandalala

The only that thing that strikingly reminds me of, after listening to this song is this dialog from the movie Music and Lyrics:

Sophie (Drew Barrymore) - “A melody is like seeing someone for the first time, the physical attraction, SEX. But then as you get to know the person – that’s the lyrics, the story, who they are underneath”

I think that statement would suit for all songs and especially this masterpiece from the maestro. When I first heard it, I don’t know how I managed to completely ignore the lyrics, maybe because of Yesudas sir's voice or the soulful melody. I kept humming the tune all day long today at work, not exactly knowing the words.

Tonight when I heard it again, I specifically paid attention to the lyrics and realized that this might probably be one of the best songs I have heard in recent times, better than even Ilayaraaja sir’s other songs. The song touches many aspects of a common man’s life - loneliness, poverty, relationship, spirituality, Love and many more, all in a simple, pleasant and yet powerful way.

I don’t know who the lyricist is, but this is one powerful song that I am sure is going to haunt me for a long, long time. I love Ilayaraaja for the genius in him and for all the magic he has weaved over all these years. I think no one can blend the “charanam” and the “pallavi” as he does and this song is no exception.

“Intha bhoomiyil anaathai yaar… anaathai yaar…”