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{{Short description|Indian actor, politician and entrepreneur}}
{{Short description|American-Indian actor, entrepreneur and former Indian politician (born 1963)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name               = Napoleon
| name               = Napoleon
| birthname           = Kumaresan Duraisamy
| birthname         = Kumaresan Duraisamy
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1963|12|2}}
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1963|12|2}}
| birth_place         = [[Tiruchirappalli]], [[Madras State]] (now [[Tamil Nadu]]), India
| birth_place       = [[Tiruchirappalli]], [[Madras State]] (now [[Tamil Nadu]]), India
| image               = Nepoleon Duraisamy.png
| image             = Nepoleon Duraisamy.png
| caption             =
| spouse             = {{marriage |Jayasudha |1993}}
| module             =  
| children          = 2
  {{Infobox officeholder | embed = yes
| occupation    = {{hlist|[[Actor]]|
[[Politician]]|
[[Entrepreneur]]}}
| website            = {{url|http://actornepoleon.com}}
| years_active      = 1991–present
| education          = [[St. Joseph's College, Trichy]]
<!-- Infobox does not support the following parameter:| residence          = [[Nashville, Tennessee]] -->
| module             = {{Infobox officeholder | embed = yes
     | office              = [[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (India)|Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment]] Government of India
     | office              = [[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (India)|Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment]] Government of India
     | term_start          = 13 June 2009
     | term_start          = 28 May
2009
     | term_end            = 20 March 2013
     | term_end            = 20 March 2013
     | predecessor        = Manmohan Singh
    | minister            =
     | successor          = [[Selja Kumari]]
*[[Mukul Wasnik]] <br/> (31 May 2009 – 27 October 2012)
     | party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (2014-present)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/former-union-minister-d-napoleon-quits-dmk-joins-bjp/articleshow/45593458.cms | title=Former union minister D Napoleon quits DMK; joins BJP | newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] | date=21 December 2014 | accessdate=6 April 2021}}</ref>
*[[Selja Kumari]] <br/> (27 October 2012 – 20 March 2013)
     | otherparty         = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (1980-2014)
     | predecessor        = [[Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan]]
     | residence          = [[Nashville, Tennessee]]
     | successor          = [[Manikrao Hodlya Gavit]]
     | source              = http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/memberbioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4547&lastls=15
     | alongside          = [[Balram Naik]] <br/> (''from 28 October 2012 to 20 March 2013'')
    | office1            = [[Member of Parliament]], [[Lok Sabha]]
    | term_start1        = 16 May 2009
    | term_end1          = 16 May 2014
    | predecessor1        = [[A. Raja]]
    | successor1          = [[R. P. Marutharajaa]]
    | constituency1      = [[Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency|Perambalur]]
    | office2            = [[Member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
    | term_start2        = 14 May 2001
    | term_end2          = 12 May 2006
    | predecessor2        = [[J. M. Aaron Rashid]]
     | successor2         = [[B. Ranganathan]]
     | constituency2      = [[Villivakkam Assembly constituency|Villivakkam]]
     | otherparty          = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (2014)      |party = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (1980-2014)
   }}
   }}
| spouse              = Jayasudha <br>(m.1993-present)
| children            = Dhanoosh <br />Gunal
| occupation          = Film actor<Br />Politician<Br /> Social entrepreneur<Br />Entrepreneur
| website            = {{url|http://actornepoleon.com}}
| years_active        = 1991–present
| education          = [[St. Joseph's College, Trichy]]
}}
}}


'''Kumaresan Duraisamy''' (born 2 December 1963), known professionally by his stage name '''Napoleon''' or '''Nepoleon''', is an Indian actor, politician and entrepreneur.<ref name="Manoj">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/after-mla-roles-napoleon-ready-for-real-power/467679/|title=After MLA napoleon ready for real power|last=Manoj|first=CG|date=29 May 2009|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> He was the [[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (India)|Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment]] in Indian Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]]'s cabinet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chiloka.com/celebrity/napoleon-actor|title = Napoleon Age, Movies, Biography, Photos}}</ref> He has acted in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Kannada]] and English movies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jul/07/interview--actor-napoleon-on-his-hollywood-debut-film-devils-night-dawn-of-the-nain-rouge-2166284.html|title = INTERVIEW &#124; Actor Napoleon on his Hollywood debut film 'Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge'}}</ref>
'''Kumaresan Duraisamy''' (born 2 December 1963), known professionally by his stage name '''Napoleon''', is an Indian actor, entrepreneur and former politician.<ref name="Manoj">{{Cite news |last=Manoj |first=CG |date=29 May 2009 |title=After MLA napoleon ready for real power |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/after-mla-roles-napoleon-ready-for-real-power/467679/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527152453/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/after-mla-roles-napoleon-ready-for-real-power/467679 |archive-date=27 May 2013}}</ref> He was the [[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (India)|Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment]] in Indian Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]]'s cabinet. He has acted predominately in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] films apart from some [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]] and English movies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-07 |title=INTERVIEW &#124; Actor Napoleon on his Hollywood debut film 'Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jul/07/interview--actor-napoleon-on-his-hollywood-debut-film-devils-night-dawn-of-the-nain-rouge-2166284.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184219/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jul/07/interview--actor-napoleon-on-his-hollywood-debut-film-devils-night-dawn-of-the-nain-rouge-2166284.html |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early and personal life==
He graduated from [[St. Joseph's College, Trichy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/napoleon/biography.html|title = Exclusive biography of #Napoleon and on his life}}</ref>
Napoleon was born as Kumaresan Duraisamy on 2 December 1963 in Tiruchirappali. He graduated from [[St. Joseph's College, Trichy]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Illustrious alumni/ae |url=https://www.sjctni.edu/aboutus.jsp?p=honors |url-status=live |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=[[St. Joseph's College, Trichy]] |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203004422/https://sjctni.edu/aboutus.jsp?p=honors }}</ref>
 
In 1993, he married Jayasudha and had two sons: Dhanoosh and Gunal. Dhanoosh was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which eventually prompted Napoleon and his family to move to America.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/gallery/entertainment/napoleon-son-wedding-in-japan-grabs-attention-know-how-much-did-the-actor-spent-on-the-marriage-gcw-smtynt|title=Napoleon's son wedding in Japan grabs attention: Know how much did the actor spent on the marriage?|website=Asianet Newsable}}</ref> Gunal directed the music video for the local LA-based band affengriffon's "I Just Wanna See You".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailybruin.com/2023/07/16/alumni-filmmakers-revitalize-flicks-with-eccentric-style-and-classic-references|title=Alumni filmmakers revitalize flicks with eccentric style and classic references|website=Daily Bruin}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==


===Politics===
===Politics===
After college, he moved to Trichy and became enthused by the ideologies of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) party. He joined the party in which his uncle [[K. N. Nehru]] was already a member and at that time the Public Welfare Minister of the state government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2014/dec/28/Napolean-Calls-Uncle-the-Reason-Behind-Quitting-DMK-698871.html|title=Napolean Calls Uncle the Reason Behind Quitting DMK}}</ref>
Napoleon became enthused by the ideologies of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) party. He joined the party in which his uncle [[K. N. Nehru]] was already a member and at that time the Public Welfare Minister of the state government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-12-28 |title=Napolean Calls Uncle the Reason Behind Quitting DMK |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2014/dec/28/napolean-calls-uncle-the-reason-behind-quitting-dmk-698871.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184226/https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2014/dec/28/Napolean-Calls-Uncle-the-Reason-Behind-Quitting-DMK-698871.html |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
[[File:Election campaigning 2009.jpg|alt=Nepoleon Election campaigning 2009|left|thumb|2009 Indian general election campaign]]
[[File:Election campaigning 2009.jpg|alt=Nepoleon Election campaigning 2009|left|thumb|2009 Indian general election campaign]]
Napoleon contested the [[2001 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|State Assembly elections of 2001]], winning the [[Villivakkam (State Assembly Constituency)|Villivakkam constituency]] contest and thereby becoming a [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of the Legislative Assembly]] of Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/south/dmk-leader-and-former-union-minister-napoleon-joins-bjp-715988|title = DMK Leader and Former Union Minister Napoleon Joins BJP}}</ref> He lost his membership in the [[2006 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|2006 elections]], when he contested from the [[Mylapore (State Assembly Constituency)|Mylapore constituency]] and was defeated by actor [[S. Ve. Shekhar]]. Subsequently, Napoleon nurtured the [[Perambalur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Perambalur constituency]] in the hope of becoming a member of parliament for the DMK and succeeded in the [[Indian general election in Tamil Nadu, 2009|2009 Lok Sabha election]]. He was then appointed Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in Union government. Seen as a loyalist of Azhagiri, he was sidelined by DMK after the expulsion of the latter from the party in 2014. He joined the BJP in the presence of party President Amit Shah on 21 December 2014. He was made the party's state vice-president on 26 November 2015.<ref name="Siva">{{cite news|url=http://www.dinamani.com/latest_news/2015/11/26/%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%9F/article3147907.ece|title=தமிழக பாஜக துணைத் தலைவராக நடிகர் நெப்போலியன் நியமனம்|last=Siva|first=CG|date=26 November 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=26 November 2015}}</ref>
Napoleon contested the [[2001 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|State Assembly elections of 2001]], winning the [[Villivakkam (State Assembly Constituency)|Villivakkam constituency]] contest and thereby becoming a [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of the Legislative Assembly]] of Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2014 |title=DMK Leader and Former Union Minister Napoleon Joins BJP |url=https://www.ndtv.com/south/dmk-leader-and-former-union-minister-napoleon-joins-bjp-715988 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207005136/https://www.ndtv.com/south/dmk-leader-and-former-union-minister-napoleon-joins-bjp-715988 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=[[NDTV]] |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]}}</ref> He lost his membership in the [[2006 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|2006 elections]], when he contested from the [[Mylapore (State Assembly Constituency)|Mylapore constituency]] and was defeated by actor [[S. Ve. Shekhar]]. Subsequently, Napoleon nurtured the [[Perambalur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Perambalur constituency]] in the hope of becoming a member of parliament for the DMK and succeeded in the [[Indian general election in Tamil Nadu, 2009|2009 Lok Sabha election]]. He was then appointed Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in Union government. Seen as a loyalist of Azhagiri, he was sidelined by DMK after the expulsion of the latter from the party in 2014. He joined the BJP in the presence of party President [[Amit Shah]] on 21 December 2014. He was made the party's state vice-president on 26 November 2015.<ref name="Siva">{{Cite news |last=Siva |first=CG |date=26 November 2015 |title=தமிழக பாஜக துணைத் தலைவராக நடிகர் நெப்போலியன் நியமனம் |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=http://www.dinamani.com/latest_news/2015/11/26/%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%9F/article3147907.ece |url-status=live |access-date=26 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127202235/http://www.dinamani.com/latest_news/2015/11/26/%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%9F/article3147907.ece |archive-date=27 November 2015}}</ref>


===Films===
===Films===


When aged 27, he watched the film ''Udhayam'', the dubbed version of the Telugu film ''[[Siva (1989 Telugu film)|Siva]]'', and was inspired to take up acting. He entered the Tamil film industry in 1991 with [[Bharathiraja]]'s rural film ''[[Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu]]'', playing the antagonist role. After the stupendous success of ''[[Ejamaan]]'' (1993), Napoleon went on to play the villain to great effect in Malayalam and Telugu cinema too. He is praised for good best performance and acting in his Malayalam movie called ''[[Devasuram]]'' (1993). Napoleon turned hero on-screen too with ''[[Kizhakku Cheemayile]]'' (1993) in which he played an anti-hero. After that film, [[Pratap Pothen]] gave ''[[Seevalaperi Pandi]]'' (1994). That film turned out to be a mega hit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cms.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/dec/19/a-villain-is-what-i-call-an-edhir-naayagan-napoleon-a-veteran-tamil-actor-who-almost-quit-acting-1730861.html|title = A villain is what I call an 'edhir naayagan': Napoleon, a veteran Tamil actor who almost quit acting- the New Indian Express}}</ref> He was awarded [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]] for his performance in ''[[Ettupatti Rasa]]'' (1997).
He entered the Tamil film industry in 1991 with [[Bharathiraja]]'s rural film ''[[Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu]]'', playing the antagonist role. After the success of ''[[Ejamaan]]'' (1993), Napoleon went on to play the villain to great effect in Malayalam and Telugu cinema too. He has been praised for his performance and acting in the Malayalam movie ''[[Devasuram]]'' (1993). Napoleon turned hero on-screen too with ''[[Kizhakku Cheemayile]]'' (1993) in which he played an anti-hero. After that film, [[Pratap Pothen]] gave ''[[Seevalaperi Pandi]]'' (1994). That film turned out to be a hit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sekhar |first=Arunkumar |date=19 December 2017 |title=A villain is what I call an 'edhir naayagan': Napoleon, a veteran Tamil actor who almost quit acting |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/dec/19/a-villain-is-what-i-call-an-edhir-naayagan-napoleon-a-veteran-tamil-actor-who-almost-quit-acting-1730861.html |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=10 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510044739/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/dec/19/a-villain-is-what-i-call-an-edhir-naayagan-napoleon-a-veteran-tamil-actor-who-almost-quit-acting-1730861.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was awarded [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]] for his performance in ''[[Ettupatti Rasa]]'' (1997).


In 1998, he was awarded the [[Kalaimamani]] and [[Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award|MGR Award]]. From 2000 to 2006, he was appointed as the vice-president of the South Indian Film Artistes Association.
In 1998, he was awarded the [[Kalaimamani]] and [[Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award|MGR Award]]. From 2000 to 2006, he was appointed as the vice-president of the South Indian Film Artistes Association.


Later after years into film industry, he also got the chance to work in stone blockbuster movies such as ''[[Pokkiri]]'' (2007) and ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' (2008).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/tamil/movie-actor/napoleon|title = Kollywood Movie Actor Napoleon Biography, News, Photos, Videos}}</ref>
Later after years into film industry, he also got the chance to work as a supporting actor in popular movies such as ''[[Pokkiri]]'' (2007) and ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' (2008).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Napoleon |url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/tamil/movie-actor/napoleon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023051613/https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/tamil/movie-actor/napoleon |archive-date=23 October 2020 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=Nettv4u}}</ref>


Though settled in [[Nashville]], at the insistence of makers, he made his acting comeback with ''[[Kidaari]]'' (2016) and then went on to portray [[Gautham Karthik]]'s father in ''[[Muthuramalingam]]'' (2017) replacing [[Karthik (actor)|Karthik]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/In-the-US-my-son-leads-a-normal-life-Napoleon/articleshow/55666427.cms|title=In the US, my son leads a normal life: Napoleon - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/How-Napoleon-became-Gauthams-father/articleshow/54031533.cms|title=How Napoleon became Gautham's father! - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
Though he settled in [[Nashville, Tennessee]], United States of America, at the insistence of the industry stalwarts, he made his acting comeback with ''[[Kidaari]]'' (2016). He then went on to portray [[Gautham Karthik]]'s father in ''[[Muthuramalingam]]'' (2017) replacing [[Karthik (actor)|Karthik]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=29 November 2016 |title=In the US, my son leads a normal life: Napoleon |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/In-the-US-my-son-leads-a-normal-life-Napoleon/articleshow/55666427.cms |url-status=live |access-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911094128/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/In-the-US-my-son-leads-a-normal-life-Napoleon/articleshow/55666427.cms |archive-date=11 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=7 September 2016 |title=How Napoleon became Gautham's father! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/How-Napoleon-became-Gauthams-father/articleshow/54031533.cms |url-status=live |access-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914000920/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/How-Napoleon-became-Gauthams-father/articleshow/54031533.cms |archive-date=14 September 2019}}</ref>


After making his Hollywood debut in the supernatural thriller, ''[[Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge]]'' (2019), he is seen in another American independent film titled ''[[Christmas Coupon]]'' (2019). Napoleon also proudly announced that he is the only Tamil actor, who had acted in a Hollywood film, which was completely shot in the US.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/jul/03/actor-napoleon-plays-a-sports-agent-in-his-second-hollywood-projet-christmas-coupon-12704.html|title = Actor Napoleon plays a sports agent in his second Hollywood project, Christmas Coupon}}</ref>
After making his Hollywood debut in the supernatural thriller, ''[[Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge]]'' (2019), he was seen in another American independent film titled ''[[Christmas Coupon]]'' (2019). Napoleon also announced that he is the only Tamil actor, who had acted in a Hollywood film, which was completely shot in the US.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-03 |title=Actor Napoleon plays a sports agent in his second Hollywood project, Christmas Coupon |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/jul/03/actor-napoleon-plays-a-sports-agent-in-his-second-hollywood-projet-christmas-coupon-12704.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125004916/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/jul/03/actor-napoleon-plays-a-sports-agent-in-his-second-hollywood-projet-christmas-coupon-12704.html |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref>


===Entrepreneurship===
===Entrepreneurship===
[[File:Jeevan Technologies.png|alt=Jeevan Technologies 2008  IIIrd ODC at DLF IT Park|thumb|Jeevan Technologies 2008]]
[[File:Jeevan Technologies.png|alt=Jeevan Technologies 2008  IIIrd ODC at DLF IT Park|thumb|Jeevan Technologies 2008]]
Nepoleon Duraisamy forayed into IT Entrepreneurship and kick started "Jeevan Technologies" IT operations in Chennai, India in the year 2000. Jeevan is a trusted technology transformation partner of enterprises across the globe under his able mentorship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jeevantechnologies.com/about-us/management|title = Management Team}}</ref>
Nepoleon Duraisamy forayed into IT Entrepreneurship and kick started "Jeevan Technologies" IT operations in Chennai, India in the year 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Management Team |url=http://www.jeevantechnologies.com/about-us/management |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620064008/https://www.jeevantechnologies.com/about-us/management |archive-date=20 June 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref>


===Social entrepreneurship===
===Social entrepreneurship===
In 2010, Napoleon established Myopathy Unit of Jeevan Foundation, the Institute for Muscular Dystrophy & Research Center. It is a non-profit organization registered under the [[Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu Trust Act]].<ref>http://www.jeevanfoundation.com/mayopathy/#:~:text=Mayopathy%20Unit%20of%20Jeevan%20Foundation,the%20Tamil%20Nadu%20Trust%20Act.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.actornapoleon.com/ngo/mayopathy|title=Mayopathy}}</ref>
In 2010, Napoleon established Myopathy Unit of Jeevan Foundation, the Institute for Muscular Dystrophy & Research Center. It is a non-profit organization registered under the [[Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu Trust Act]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayopathy |url=http://www.jeevanfoundation.com/mayopathy/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417163736/http://www.jeevanfoundation.com/mayopathy/ |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=Jeevan Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayopathy |url=http://www.actornapoleon.com/ngo/mayopathy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418054739/http://actornapoleon.com/ngo/mayopathy |archive-date=18 April 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=actornapoleon.com}}</ref>


==Achievements and awards==
==Achievements and awards==
Line 66: Line 84:
* Murasoli Trust "Kalaignar" Award, which is given to people who contribute to Tamil language, literature and culture (2007).
* Murasoli Trust "Kalaignar" Award, which is given to people who contribute to Tamil language, literature and culture (2007).


==Filmography of Napoleon (a) Kumaresan Duraisamy==
==Filmography==
;As actor
=== Tamil films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
!Year !! style="width:200px;"|Film !! Role !! Language !! class="unsortable" |Notes
!Year !! style="width:200px;"|Film !! Role !! class="unsortable" |Notes
|-
|rowspan=2|1991 || ''[[Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu]]'' || Shankaralingam ||
|-
| ''[[MGR Nagaril]]'' || John Peter ||
|-
|rowspan=9|1992 || ''[[Chinna Thayee]]'' || Chamundi ||
|-
| ''[[Bharathan (1992 film)|Bharathan]]'' || C.I.D. Johnson ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|1991 || ''[[Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu]]'' || Shankaralingam || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||  
| ''[[Nadodi Thendral]]'' || Swamikannu ||
|-
|-
| ''[[MGR Nagaril]]'' || John Peter || Tamil ||
| ''[[Oor Mariyadhai]]'' || Veerapandi ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=9|1992 || ''[[Chinna Thayee]]'' || Chamundi || Tamil ||
| ''[[Idhu Namma Bhoomi]]'' || Mirasudar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Bharathan (1992 film)|Bharathan]]'' || C.I.D. Johnson || Tamil ||
| ''[[Mudhal Seethanam]]'' || Devi Meenakshi's uncle ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Nadodi Thendral]]'' || Swamikannu || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thalaivasal (film)|Thalaivasal]]'' || Chandran ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Oor Mariyadhai]]'' || Veerapandi || Tamil ||
| ''[[Pangali]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Idhu Namma Bhoomi]]'' || Mirasudar || Tamil ||
| ''[[Abhirami (1992 film)|Abhirami]]'' || Mr. Dhilip Kumar || Guest appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[Mudhal Seethanam]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan=12|1993 || ''[[Captain Magal]]'' || Robert Royappa ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thalaivasal (film)|Thalaivasal]]'' || Chandran || Tamil ||
| ''Pudhu Piravi'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pangali]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Yejaman]]'' || Vallavarayan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Abhirami (film)|Abhirami]]'' || Mr. Dhilip Kumar || Tamil || Guest appearance
| ''[[Minmini Poochigal]]'' || Victor ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=14|1993 || ''[[Captain Magal]]'' || Robert Royappa || Tamil ||
| ''[[Munarivippu]]'' || Ranjith ||
|-
|-
| ''Pudhu Piravi'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Rajadhi Raja Raja Kulothunga Raja Marthanda Raja Gambeera Kathavaraya Krishna Kamarajan]]'' || Guru Subramaniam ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Yejaman]]'' || Vallavarayan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Nallathe Nadakkum]]'' || Vikraman ||
|-
|-
| ''Minmini Poochigal'' || Victor || Tamil ||
| ''[[Dharma Seelan]]'' || Omer Sheriff ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Devasuram]]'' || Mundakal Shekaran || [[Malayalam]] ||
| ''[[Maravan]]'' || Shankarapandiyan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Munarivippu]]'' || Ranjith || Tamil ||
| ''Periyamma'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rajadhi Raja Raja Kulothunga Raja Marthanda Raja Gambeera Kathavaraya Krishna Kamarajan]]'' || Guru Subramaniam || Tamil ||
| ''[[Enga Muthalali]]'' || Jayaraman ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Nallathe Nadakkum]]'' || Vikraman || Tamil ||
| ''[[Kizhakku Cheemayile]]'' || Shivanadi ||[[14th Cinema Express Awards|Cinema Express Award for Best Villain]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Dharma Seelan]]'' || Omer Sheriff || Tamil ||
| rowspan="7"|1994 || ''[[Seevalaperi Pandi]]'' || Pandi || Debut as Hero
|-
|-
| ''[[Maravan]]'' || Shankarapandiyan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Maindhan (1994 film)|Maindhan]]'' || Velayudam Pillai ||
|-
|-
| ''Periyamma'' || || Tamil ||
| ''Pudhupatti Ponnuthayi'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Enga Muthalali]]'' || Jayaraman || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thozhar Pandian]]'' || Thaamaraiselvan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kizhakku Cheemayile]]'' || Shivanadi || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thamarai (film)|Thamarai]]'' || Thamarai ||
|-
|-
| ''Kunthi Puthrudu'' || Sambasivudu || [[Telugu language|Telugu]] ||
| ''[[Mani Rathnam (film)|Mani Rathnam]]'' || Rathnam ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=9|1994 || ''[[Hello Brother (1994 film)|Hello Brother]]'' || Mithra || Telugu ||
| ''[[Vanaja Girija]]'' || Anand ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Seevalaperi Pandi]]'' || Pandi || Tamil || Debut as Hero
|rowspan=8|1995 || ''[[Rajamuthirai]]'' || Markandeyan ||
|-
|-
| ''Gandheevam'' || Vincent || Malayalam ||
| ''[[Muthu Kaalai]]'' || Sakthivel ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Maindhan (1994 film)|Maindhan]]'' || Velayudam Pillai || Tamil ||
| ''[[Chinna Mani]]'' || Duraisamy Thevar ||
|-
|-
| ''Pudhupatti Ponnuthayi'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[En Pondatti Nallava]]'' || Rajappa ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thozhar Pandian]]'' || Thaamaraiselvan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thamizhachi]]'' || Rasayya ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thamarai (film)|Thamarai]]'' || Thamarai || Tamil ||
| ''[[Asuran (1995 film)|Asuran]]'' || Matthaiya ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Mani Rathnam (film)|Mani Rathnam]]'' || Rathnam || Tamil ||
| ''Aakaya Pookkal'' || Suriya ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Vanaja Girija]]'' || Anand || Tamil ||
| ''[[Maa Manithan (1995 film)|Maa Manithan]]'' || Nagu ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=8|1995 || ''[[Rajamuthirai]]'' || Markandeyan || Tamil ||
|rowspan=4|1996 || ''[[Thayagam]]'' || Pilot ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Muthu Kaalai]]'' || Sakthivel || Tamil ||
| ''[[Musthaffaa]]'' || Musthaffaa ||
|-
|-
| ''Chinna Mani'' || Duraisamy Thevar || Tamil ||
| ''[[Puthiya Parasakthi]]'' || Rajadurai ||
|-
|-
| ''[[En Pondatti Nallava]]'' || Rajappa || Tamil ||
| ''[[Rajali]]'' || Rajali ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thamizhachi]]'' || Rasayya || Tamil ||
|1997 || ''[[Ettupatti Rasa]]'' || Singarasu || [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]],<br />Also singer for song "Ettupatti Rasa"
|-
|-
| ''[[Asuran (1995 film)|Asuran]]'' || Matthaiya || Tamil ||
|rowspan=2|1998 ||  ''[[Kizhakkum Merkkum]]'' || Suryamurthy ||
|-
|-
| ''Aakaya Pookkal'' || Suriya || Tamil ||
| ''[[Bhagavath Singh (film)|Bhagavath Singh]]'' || Bhagavath Singh ||
|-
|-
| ''Maamanithan'' || Nagu || Tamil ||
|rowspan=5|1999 || ''[[Maya (1999 film)|Maya]]'' || Pratap  || Dubbed in Telugu as ''Gurupoornima''
|-
|-
|rowspan=4|1996 || ''[[Thayagam]]'' || Pilot || Tamil ||
| ''[[Ethirum Pudhirum]]'' || Arasappan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Musthaffaa]]'' || Musthaffaa || Tamil ||
| ''[[Suyamvaram]]'' || Krishna ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Puthiya Parasakthi]]'' || Rajadurai || Tamil ||
| ''[[Ponvizha]]'' || Bharathi ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rajali]]'' || Rajali || Tamil ||
| ''[[Sivan (film)|Sivan]]'' || Murugan ||
|-
|-
|1997 || ''[[Ettupatti Rasa]]'' || Singaraj || Tamil || [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]],<br />Also singer for song "Ettupatti Rasa"
| rowspan ="2"|2000|| ''[[Karisakattu Poove]]'' || Kottai Sami ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=3|1998 ||  ''[[Kizhakkum Merkkum]]'' || Suryamurthy || Tamil ||
| ''[[Manu Neethi]]'' || Muthazhagu ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Bhagavath Singh (film)|Bhagavath Singh]]'' || Bhagavath Singh || Tamil ||
|rowspan=3|2001 ||''[[Kalakalappu (2001 film)|Kalakalappu]]'' || Veluthambi ||
|-
|-
| ''The Government ''|| Deva || Tamil, Telugu, [[Kannada]] ||
| ''[[Veettoda Mappillai]]'' || Manikkam ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=7|1999 || ''[[Maya (1999 film)|Maya]]'' || Pratap / Suriya || Tamil, Telugu, Kannada ||
| ''[[Mitta Miraasu]]'' || Singa Perumal ||
|-
|-
| ''Billa Ranga'' || Ranga || Kannada ||
| 2002 || ''[[Thenkasi Pattanam]]'' || Dass ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ethirum Pudhirum]]'' || Arasappan || Tamil ||
|rowspan=3|2004 || ''[[Virumaandi]]'' || Nallama Nayakkar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Suyamvaram]]'' || Krishna || Tamil ||
| ''[[Adi Thadi]]'' || Surya ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ponvizha]]'' || Bharathi || Tamil ||
| ''[[Remote (2004 film)|Remote]]'' || Deenadayalu ||
|-
|-
| ''Rowdy Brothers ''|| || Kannada ||
|rowspan=2|2005 || ''[[Ayya (2005 Tamil film)|Ayya]]'' || Madasamy ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Sivan (film)|Sivan]]'' || Murugan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Veeranna (film)|Veeranna]]'' || Mariappan, Veeranna ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=5|2000 || ''[[The Warrant]] ''|| Ravi Ramakrishnan || Malayalam || Dubbed into Tamil as ''The Warrant''
|2006 || ''[[Vattaram]]'' || Gurupadam ||
|-
|-
| ''[[The Gang (film)|The Gang]]'' || Kevin || Malayalam ||
|2007 || ''[[Pokkiri]]'' || Mohammed Mohideen Khan IPS ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Karisakattu Poove]]'' || Kottai Sami || Tamil ||
|rowspan=3|2008 || ''[[Sandai]]'' || Kamaraj ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary]] ''|| Jadadhari Swamiji || Telugu ||
| ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' || [[Kulothunga Chola II]] ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Manu Neethi]]'' || Muthazhagu || Tamil ||
| ''[[Aayutham Seivom]]'' || ACP Elumalai ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=5|2001 ||''[[Megasandesam]]'' || Fr. Rossorriya || Malayalam || Dubbed into Tamil as ''Rosi''
| 2009 || ''[[Azhagar Malai]]'' || Pandithurai ||
|-
|-
|''[[Kalakalappu (2001 film)|Kalakalappu]]'' || Veluthambi || Tamil ||
|2011 || ''[[Ponnar Shankar (film)|Ponnar Shankar]]'' || Thalaiyoor Kaali ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ravana Prabhu]]'' || Mundakkal Sekharan || Malayalam ||
|2016 || ''[[Kidaari]]'' || Kottur Durai ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Veettoda Mappillai]]'' || Manikkam || Tamil ||
|rowspan=2|2017 || ''[[Muthuramalingam]]'' || Mookiah Thevar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Mitta Miraasu]]'' || Singa Perumal || Tamil ||
| ''[[Chennaiyil Oru Naal 2]]'' || Prabakaran ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2002 || ''Kanal Kireedam'' || Albin || Malayalam || Dubbed into Tamil as ''Mary Albert''
| 2018 || ''[[Seema Raja]]'' || Ariya Raja ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thenkasi Pattanam]]'' || Dass || Tamil ||
|2021 || ''[[Sulthan (2021 film)|Sulthan]]'' || Sethupathi ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=3|2004 || ''[[Virumaandi]]'' || Nallama Nayakkar || Tamil ||
| 2022 || ''[[Anbarivu]]'' || Muniyandi ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Adi Thadi]]'' || Surya || Tamil ||
|2023 || ''[[Vallavanukkum Vallavan]]'' || Minister ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Remote (2004 film)|Remote]]'' || Deenadayalu || Tamil ||
|}
 
===Other language films===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2005 || ''[[Ayya (2005 Tamil film)|Ayya]]'' || Madasamy || Tamil ||
!Year !! style="width:200px;"|Film !! Role !! Language !! class="unsortable" |Notes
|-
|-
| ''[[Veeranna (film)|Veeranna]]'' || Mariappan, Veeranna || Tamil || Also singer for song "Veeranna"
| rowspan="2"|1993 || ''[[Devasuram]]'' || Mundakal Shekaran || [[Malayalam]] ||
|-
|-
|2006 || ''[[Vattaram]]'' || Gurupadam || Tamil ||
| ''Kunthi Puthrudu'' || Sambasivudu || rowspan="2"| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]  ||
|-
|-
|2007 || ''[[Pokkiri]]'' || Commissioner Mohammed Mohideen Khan IPS || Tamil ||
| rowspan="2"|1994 || ''[[Hello Brother (1994 film)|Hello Brother]]'' || Mithra ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=4|2008 ||  ''[[Krishnarjuna]]'' || Nallama Nayakkar || Telugu ||
| ''Gandheevam'' || Vincent || Malayalam ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Sandai]]'' || Kamaraj || Tamil ||
| 1998 || ''Government ''|| Deva || rowspan="4"|[[Kannada]] || Dubbed in Tamil and Telugu as ''Government''
|-
|-
| ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' || [[Kulothunga Chola II]] || Tamil ||
|rowspan=3|1999 || ''[[Maya (1999 film)|Jayasurya]]'' || Pratap ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Aayutham Seivom]]'' || ACP Elumalai || Tamil ||
| ''Billa Ranga'' || Ranga ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=3|2009 || ''[[Oye! (film)|Oy!]]'' || Dr. Harish Chandra Prasad || Telugu ||
| ''Rowdy Brothers ''|| ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Azhagar Malai]]'' || Pandithurai || Tamil ||
|rowspan="3"|2000 || ''The Warrant ''|| Ravi Ramakrishnan || rowspan="2"|Malayalam || Dubbed into Tamil as ''The Warrant''
|-
|-
| ''[[Saleem (film)|Saleem]]'' || Singamanaidu || Telugu ||
| ''[[The Gang (film)|The Gang]]'' || Kevin ||
|-
|-
|2011 || ''[[Ponnar Shankar (film)|Ponnar Shankar]]'' || Thalaiyoor Kaali || Tamil ||
|''[[Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary]] ''|| Jadadhari Swamiji || Telugu ||  
|-
|-
|2016 || ''[[Kidaari]]'' || Kottur Durai || Tamil ||
|rowspan=2|2001 ||''[[Megasandesam]]'' || Fr. Rossario || rowspan="3"|Malayalam || Dubbed into Tamil as ''Rosi''
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2017 || ''[[Muthuramalingam]]'' || Mookiah Thevar || Tamil ||
| ''[[Ravana Prabhu]]'' || Mundakkal Sekharan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Chennaiyil Oru Naal 2]]'' || Prabakaran || Tamil ||
|2002 || ''Kanal Kireedam'' || Albin || Dubbed into Tamil as ''Mary Albert''
|-
|-
|rowspan=3|2018 || ''Ay.Na'' || Ayna || Malayalam ||  
|2008 || ''[[Krishnarjuna]]'' || Nallama Nayakkar || rowspan="4"|Telugu ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Seema Raja]]'' || Ariya Raja || Tamil ||  
|rowspan=2|2009 || ''[[Oy! (film)|Oy!]]'' || Dr. Harish Chandra Prasad ||
|-
|-
|''Sharabha'' || Kartavaryudu || Telugu ||
| ''[[Saleem (film)|Saleem]]'' || Singamanaidu  ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2019||''[[Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge]]''|| Dr. Sudhir || [[English language|English]] || Hollywood Movie
| 2018 || ''Sharabha'' || Kartavaryudu ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Christmas Coupon]]'' || Agent Kumar || English || Hollywood Movie
|rowspan="2"|2019||''[[Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge]]''|| Dr. Kadhir || rowspan="5" |[[English language|English]] ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2021|| ''[[Sulthan (2021 film)|Sulthan]]'' || Sethupathi || Tamil ||
| ''[[Christmas Coupon]]'' || Agent Kumar ||  
|-
|-
| ''Trap City'' || Nathan || English || Hollywood Movie
| rowspan="2"|2022 || ''One More Dream'' || School Principal || Also executive producer
|-
|-
| ''One More Dream'' || School Principal || English || Hollywood Movie
| ''Meathead'' || {{n/a}} || Short film; producer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXLz3TPArOM|title=MEATHEAD &#124; Jilted Generation|date=23 October 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2022 || ''[[Anbarivu]]'' || Muniyandi || Tamil ||
| 2024 || ''[[Trap City]]'' || Nathan
|
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 296: Line 326:
[[Category:Tamil male actors]]
[[Category:Tamil male actors]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:15th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:India MPs 2009–2014]]
[[Category:Male actors in Malayalam cinema]]
[[Category:Male actors in Malayalam cinema]]
[[Category:Male actors from Tiruchirappalli]]
[[Category:Male actors from Tiruchirappalli]]
[[Category:Union Ministers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Union ministers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians]]
[[Category:Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians]]
[[Category:St Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli alumni]]
[[Category:St Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli alumni]]

Latest revision as of 04:51, 28 February 2026


Napoleon
Born
Kumaresan Duraisamy

(1963-12-02) 2 December 1963 (age 62)
Tiruchirappalli, Madras State (now Tamil Nadu), India
EducationSt. Joseph's College, Trichy
Occupation
Years active1991–present
Spouse(s)
Jayasudha
(
m. 1993)
Children2
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Government of India
In office
28 May 2009 – 20 March 2013
Serving with Balram Naik
(from 28 October 2012 to 20 March 2013)
Minister
Preceded bySubbulakshmi Jagadeesan
Succeeded byManikrao Hodlya Gavit
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office
16 May 2009 – 16 May 2014
Preceded byA. Raja
Succeeded byR. P. Marutharajaa
ConstituencyPerambalur
Member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
In office
14 May 2001 – 12 May 2006
Preceded byJ. M. Aaron Rashid
Succeeded byB. Ranganathan
ConstituencyVillivakkam
Personal details
Political partyDravida Munnetra Kazhagam (1980-2014)
Other political
affiliations		Bharatiya Janata Party (2014)
Websiteactornepoleon.com

Kumaresan Duraisamy (born 2 December 1963), known professionally by his stage name Napoleon, is an Indian actor, entrepreneur and former politician.[1] He was the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cabinet. He has acted predominately in Tamil films apart from some Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and English movies.[2]

Early and personal life[edit | edit source]

Napoleon was born as Kumaresan Duraisamy on 2 December 1963 in Tiruchirappali. He graduated from St. Joseph's College, Trichy.[3]

In 1993, he married Jayasudha and had two sons: Dhanoosh and Gunal. Dhanoosh was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which eventually prompted Napoleon and his family to move to America.[4] Gunal directed the music video for the local LA-based band affengriffon's "I Just Wanna See You".[5]

Career[edit | edit source]

Politics[edit | edit source]

Napoleon became enthused by the ideologies of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. He joined the party in which his uncle K. N. Nehru was already a member and at that time the Public Welfare Minister of the state government.[6]

Nepoleon Election campaigning 2009
2009 Indian general election campaign

Napoleon contested the State Assembly elections of 2001, winning the Villivakkam constituency contest and thereby becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu.[7] He lost his membership in the 2006 elections, when he contested from the Mylapore constituency and was defeated by actor S. Ve. Shekhar. Subsequently, Napoleon nurtured the Perambalur constituency in the hope of becoming a member of parliament for the DMK and succeeded in the 2009 Lok Sabha election. He was then appointed Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in Union government. Seen as a loyalist of Azhagiri, he was sidelined by DMK after the expulsion of the latter from the party in 2014. He joined the BJP in the presence of party President Amit Shah on 21 December 2014. He was made the party's state vice-president on 26 November 2015.[8]

Films[edit | edit source]

He entered the Tamil film industry in 1991 with Bharathiraja's rural film Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu, playing the antagonist role. After the success of Ejamaan (1993), Napoleon went on to play the villain to great effect in Malayalam and Telugu cinema too. He has been praised for his performance and acting in the Malayalam movie Devasuram (1993). Napoleon turned hero on-screen too with Kizhakku Cheemayile (1993) in which he played an anti-hero. After that film, Pratap Pothen gave Seevalaperi Pandi (1994). That film turned out to be a hit.[9] He was awarded Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for his performance in Ettupatti Rasa (1997).

In 1998, he was awarded the Kalaimamani and MGR Award. From 2000 to 2006, he was appointed as the vice-president of the South Indian Film Artistes Association.

Later after years into film industry, he also got the chance to work as a supporting actor in popular movies such as Pokkiri (2007) and Dasavathaaram (2008).[10]

Though he settled in Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America, at the insistence of the industry stalwarts, he made his acting comeback with Kidaari (2016). He then went on to portray Gautham Karthik's father in Muthuramalingam (2017) replacing Karthik.[11][12]

After making his Hollywood debut in the supernatural thriller, Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge (2019), he was seen in another American independent film titled Christmas Coupon (2019). Napoleon also announced that he is the only Tamil actor, who had acted in a Hollywood film, which was completely shot in the US.[13]

Entrepreneurship[edit | edit source]

Jeevan Technologies 2008 IIIrd ODC at DLF IT Park
Jeevan Technologies 2008

Nepoleon Duraisamy forayed into IT Entrepreneurship and kick started "Jeevan Technologies" IT operations in Chennai, India in the year 2000.[14]

Social entrepreneurship[edit | edit source]

In 2010, Napoleon established Myopathy Unit of Jeevan Foundation, the Institute for Muscular Dystrophy & Research Center. It is a non-profit organization registered under the Tamil Nadu Trust Act.[15][16]

Achievements and awards[edit | edit source]

Napoleon presenting the National Trust Annual Award to Shri Ashwin Karthik from Bangalore, at the National Trust Annual Awards Function, in New Delhi on September 10, 2010.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Tamil films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1991 Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu Shankaralingam
MGR Nagaril John Peter
1992 Chinna Thayee Chamundi
Bharathan C.I.D. Johnson
Nadodi Thendral Swamikannu
Oor Mariyadhai Veerapandi
Idhu Namma Bhoomi Mirasudar
Mudhal Seethanam Devi Meenakshi's uncle
Thalaivasal Chandran
Pangali
Abhirami Mr. Dhilip Kumar Guest appearance
1993 Captain Magal Robert Royappa
Pudhu Piravi
Yejaman Vallavarayan
Minmini Poochigal Victor
Munarivippu Ranjith
Rajadhi Raja Raja Kulothunga Raja Marthanda Raja Gambeera Kathavaraya Krishna Kamarajan Guru Subramaniam
Nallathe Nadakkum Vikraman
Dharma Seelan Omer Sheriff
Maravan Shankarapandiyan
Periyamma
Enga Muthalali Jayaraman
Kizhakku Cheemayile Shivanadi Cinema Express Award for Best Villain
1994 Seevalaperi Pandi Pandi Debut as Hero
Maindhan Velayudam Pillai
Pudhupatti Ponnuthayi
Thozhar Pandian Thaamaraiselvan
Thamarai Thamarai
Mani Rathnam Rathnam
Vanaja Girija Anand
1995 Rajamuthirai Markandeyan
Muthu Kaalai Sakthivel
Chinna Mani Duraisamy Thevar
En Pondatti Nallava Rajappa
Thamizhachi Rasayya
Asuran Matthaiya
Aakaya Pookkal Suriya
Maa Manithan Nagu
1996 Thayagam Pilot
Musthaffaa Musthaffaa
Puthiya Parasakthi Rajadurai
Rajali Rajali
1997 Ettupatti Rasa Singarasu Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize,
Also singer for song "Ettupatti Rasa"
1998 Kizhakkum Merkkum Suryamurthy
Bhagavath Singh Bhagavath Singh
1999 Maya Pratap Dubbed in Telugu as Gurupoornima
Ethirum Pudhirum Arasappan
Suyamvaram Krishna
Ponvizha Bharathi
Sivan Murugan
2000 Karisakattu Poove Kottai Sami
Manu Neethi Muthazhagu
2001 Kalakalappu Veluthambi
Veettoda Mappillai Manikkam
Mitta Miraasu Singa Perumal
2002 Thenkasi Pattanam Dass
2004 Virumaandi Nallama Nayakkar
Adi Thadi Surya
Remote Deenadayalu
2005 Ayya Madasamy
Veeranna Mariappan, Veeranna
2006 Vattaram Gurupadam
2007 Pokkiri Mohammed Mohideen Khan IPS
2008 Sandai Kamaraj
Dasavathaaram Kulothunga Chola II
Aayutham Seivom ACP Elumalai
2009 Azhagar Malai Pandithurai
2011 Ponnar Shankar Thalaiyoor Kaali
2016 Kidaari Kottur Durai
2017 Muthuramalingam Mookiah Thevar
Chennaiyil Oru Naal 2 Prabakaran
2018 Seema Raja Ariya Raja
2021 Sulthan Sethupathi
2022 Anbarivu Muniyandi
2023 Vallavanukkum Vallavan Minister

Other language films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Language Notes
1993 Devasuram Mundakal Shekaran Malayalam
Kunthi Puthrudu Sambasivudu Telugu
1994 Hello Brother Mithra
Gandheevam Vincent Malayalam
1998 Government Deva Kannada Dubbed in Tamil and Telugu as Government
1999 Jayasurya Pratap
Billa Ranga Ranga
Rowdy Brothers
2000 The Warrant Ravi Ramakrishnan Malayalam Dubbed into Tamil as The Warrant
The Gang Kevin
Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary Jadadhari Swamiji Telugu
2001 Megasandesam Fr. Rossario Malayalam Dubbed into Tamil as Rosi
Ravana Prabhu Mundakkal Sekharan
2002 Kanal Kireedam Albin Dubbed into Tamil as Mary Albert
2008 Krishnarjuna Nallama Nayakkar Telugu
2009 Oy! Dr. Harish Chandra Prasad
Saleem Singamanaidu
2018 Sharabha Kartavaryudu
2019 Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge Dr. Kadhir English
Christmas Coupon Agent Kumar
2022 One More Dream School Principal Also executive producer
Meathead N/A Short film; producer[17]
2024 Trap City Nathan
As singer
Year Film Song Notes
1995 En Pondatti Nallava "Ponnu Kulla"
1999 Ettupatti Rasa "Ettupatti Rasa"
2005 Veeranna "Veeranna"

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Manoj, CG (29 May 2009). "After MLA napoleon ready for real power". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 May 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "INTERVIEW | Actor Napoleon on his Hollywood debut film 'Devil's Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge'". The New Indian Express. 7 July 2020. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  3. ↑ "Illustrious alumni/ae". St. Joseph's College, Trichy. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  4. ↑ "Napoleon's son wedding in Japan grabs attention: Know how much did the actor spent on the marriage?". Asianet Newsable.
  5. ↑ "Alumni filmmakers revitalize flicks with eccentric style and classic references". Daily Bruin.
  6. ↑ "Napolean Calls Uncle the Reason Behind Quitting DMK". The New Indian Express. 28 December 2014. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  7. ↑ "DMK Leader and Former Union Minister Napoleon Joins BJP". NDTV. IANS. 21 December 2014. Archived from the original on 7 December 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  8. ↑ Siva, CG (26 November 2015). "தமிழக பாஜக துணைத் தலைவராக நடிகர் நெப்போலியன் நியமனம்". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  9. ↑ Sekhar, Arunkumar (19 December 2017). "A villain is what I call an 'edhir naayagan': Napoleon, a veteran Tamil actor who almost quit acting". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  10. ↑ "Napoleon". Nettv4u. Archived from the original on 23 October 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  11. ↑ Suganth, M. (29 November 2016). "In the US, my son leads a normal life: Napoleon". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  12. ↑ Suganth, M. (7 September 2016). "How Napoleon became Gautham's father!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 September 2019. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  13. ↑ "Actor Napoleon plays a sports agent in his second Hollywood project, Christmas Coupon". Cinema Express. 3 July 2019. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  14. ↑ "Management Team". Archived from the original on 20 June 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  15. ↑ "Mayopathy". Jeevan Foundation. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  16. ↑ "Mayopathy". actornapoleon.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  17. ↑ "MEATHEAD | Jilted Generation". 23 October 2022 – via YouTube.

External links[edit | edit source]

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