25 July 2011) was a Malaysian Indian actor who played lead hero roles in Tamil films from 1964 to 1979.
He has also aced in supporting roles from 1986, and directed a few films.He was given the title of "Kalaingnar Thilagham" in many of the on-screen credits of films starring him in the lead role.
He was also called "Puratchi Kalaignar" (Refer: Anandha Bairavi Tamil Movie Title Scene).
Before entering cinema, during his studies in Trichy, he has acted in two dramas, namely, AanaiyidungalAnna and Udhaya Suriyan.
After entering cinema, he has acted in two dramas, namely, Mapplley Yen Magalaik Kadhali and That Man from Poonthamallee.
In the drama That man from Poonthamallee, he performed in a double role and Thirumuruga Kirupanandha Variyar, who presided over the drama in Vellore, has appreciated and awarded him the title "Nadaga Sigamani".
He has also acted in a TV serial, namely, GEE Boom Ba in 1986.
He has also made a Guest Role in a Hindi Movie "Nanha Farishta" with Vennira Aadai Nirmala.
During his tenure of acting, his fans, journalists and movie-directors/producers have given many titles, viz., Kalai Ulaga Ilavarasar, Kalai Nilavu, Romantic Hero, Velli Vizha Kathanayagan, Vannap Pada Nayagan, Evergreen Hero, Chinna MGR, Kalaignar Thilagam, Style King, Stunt Man an, Bhagdath Perazhagan, Kalai Chelvan, Pudhumai Thilagam etc.