Delhi Ganesh – Movies, Biography, News, Age Net Worth & Photos

Delhi Ganesh, born Ganesan on August 1, 1944, in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, was a prominent Indian actor renowned for his extensive career in Tamil cinema. Known for his versatility across a range of roles, he appeared in over 400 films, working with some of the industry’s most celebrated directors and actors. Ganesan, who came to be known professionally as “Delhi Ganesh,” passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 80 due to age-related health issues, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema.

Full Name	Delhi Ganesh
Date of Birth	August 1, 1944
Place of Birth	Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
Profession	Actor, Dubbing Artist
Debut Film	Pattana Pravesham (1976)
Years Active	1976–2024
Primary Industry	Tamil Cinema
Other Languages Acted	Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi
Awards	Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Character Artiste
Television Debut	Malgudi Days (1987)
Web Series Debut	America Mappillai (2018)

Early Life and Beginnings

Ganesh was born in Keezhapavur, a town in present-day Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu. He completed his schooling in Vallanadu in the Thoothukudi district. In his early years, he joined the Indian Air Force and served from 1964 to 1974. His introduction to acting came through the theatre, joining the Delhi-based troupe Dakshina Bharata Nataka Sabha, where his talent began to attract attention. He later joined Kathadi Ramamurthi’s troupe, where he portrayed the role of Kuselar in the play Dowry Kalyana Vaibhogame. His impactful performance in this role caught the eye of legendary director K. Balachander, who introduced him to Tamil cinema with the 1976 film Pattina Pravesam, marking the beginning of Ganesh’s illustrious film career.

Film Career and Breakthrough

Delhi Ganesh’s career spanned nearly five decades, with roles that showcased his incredible range and acting depth. His collaborations with Kamal Haasan in movies like Nayakan (1987), Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989), Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990), Avvai Shanmugi (1996), and Thenali (2001) remain some of his most celebrated works. In Nayakan, Ganesh portrayed a devout follower of the protagonist Velu Nayakkar (played by Kamal Haasan), a role that showcased his ability to bring emotional depth to his characters. He reprised similar roles in later films like Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu (2022), directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, where he made a memorable cameo appearance.

Ganesh was also known for his comic timing, with roles like the Palakkad-based cook in Michael Madana Kama Rajan receiving particular acclaim for his mix of Tamil and Malayalam accents, which added humor and authenticity to his character. His versatility extended to villainous roles as well, with his portrayal of Francis Anbarasu in Apoorva Sagodharargal becoming one of his standout performances, particularly for the unique on-screen demise of his character.

Notable Collaborations and Achievements

Delhi Ganesh often credited his success to his work with Kamal Haasan and K. Balachander, with whom he shared an extraordinary rapport. His recurring roles as Haasan’s sidekick or foil brought out some of his best performances, with critics noting their chemistry and ability to connect with audiences. Ganesh also worked under directors like Mani Ratnam, K. S. Ravikumar, and Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, portraying diverse characters that spanned genres and generations.

Ganesh received multiple awards throughout his career, including the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Pasi (1979) and the prestigious Kalaimamani Award in 1994, conferred by then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. He also made notable appearances in films like Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), Sri Raghavendrar (1985), Chatriyan (1990), Iruvar (1997), and Saamy (2003).

Television and Web Series

In addition to films, Delhi Ganesh appeared in several popular Tamil television soap operas and web series. He notably took on negative roles in the soap opera Chellamay, which earned mixed reviews from audiences and led to a shift in his career choices. Ganesh’s performances in web series like Navarasa on Netflix and America Mappillai on Zee5 showcased his adaptability in the evolving entertainment landscape.

Personal Life and Legacy

Ganesh ventured into film production in 2015 with Ennul Aayiram, starring his son Maha in the lead role. The film marked his transition from actor to producer, bringing forth his vision for Tamil cinema.

In December 2023, he was honored with the Gowri Manohari Award for his contributions to Tamil theatre, underscoring his dedication to the performing arts. Ganesh’s final film appearance was in Indian 2 (2024), a fitting conclusion to his long career, symbolizing his lasting connection to Tamil cinema. His legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and peers alike, who remember him as one of Tamil cinema’s most beloved supporting actors.

Key Filmography

Some of Delhi Ganesh’s notable films include:

Nayakan (1987)
Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989)
Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990)
Avvai Shanmugi (1996)
Thenali (2001)
Sindhu Bhairavi (1985)
Saamy (2003)
Kaavalan (2011)

Death and Impact

Delhi Ganesh passed away on November 9, 2024, in Chennai, leaving a void in Tamil cinema. Known for his unique blend of humor, emotion, and gravitas, he leaves behind a rich filmography that serves as an inspiration for future generations of actors.

Malayalam Films

Year	Title	Role
1993	Dhruvam	Ramayyan
1993	Devaasuram	Panicker
1994	The City	Commissioner Muthulingam IPS
1996	Kaalapani	Pandiyan
2005	Kochi Rajavu	Madhavan
2006	Keerthi Chakra	Jai’s father
2010	Pokkiri Raja	Velu
2014	Peruchazhi	Tamil Nadu delegate
2015	Lavender	Isha’s grandfather
2019	Manoharam	Ali Bhai

Other Language Films

Year	Title	Role	Language
1991	Jaitra Yatra	–	Telugu
2005	Dus	Suryakant Raidu	Hindi
2006	Naayudamma	–	Telugu
2009	Punnami Naagu	Priest	Telugu
2009	Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani	Temple priest	Hindi
2013	Chennai Express	Villager	Hindi

Dubbing Artist Film Credits

Title	Actor	Language
Mazhalai Pattalam	Vishnuvardhan	Tamil
47 Natkal	Chiranjeevi	Tamil
Kudumbam Oru Kadambam	Prathap Pothen	Tamil
Thanga Magan	Raveendran	Tamil
Kaadhal Devathai	Chiranjeevi	Tamil (dubbed)
Devaraagam	Nedumudi Venu	Tamil
Veeran	Lokesh	Tamil