M. N. Nambiar: Difference between revisions

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| name              = M. N. Nambiar
| name              = M. N. Nambiar
| image              = M. N. Nambiar.jpg
| image              = M. N. Nambiar.jpg
| imagesize          =
| birth_name        = Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar
| caption            =  
| birth_date        = 7 March 1919
| birth_date        = 7 March 1919
| birth_place        = [[Cannanore]], [[Malabar region|Malabar]], [[British India]] (present-day [[Kannur district|Kannur]], [[Kerala]], India)
| birth_place        = [[Cannanore]], [[Kerala]], India
| height            =
| death_date        = {{death date and age|df=yes|2008|11|19|1919|3|7}}
| death_date        = {{death date and age|2008|11|19|1919|03|07|df=yes}}
| death_place        = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| death_place        = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| birth_name         = Manjeri Narayanan Nambiar
| occupation         = Actor
| othername          = Uthama Villan, Gurusamy
| yearsactive        = 1935—2008
| website            =  
| spouse            = Rukmani (m. 1946)
| spouse            = Rukmani Amma
| children          = 3
| children          = 3  
| parents            = {{ubl|Kelu Nambiar|Manjeri Kalyani Amma}}
}}
}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2026}}
'''Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar''' (7 March 1919 – 19 November 2008) was an Indian actor who predominantly worked in [[Tamil cinema]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Sonika |date=2024-11-19 |title=MN Nambiar, Tamil cinema's most convincing villain wielded swords with MGR, worshipped Ayyappa |url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/mn-nambiar-tamil-cinemas-most-convincing-villain-wielded-swords-with-mgr-worshipped-ayyappa/2363022/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> renowned for his portrayals of villainous characters. With a career spanning over eight decades, he became a notable figure in the industry.<ref name=":0" /> Nambiar also appeared in a few [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]], Telugu, Hindi and English films during his career.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Narayanan |first=Sujatha |date=2019-03-06 |title=100 Years Of MN Nambiar: Tamil Cinema's Own Supervillain |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/story/features/100-years-of-mn-nambiar-tamil-cinemas-own-supervillain |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=www.filmcompanion.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Krishnamachari |first=Suganthy |date=2019-11-28 |title=Nambiar, a villain with a divine personality |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nambiar-a-villain-with-a-divine-personality/article30105902.ece |access-date=2024-12-23 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


'''Manjeri Narayanan Nambiar''' (7 March 1919&nbsp;– 19 November 2008) was an Indian actor who worked predominantly in [[Tamil cinema]], known mostly for his villain roles in an eight decade long career. He has also appeared in a few [[Malayalam film]]s.
He appeared in many [[M. G. Ramachandran|MGR]]  movies as a villain. Some of the famous ones include ''[[Enga Veettu Pillai]], [[Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film)|Aayirathil Oruvan]], [[Nadodi Mannan]], [[Naalai Namadhe (1975 film)|Naalai Namadhe]], [[Padagotti]], [[Thirudathe]], [[En Annan]], [[Kaavalkaaran]]'' and ''[[Kudiyirundha Koyil]]''.
 
He appeared in many [[M. G. Ramachandran| MGR]]  movies as a villain. Some of the famous ones include Nallavan Vaazhvan, [[Enga Veettu Pillai]], [[Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film)|Aayirathil Oruvan]], [[Naalai Namadhe]], [[Padagotti]], [[Thirudathe]], [[En Annan]], [[Kaavalkaaran]] and [[Kudiyirundha Koyil]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
Manjeri Narayan Nambiar<ref>{{Cite web|title=rediff.com: An Ode to M N Nambiar|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/nov/20slid1.htm|access-date=2021-09-19|website=specials.rediff.com}}</ref> was born on 7 March 1919 at Kandakkai near Mayyil in [[Cannanore]] (Kannur) in [[North Malabar]] region of [[Kerala]].  He was the son of Kelu Nambiar and Manjeri Kalyani Amma. While he was still a child, his father died. He later moved to live and study in [[Ooty]] with his elder sister and brother-in-law.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Reel-villain-real-hero/article15689125.ece | title=Reel villain, real hero | work=The Hindu | date=16 November 2010 | access-date=20 February 2012 | author=Mohan V. Raman | location=Chennai, India | archive-date=27 February 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227093205/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Reel-villain-real-hero/article15689125.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> He became interested in acting when he was 13 and he joined Nawab Rajamanikkam's troupe. He learnt discipline here which is according to him the major life skill at Madurai Bala nada vinodha kana sabha. From then on acting became the only thing that occupied him. His first film was ''Bhaktha Ramadoss'', shot in 1935 in Hindi and Tamil, where he played as a comedian along with T.K.Sampangi.
Manjeri Narayan Nambiar<ref>{{Cite web|title=rediff.com: An Ode to M N Nambiar|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/nov/20slid1.htm|access-date=2021-09-19|website=specials.rediff.com}}</ref> was born on 7 March 1919 at Kandakkai near Mayyil in [[Cannanore]] (Kannur) in [[North Malabar]] region of [[Kerala]].  He was the son of Kelu Nambiar and Kalyani Amma.<ref name=":1" /> While he was still a child, his father died. He later moved to live and study in [[Ooty]] with his elder sister and brother-in-law.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Reel-villain-real-hero/article15689125.ece | title=Reel villain, real hero | work=The Hindu | date=16 November 2010 | access-date=20 February 2012 | author=Mohan V. Raman | location=Chennai, India | archive-date=27 February 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227093205/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Reel-villain-real-hero/article15689125.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> He became interested in acting when he was 13 and he joined Nawab Rajamanikkam's troupe. He learnt discipline here which is according to him the major life skill at Madurai Bala nada vinodha kana sabha. From then on acting became the only thing that occupied him. His first film was ''Bhaktha Ramadoss'', shot in 1935 in Hindi and Tamil, where he played as a comedian along with T.K.Sampangi.


==Film career==
==Film career==
Though he started as a hero, Nambiar soon started donning the role of a villain&nbsp;— so much so that today his name is synonymous with villainy in Kollywood. Nambiar has worked with seven generations of actors. His first pay was Rs.3 with ''Boys Company''. He would retain Rs.1 and send Rs.2 to his mother. A man of very limited needs, he has never eaten food not cooked by his wife, Rugmini Nambiar.
Though he started as a hero, Nambiar soon started donning the role of a villain&nbsp;— so much so that today his name is synonymous with villainy in Kollywood. Nambiar has worked with seven generations of actors. His first pay was Rs.3 with ''Boys Company''. He would retain Rs.1 and send Rs.2 to his mother. A man of very limited needs, he has never eaten food not cooked by his wife, Rugmini Nambiar.


He made quite a statement in the early 50s with his portrayal of 11 roles in [[Digambara Samiyar]], one of his films as the Lead. His arresting performance in films such as ''[[Manthiri Kumari]]'', ''[[Velaikaari]]'', ''[[Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film)|Ayirathil Oruvan]]'', ''[[Thillana Mohanambal]]'', ''[[Missiamma|Missiyamma]]'' and ''[[Nenjam Marappathillai (1963 film)|Nenjam Marappadillai]]'' paved way for a very successful career that spanned over five decades.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/09/29/stories/09290226.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 December 2016 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011163536/https://www.thehindu.com/archive/print/2000/09/29/ |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2000-09-29 |url-status=live }}</ref>
He made quite a statement in the early 50s with his portrayal of 11 roles in [[Digambara Samiyar]], one of his films as the Lead. His arresting performance in films such as ''[[Manthiri Kumari]]'', ''[[Velaikaari]]'', ''[[Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film)|Ayirathil Oruvan]]'', ''[[Thillana Mohanambal]]'', ''[[Missiamma|Missiyamma]]'' and ''[[Nenjam Marappathillai (1963 film)|Nenjam Marappadillai]]'' paved way for a very successful career that spanned over five decades.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/09/29/stories/09290226.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 December 2016 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011163536/https://www.thehindu.com/archive/print/2000/09/29/ |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2000-09-29 |url-status=live }}</ref>


A majority of the more than 1000 films that he has done is in Tamil, though he has acted in Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, besides an English film `[[Kaadu (1952 film)|The Jungle]]' (with [[Rod Cameron (actor)|Rod Cameron]], the film's hero, directed by William Burke) in which he appears in a few brief scenes. The film was released in 1952. The Hindi film he acted in was a remake of the Tamil ''[[Kanavane Kankanda Deivam]].'' After becoming popular in Tamil films he started his own drama troupe called Nambiar Nataka Mandram. They staged two plays&nbsp;— `Kaviyin Kanavu' and a comedy play `Kalyana Supermarket.'
A majority of the more than 1000 films that he has done is in Tamil, though he has acted in Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, besides an English film '[[Kaadu (1952 film)|The Jungle]]' (with [[Rod Cameron (actor)|Rod Cameron]], the film's hero, directed by William Burke) in which he appears in a few brief scenes. The film was released in 1952. The Hindi film he acted in was a remake of the Tamil ''[[Kanavane Kankanda Deivam]].'' After becoming popular in Tamil films he started his own drama troupe called Nambiar Nataka Mandram. They staged two plays&nbsp;— 'Kaviyin Kanavu' and a comedy play 'Kalyana Supermarket.'


M.N.Nambiar was that rare contradictory personality - a cruel, charming villain on the silver screen while being a very pious man in real life. He was also a pure vegetarian and teetotaler. He was also an ardent devotee of Sabarimala Sri [[Ayyappan]]. He has had a long association with the temple, and visited the shrine more than 65 times over the last half a century; this has led to him being called Maha Guruswamy. His colleagues noted that he died during the famous Sabarimala season and it may be due to the blessing of his Lord.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112055451300.htm | location=Chennai, India | title=A handsome villain | date=20 November 2008 | access-date=4 August 2010 | archive-date=7 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107082833/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112055451300.htm | work=[[The Hindu]] | url-status=dead }}</ref>
His most notable films are ''[[Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film)|Aayirathil Oruvan]]'' with [[M. G. Ramachandran|MGR]], ''[[Ambikapathy (1957 film)|Ambikapathy]]'' with [[Sivaji Ganesan]], ''[[Missiamma]]'' with [[Gemini Ganesan]], '[[Nenjam Marappathillai (1963 film)|Nenjam Marappathillai]]' directed by Sridhar and ''[[Thooral Ninnu Pochchu]]'' with [[K. Bhagyaraj|Bhagyaraj]]. This was the film that made him do character roles, something that he continued to do till his death. He also acted as hero in two films 'Kalyani' and 'Kavitha' produced by Modern Theaters. He has done stage, films and also acted on TV dramas like 'Oviyam' and Velan. When it comes to acting, he supposedly likes all the actors; but of special mention are [[M. R. Radha]] and [[Savitri (actress)|Savitri]]. Both, in his opinion, were brilliant in their own way.


His favourite films remain `[[Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film)|Aayirathil Oruvan]]' with [[M. G. Ramachandran|MGR]], `Ambikapathi' with [[Sivaji Ganesan]], `[[Missiamma|Missiyamma]]' with [[Gemini Ganesan]], `[[Nenjam Marappathillai (1963 film)|Nenjam Marappathillai]]' directed by Sridhar and `[[Thooral Ninnu Pochchu|Thooral Ninu Pochu]]' with [[K. Bhagyaraj|Bhagyaraj]]. This was the film that made him do character roles, something that he continued to do till his death. He also acted as hero in two films `Kalyani' and `Kavitha' produced by Modern Theaters. He has done stage, films and also acted on TV dramas like 'Oviyam' and Velan. When it comes to acting, he supposedly likes all the actors; but of special mention are [[M. R. Radha]] and [[Savitri (actress)|Savitri]]. Both, in his opinion, were brilliant in their own way.
== Personal life ==
Friends and associates of M.N.Nambiar described him as kind, witty, and disciplined. He was a vegetarian, [[Teetotalism|teetotaler]], and fitness enthusiast. He was also an ardent devotee of Sabarimala Sri [[Ayyappan]]. He has had a long association with [[Sabarimala Temple]], where he made trips to for almost 60 years and brought many colleagues; this has led to him being called Maha Guruswamy.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112055451300.htm | location=Chennai, India | title=A handsome villain | date=20 November 2008 | access-date=4 August 2010 | archive-date=7 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107082833/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112055451300.htm | work=[[The Hindu]] | url-status=dead }}</ref> His colleagues noted that he died during the famous Sabarimala season and it may be due to the blessing of his Lord.


==Partial filmography==
==Partial filmography==
===Tamil films===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year
! Year
! Film
! Film
! Language
!Role  
!Role  
!Notes
|-
|-
| 1935
| 1935
| ''Bhaktha Ramadas''
| ''Bhaktha Ramadas''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1946
|1946
|''[[Vidyapathi (1946 film)|Vidyapathi]]''
|''[[Vidyapathi (1946 film)|Vidyapathi]]''
|Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |1947
| rowspan="2" |1947
|''[[Rajakumaari]]''
|''[[Rajakumaari]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Kanjan]]''
|''[[Kanjan]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1948
| rowspan="2"| 1948
| ''[[Abhimanyu (1948 film)|Abhimanyu]]''
| ''[[Abhimanyu (1948 film)|Abhimanyu]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Mohini (1948 film)|Mohini]]''  
| ''[[Mohini (1948 film)|Mohini]]''  
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| 1949
| 1949
| ''[[Velaikaari]]''
| ''[[Velaikaari]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1950
| rowspan="2" | 1950
| ''[[Manthiri Kumari]]''
| ''[[Manthiri Kumari]]''
| Tamil
|Rajaguru
|Rajaguru
|
|-
|-
|''[[Digambara Samiyar]]''
|''[[Digambara Samiyar]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1951
| rowspan="2" | 1951
| ''[[Marmayogi (1951 film)|Marmayogi]]''
| ''[[Marmayogi (1951 film)|Marmayogi]]''
| Tamil
|  
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Sarvadhikari (film)|Sarvadhikari]]''
|''[[Sarvadhikari (film)|Sarvadhikari]]''
| Tamil
|  
|
|-
| rowspan="2"|1952||''[[Kanchana (1952 film)|Kanchana]]'' || Manohar
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |1952
|''[[Kalyani (1952 film)|Kalyani]]''
|''[[Kalyani (1952 film)|Kalyani]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|-
|
|''[[Kaadu (1952 film)|Jungle]]''
| English
|  
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1953
| rowspan="3" | 1953
| ''[[Petrathai]]''
| ''[[Kanna Talli|Petra Thai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Kanna Talli]]''
| ''[[Devadasu (1953 film)|Devadas]]''
| Telugu
| Bhagavan
|Shankar
|
|-
|-
|''[[Azhagi (1953 film)|Azhagi]]''
|''[[Azhagi (1953 film)|Azhagi]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| 1954
| 1954
| ''[[Mangalyam (film)|Mangalyam]]''
| ''[[Mangalyam (1954 film)|Mangalyam]]''
| Tamil
|Gopi
|Gopi
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1955
| rowspan="4" | 1955
| ''[[Guna Sundari]]''
| ''[[Guna Sundari]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Doctor Savithri]]''
|''[[Doctor Savithri]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Pennarasi]]''
|''[[Pennarasi]]''
| Tamil
|Minister
|Minister
|
|-
|-
|''[[Kaveri (1955 film)|Kaveri]]''  
|''[[Kaveri (1955 film)|Kaveri]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| 1956
|1956
|''[[Tenali Raman]]''
|''[[Tenali Raman]]''
| Tamil
| Kannan
| Kannan
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="7" |1957
| rowspan="8" |1957
| ''[[Amara Deepam (1956 film)|Amara Deepam]]''
| ''[[Amara Deepam (1956 film)|Amara Deepam]]''
| Tamil
|Sukumar
|Sukumar
|
|-
|-
|''[[Makkalai Petra Magarasi]]''
|''[[Makkalai Petra Magarasi]]''
|Tamil
|Kannan
|Kannan
|
|-
|''[[Iru Sagodharigal]]''
| Vasudevan
|
|-
|-
|''[[Raja Rajan (film)|Rajarajan]]''
|''[[Raja Rajan (film)|Rajarajan]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Mayabazar]]''
|''[[Mayabazar]]''
|Tamil
|[[Shakuni]]
|[[Shakuni]]
|
|-
|-
|''[[Thangamalai Ragasiyam]]''
|''[[Thangamalai Ragasiyam]]''
| Tamil
| King Adithan
| King Adithan
|
|-
|-
|''[[Ambikapathy (1957 film)|Ambikapathy]]''  
|''[[Ambikapathy (1957 film)|Ambikapathy]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Pathini Deivam]]''
|''[[Pathini Deivam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1958
| rowspan="3" | 1958
| ''[[Uthama Puthiran (1958 film)|Uthama Puthiran]]''
| ''[[Uthama Puthiran (1958 film)|Uthama Puthiran]]''
| Tamil
|Naganathan
|Naganathan
|
|-
|-
|''[[Nadodi Mannan]]''
|''[[Nadodi Mannan]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Illarame Nallaram]]''
|''[[Illarame Nallaram]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1959
| rowspan="3" | 1959
|''[[Bhaaga Pirivinai]]''
|''[[Bhaaga Pirivinai]]''
| Tamil
| Mani
| Mani
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Thanga Padhumai]]''
| ''[[Thanga Padhumai]]''
| Tamil
| Baladevar
| Baladevar
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Kalyana Parisu]]''
| ''[[Kalyana Parisu]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1960
| rowspan="2" | 1960
| ''[[Raja Bakthi]]''
| ''[[Raja Bakthi]]''
| Tamil
| General
| General
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Veerakkanal]]''
| ''[[Veerakkanal]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="6" | 1961
| rowspan="6" | 1961
|''[[Thirudathe]]''
|''[[Thirudathe]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Arasilangkumari]]''
|''[[Arasilangkumari]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Pasamalar]]''
|''[[Pasamalar]]''
| Tamil
|Rathnam
|Rathnam
|
|-
|-
|''[[Naaga Nandhini]]''
|''[[Naaga Nandhini]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Then Nilavu]]''
| ''[[Then Nilavu]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Nallavan Vazhvan]]''
| ''[[Nallavan Vazhvan]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1962
| rowspan="2" | 1962
| ''[[Raani Samyuktha]]''
| ''[[Raani Samyuktha]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Nichaya Thamboolam]]''
|''[[Nichaya Thamboolam]]''
|Tamil
| Pattusamy
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" | 1963
| rowspan="5" | 1963
| ''[[Panathottam]]''
| ''[[Panathottam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Nenjam Marappathillai (1963 film)|Nenjam Marappathillai]]''
| ''[[Nenjam Marappathillai (1963 film)|Nenjam Marappathillai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Needhikkuppin Paasam]]''
| ''[[Needhikkuppin Paasam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Parisu]]''
| ''[[Parisu]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Annai Illam]]''
| ''[[Annai Illam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" | 1964
| rowspan="5" | 1964
| ''[[Thaayin Madiyil]]''
| ''[[Thaayin Madiyil]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[En Kadamai]]''
| ''[[En Kadamai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Vettaikkaran (1964 film)|Vettaikkaran]]''
| ''[[Vettaikkaran (1964 film)|Vettaikkaran]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Padagotti]]''
| ''[[Padagotti]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Thozhilali]]''
| ''[[Thozhilali]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" | 1965
| rowspan="5" | 1965
| ''[[Aasai Mugam]]''
| ''[[Aasai Mugam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Enga Veetu Pillai]]''
| ''[[Enga Veetu Pillai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Kalangarai Vilakkam]]''
| ''[[Kalangarai Vilakkam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Thazhampoo]]''
| ''[[Thazhampoo]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film)|Aayirathil Oruvan]]''
| ''[[Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film)|Aayirathil Oruvan]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" |1966
| rowspan="6" |1966
|''[[Thali Bhagyam]]''
|''[[Thali Bhagyam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Nadodi]]''
| ''[[Nadodi]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Naan Aanaiyittal|Naan Aanaiyital]]''
| ''[[Naan Aanaiyittal|Naan Aanaiyital]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Petralthan Pillaiya]]''
| ''[[Petralthan Pillaiya]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Parakkum Pavai]]''
| ''[[Parakkum Pavai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
| ''[[Muharasi]]''
| Duraisamy
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |1967
| rowspan="2" |1967
|''[[Kaavalkaaran]]''
|''[[Kaavalkaaran]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Vivasayee]]''
| ''[[Vivasayee]]''
| Tamil
| Pannaiyar Velupandiyan  
| Pannaiyar Velupandiyan  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="8" |1968  
| rowspan="8" |1968  
| ''[[Harichandra (1968 film)|Harichandra]]''  
| ''[[Harichandra (1968 film)|Harichandra]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-  
|-  
| ''[[Thirumal Perumai]]''
| ''[[Thirumal Perumai]]''||
| Tamil ||  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Lakshmi Kalyanam (1968 film)|Lakshmi Kalyanam]]''
| ''[[Lakshmi Kalyanam (1968 film)|Lakshmi Kalyanam]]''
| Tamil
| Suruttu Sundaram Pillai  
| Suruttu Sundaram Pillai  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Ragasiya Police 115]]''
| ''[[Ragasiya Police 115]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Kudiyirundha Koyil]]''
| ''[[Kudiyirundha Koyil]]''
|Tamil
|Bhoopathy
|Bhoopathy
|
|-
|-
|''[[Pudhiya Bhoomi]]''
|''[[Pudhiya Bhoomi]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Enga Oor Raja]]''
|''[[Enga Oor Raja]]''
|Tamil
|Rajangam
|Rajangam
|
|-
|-
|''[[Thillana Mohanambal]]''
|''[[Thillana Mohanambal]]''
|Tamil
|Maharaja of Madhanpur
|Maharaja of Madhanpur
|
|-
| rowspan="7" |1969
| ''Subha Dinam''
| Narayana Iyer
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="6" |1969
| ''[[Anbalippu]]''
| ''[[Anbalippu]]''
| Tamil
| Vasudevan
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Kaaval Dheivam]]''
| ''[[Kaaval Dheivam]]''
| Tamil
| Ananth  
| Ananth  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Gurudhatchanai]]''
| ''[[Gurudhatchanai]]''
|Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Anjal Petti 520]]''
| ''[[Anjal Petti 520]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Deiva Magan]]''
| ''[[Deiva Magan]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Sivandha Mann]]''
| ''[[Sivandha Mann]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" |1970
| rowspan="4" |1970
|''[[En Annan]]''
|''[[En Annan]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Thalaivan (1970 film)|Thalaivan]]''
|''[[Thalaivan (1970 film)|Thalaivan]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Raman Ethanai Ramanadi]]''
| ''[[Raman Ethanai Ramanadi]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Paadhukaappu]]''
| ''[[Paadhukaappu]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" |1971
| rowspan="5" |1971
| ''[[Thangaikkaaga]]''
| ''[[Thangaikkaaga]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Kulama Gunama]]''
| ''[[Kulama Gunama]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Oru Thaai Makkal]]''
| ''[[Oru Thaai Makkal]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Praptham]]''
| ''[[Praptham]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Savaale Samali]]''
| ''[[Savaale Samali]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="6" |1972
| rowspan="6" |1972
|  ''[[Kurathi Magan]]''
|  ''[[Kurathi Magan]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Naan Yen Pirandhen]]''
| ''[[Naan Yen Pirandhen]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Dharmam Engey]]''
| ''[[Dharmam Engey]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Idhaya Veenai]]''
| ''[[Idhaya Veenai]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Raman Thediya Seethai (1972 film)|Raman Thediya Seethai]]''  
| ''[[Raman Thediya Seethai (1972 film)|Raman Thediya Seethai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''Kannamma''
| ''Kannamma''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" |1973
| rowspan="5" |1973
|''[[Rajaraja Cholan]]''
|''[[Rajaraja Cholan]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Ponnunjal]]''
| ''[[Ponnunjal (film)|Ponnunjal]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Pattikaattu Ponnaiya]]''
| ''[[Pattikaattu Ponnaiya]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Ulagam Sutrum Valiban]]''
| ''[[Ulagam Sutrum Valiban]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Rajapart Rangadurai]]''
| ''[[Rajapart Rangadurai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" |1974
| rowspan="4" |1974
| ''[[Thaai]]''
| ''[[Thaai]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Urimaikural]]''
| ''[[Urimaikural]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Netru Indru Naalai (1974 film)|Netru Indru Naalai]]''  
| ''[[Netru Indru Naalai (1974 film)|Netru Indru Naalai]]''
|Tamil
| Rathnam
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Sirithu Vazha Vendum]]''
|''[[Sirithu Vazha Vendum]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |1975
| rowspan="3" |1975
|''[[Mannavan Vanthaanadi]]''
|''[[Mannavan Vanthaanadi]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Pallandu Vazhga]]''
|''[[Pallandu Vazhga]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Ninaithadhai Mudippavan]]''
|''[[Ninaithadhai Mudippavan]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |1976
| rowspan="2" |1976
| ''[[Satyam (1976 film)|Satyam]]''
| ''[[Satyam (1976 film)|Satyam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Needhikku Thalaivanangu]]''
| ''[[Needhikku Thalaivanangu]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |1977
| rowspan="2" |1977
| ''[[Meenava Nanban]]''
| ''[[Meenava Nanban]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga]]''
| ''[[Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1978
| rowspan="4" |1978
| ''[[Thacholi Ambu|ThacoliAmbu]]''
| Malayalam
|
|-
| ''[[Punniya Boomi]]''
| ''[[Punniya Boomi]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Vayasu Ponnu]]''
| ''[[Vayasu Ponnu]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Varuvan Vadivelan]]''
| ''[[Varuvan Vadivelan]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" | 1979
|''[[Mudi Sooda Mannan]]''
| ''[[Avesham]]''
|Rajaguru
| Malayalam
|
|Shekhar
|-
|''Pancharatnam''
| Malayalam
|  
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |1979
|''Nadagame Ulagam''
|''Nadagame Ulagam''
|Tamil
|
|
|-
|
|''[[Mamankam]]''
| Malayalam
|  
|-
|-
|''[[Thirisoolam]]''
|''[[Thirisoolam]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" | 1980
| rowspan="2" |1980
| ''[[Chandra Bimbam]]''
| Malayalam
|
|-
|''Arangum Aniyarayum''
| Malayalam
|
|-
|''[[Ratha Paasam (1980 film)|Ratha Paasam]]''
|''[[Ratha Paasam (1980 film)|Ratha Paasam]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|-
|
|''[[Shakthi]]''
| Malayalam
|  
|-
|-
|''[[Guru (1980 film)|Guru]]''
|''[[Guru (1980 film)|Guru]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1981
| 1981
| ''[[Garjanai (1981 film)|Garjanai]]''
| ''[[Garjanai (1981 film)|Garjanai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|''Kolilakkam''
| Malayalam
|
|-
|''[[Thadavara]]''
| Malayalam
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1982
| ''[[Chilanthivala]]''
| Malayalam
|Shekhar
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |1982
|''[[Thooral Ninnu Pochu]]''
|''[[Thooral Ninnu Pochu]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Parvaiyin Marupakkam]]''
|''[[Parvaiyin Marupakkam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1983
| rowspan="4" | 1983
| ''[[Thai Veedu]]''
| ''[[Thai Veedu]]''
| Tamil
| Rajasingam
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Dowry Kalyanam]]''
|''[[Dowry Kalyanam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Sandhippu]]''
|''[[Sandhippu]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Saatchi (film)|Saatchi]]''
|''[[Saatchi (film)|Saatchi]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" |1984
| rowspan="4" |1984
|''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (1984 film)|Naan Mahaan Alla]]''
|''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (1984 film)|Naan Mahaan Alla]]''
| Tamil
| G.M.K
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Vetri (film)|Vetri]]''
|''[[Vetri (film)|Vetri]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Vaazhkai (1984 film)|Vaazhkai]]''
|''[[Vaazhkai (1984 film)|Vaazhkai]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Simma Soppanam]]''
|''[[Simma Soppanam]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|rowspan="4" | 1985
| rowspan="5" | 1985
|''[[Needhiyin Nizhal]]''
|''[[Needhiyin Nizhal]]''
| Tamil
| Krishna Prasad
| Krishna Prasad
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Thanga Mama 3D]]''
| ''[[Thanga Mama 3D]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Eetti (1985 film)|Eetti]]''
| ''[[Eetti (1985 film)|Eetti]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
| ''[[Raja Rishi]]''
|Sage Vashista
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Puthiya Theerpu]]''
| ''[[Puthiya Theerpu]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |1986
| rowspan="3" |1986
|''Karimedu Karuvayan''
|''[[Karimedu Karuvayan]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Nambinar Keduvathillai]]''
|''[[Nambinar Keduvathillai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu]]''
|''[[Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1987
| rowspan="5" | 1987
| ''[[Vilangu]]''
| ''[[Vilangu]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Velundu Vinaiyillai]]''
| ''[[Velundu Vinaiyillai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Jallikattu (1987 film)|Jallikattu]]''
|''[[Jallikattu (1987 film)|Jallikattu]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Uzhavan Magan]]''
|''[[Uzhavan Magan]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|-
|''[[Anjatha Singam]]''
|Max
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1988
| rowspan="3" | 1988
| ''Thappu Kanakku''
| ''Thappu Kanakku''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Thambi Thanga Kambi]]''
| ''[[Thambi Thanga Kambi]]''
| Tamil
| Thyagu  
| Thyagu  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Nallavan (1988 film)|Nallavan]]''
| ''[[Nallavan (1988 film)|Nallavan]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1989
| rowspan="2" | 1989
| ''[[Paattukku Oru Thalaivan]]''
| ''[[Paattukku Oru Thalaivan]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Meenakshi Thiruvilayadal]]''
|''[[Meenakshi Thiruvilayadal]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1990
| rowspan="5" | 1990
|''[[Pulan Visaranai]]''
|''[[Pulan Visaranai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Paattali Magan]]''
|''[[Paattali Magan]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Paalam (1990 film)|Paalam]]''
|''[[Paalam (1990 film)|Paalam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|''[[Jagathalaprathapan (1990 film)|Jagathalaprathapan]]''
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Avasara Police 100]]''
|''[[Avasara Police 100]]''
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1991
| rowspan="4" | 1991
|''[[Sami Potta Mudichu]]''
|''[[Sami Potta Mudichu]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Enga Ooru Sippai]]''
|''[[Enga Ooru Sippai]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Captain Prabhakaran]]''
|''[[Captain Prabhakaran]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Maanagara Kaaval]]''
|''[[Maanagara Kaaval]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1992
| rowspan="4" | 1992
|''[[Chembaruthi]]''
|''[[Chembaruthi]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Thai Mozhi]]''
|''[[Thai Mozhi]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''Annai Vayal''
|''[[Annai Vayal]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Kaviya Thalaivan (1992 film)|Kaviya Thalaivan]]''
|''[[Kaviya Thalaivan (1992 film)|Kaviya Thalaivan]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="6" | 1993
| rowspan="6" | 1993
|''[[Yejaman]]''
|''[[Yejaman]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Ezhai Jaathi]]''
|''[[Ezhai Jaathi]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Sakkarai Devan]]''
|''[[Sakkarai Devan]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]''
|''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Nallathe Nadakkum]]''
|''[[Nallathe Nadakkum]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Thanga Pappa]]''
|''[[Thanga Pappa]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1994
| rowspan="3" | 1994
|''[[Sethupathi IPS]]''
|''[[Sethupathi IPS]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Paasamalargal]]''
|''[[Paasamalargal]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Periya Marudhu (film)|Periya Marudhu]]''
|''[[Periya Marudhu (film)|Periya Marudhu]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| 1995
| 1995
|''[[Karuppu Nila]]''
|''[[Karuppu Nila]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1998
| 1996
|''[[Poove Unakkaga]]''
|''[[Poove Unakkaga (film)|Poove Unakkaga]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|-
|''[[Ramudochadu]]''
| Telugu
|
|
|-
|-
| 1997
| 1997
|''[[Vallal]]''
|''[[Vallal]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1998
| rowspan="2" | 1998
|''[[Moovendhar]]''
|''[[Moovendhar]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Poonthottam]]''
|''[[Poonthottam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |1999
| rowspan="3" |1999
|''[[Endrendrum Kadhal]]''
|''[[Endrendrum Kadhal]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Rojavanam]]''
|''[[Rojavanam]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Pooparika Varugirom]]''
|''[[Pooparika Varugirom]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2001
|''[[Sharja To Sharja]]''
| Malayalam
|  
|-
|-
|2001
|''[[Vinnukkum Mannukkum]]''
|''[[Vinnukkum Mannukkum]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2002
| rowspan="2" | 2002
|''[[Varushamellam Vasantham]]''
|''[[Varushamellam Vasantham]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]]''
|''[[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]]''
| Tamil
|Baba's maternal uncle
|Baba's maternal uncle
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2003
| rowspan="3" | 2003
|''Relax''
| Malayalam
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Anbe Anbe]]''
| ''[[Anbe Anbe]]''|| Mahendra Bhoopathy  
| Tamil || Mahendra Bhoopathy  
|
|-
|-
|''[[Winner (2003 film)|Winner]]''
|''[[Winner (2003 film)|Winner]]''
| Tamil
|Velayutham
|Velayutham
|
|-
|-
| 2004
| 2004
|''[[Arasatchi]]''
|''[[Arasatchi]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| 2005
| 2005
|''[[Anbe Aaruyire (2005 film)|Anbe Aaruyire]]''
|''[[Anbe Aaruyire (2005 film)|Anbe Aaruyire]]''
| Tamil
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| 2006
| 2006
|''[[Sudesi]]''
|''[[Sudesi]]''
| Tamil
|
|
|}
 
=== Malayalam films ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Film
!Role
!Notes
|-
|1973
|''[[Jesus (1973 film)|Jesus]]''
|[[Judas]]
|
|-
| 1978
| ''[[Thacholi Ambu]]''
|Ittiri
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1979
| ''[[Aavesham (1979 film)|Avesham]]''
|Shekhar
|
|-
|''Pancharatnam''
|
|
|-
|''[[Maamaankam]]''
| Thanayanjeri Pandhya Perumal
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1980
| ''[[Chandra Bimbam]]''
|
|
|-
|''Arangum Aniyarayum''
|
|
|-
|''[[Sakthi (1980 film)|Shakthi]]''
|Vikraman
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1981
|''Kolilakkam''
|
|
|-
|''[[Thadavara]]''
|Madhavan
|
|-
| 1982
| ''[[Chilanthivala]]''
|Shekhar
|
|-
| 2001
|''[[Sharja To Sharja]]''
| Valiya Kappithan
|
|}
 
=== Other language films ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Film
!Role
! Language
!Notes
|-
| 1951
| ''[[Marmayogi (1951 film)|Ek Tha Raja]]''
|  
|  
| Hindi
|
|-
| rowspan="2"|1952||''[[Kanchana (1952 film)|Kanchana]]'' || || Telugu<br />Malayalam
|
|-
|''[[Kaadu (1952 film)|Jungle]]''
|Mahaji
| English
|
|-
|1953
|''[[Kanna Talli]]''
|Shankar
| Telugu
|
|-
|1956
| ''[[Devta (1956 film)|Devta]]''
|Veersen || Hindi
|
|-
|1985
|''[[Aatmabalam]]''
|Puligolla Varahavataram
|Telugu
|
|-
|1996
|''[[Ramudochadu]]''
| Bhusayya
| Telugu
|
|}
|}


Line 897: Line 982:


==Death==
==Death==
Nambiar suffered from [[bacterial infection]] and died at his residence in [[Chennai]] on 19 November 2008. He was survived by his wife Rugmini Amma, 2 sons&nbsp;— one, a senior [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] leader Sukumar Nambiar, and the other, Mohan Nambiar, a prominent businessman based in Coimbatore and a daughter, Sneha Nambiar. His eldest son Sukumar Nambiar died on 8 January 2012 aged 63 and later , his wife Rugmini Amma also died on 11 April 2012 aged 82.
Nambiar suffered from [[bacterial infection]] and died at his residence in [[Chennai]] on 19 November 2008. He was survived by his wife Rukmani, 2 sons&nbsp;— one, a senior [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] leader Sukumar Nambiar, and the other, Mohan Nambiar, a prominent businessman based in Coimbatore and a daughter, Sneha Nambiar who was married to actor [[Sarath Babu]]. His eldest son Sukumar Nambiar died on 8 January 2012 aged 63 and later, his wife Rukmani also died on 11 April 2012 aged 82.


==Tributes==
==Tributes==
Line 903: Line 988:
"If there was anyone who could act with both the top heroes ([[Sivaji Ganesan]] and [[M. G. R.]]) of Tamil cinema then, it was Nambiar. At one point, directors could not think of anyone else but him to play villain."
"If there was anyone who could act with both the top heroes ([[Sivaji Ganesan]] and [[M. G. R.]]) of Tamil cinema then, it was Nambiar. At one point, directors could not think of anyone else but him to play villain."


* [[Srikanth (Tamil actor, born 1940)|Srikanth]] (Actor) :
* [[Srikanth (actor, born 1940)|Srikanth]] (Actor) :
"This is a very big loss...you cannot find a human being like him easily."
"This is a very big loss...you cannot find a human being like him easily."


* [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]] (Actress) :
* [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]] (Actress) :
"He was a villain only when the camera got rolling...otherwise, he’d always keep us laughing with his ready wit,"
"He was a villain only when the camera got rolling...otherwise, he'd always keep us laughing with his ready wit,"


* K. Raman (Make-up man) :
* K. Raman (Make-up man) :
Line 915: Line 1,000:
"Nambiar swami was responsible for taking most of us in the industry to Sabarimalai"
"Nambiar swami was responsible for taking most of us in the industry to Sabarimalai"


* [[J. Jayalalithaa]] (Former Tamilnadu CM) :
* [[J. Jayalalithaa]] (Former Tamil Nadu CM) :
"I have acted with him in several films. He would be very jovial and enthusiastic on the sets. When one worked with him, one forget the burden of work. He was very fond of me and I always had great regard and respect for him. His passing away is a great loss indeed."
"I have acted with him in several films. He would be very jovial and enthusiastic on the sets. When one worked with him, one forget the burden of work. He was very fond of me and I always had great regard and respect for him. His passing away is a great loss indeed."


Line 923: Line 1,008:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://transcurrents.com/tc/2008/11/post_83.html M.N. Nambiar: Legendary "Villain" of Tamil Cinema-by D.B.S. Jeyaraj]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20081218035313/http://transcurrents.com/tc/2008/11/post_83.html M.N. Nambiar: Legendary "Villain" of Tamil Cinema-by D.B.S. Jeyaraj]}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0620630|name=M.N. Nambiar}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0620630|name=M.N. Nambiar}}


Latest revision as of 07:20, 27 March 2026


M. N. Nambiar
Born
Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar

7 March 1919
Cannanore, Kerala, India
Died19 November 2008(2008-11-19) (aged 89)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
OccupationActor
Years active1935—2008
Spouse(s)Rukmani (m. 1946)
Children3

Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar (7 March 1919 – 19 November 2008) was an Indian actor who predominantly worked in Tamil cinema,[1] renowned for his portrayals of villainous characters. With a career spanning over eight decades, he became a notable figure in the industry.[2] Nambiar also appeared in a few Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi and English films during his career.[2][3]

He appeared in many MGR movies as a villain. Some of the famous ones include Enga Veettu Pillai, Aayirathil Oruvan, Nadodi Mannan, Naalai Namadhe, Padagotti, Thirudathe, En Annan, Kaavalkaaran and Kudiyirundha Koyil.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Manjeri Narayan Nambiar[4] was born on 7 March 1919 at Kandakkai near Mayyil in Cannanore (Kannur) in North Malabar region of Kerala. He was the son of Kelu Nambiar and Kalyani Amma.[5] While he was still a child, his father died. He later moved to live and study in Ooty with his elder sister and brother-in-law.[6] He became interested in acting when he was 13 and he joined Nawab Rajamanikkam's troupe. He learnt discipline here which is according to him the major life skill at Madurai Bala nada vinodha kana sabha. From then on acting became the only thing that occupied him. His first film was Bhaktha Ramadoss, shot in 1935 in Hindi and Tamil, where he played as a comedian along with T.K.Sampangi.

Film career[edit | edit source]

Though he started as a hero, Nambiar soon started donning the role of a villain — so much so that today his name is synonymous with villainy in Kollywood. Nambiar has worked with seven generations of actors. His first pay was Rs.3 with Boys Company. He would retain Rs.1 and send Rs.2 to his mother. A man of very limited needs, he has never eaten food not cooked by his wife, Rugmini Nambiar.

He made quite a statement in the early 50s with his portrayal of 11 roles in Digambara Samiyar, one of his films as the Lead. His arresting performance in films such as Manthiri Kumari, Velaikaari, Ayirathil Oruvan, Thillana Mohanambal, Missiyamma and Nenjam Marappadillai paved way for a very successful career that spanned over five decades.[5]

A majority of the more than 1000 films that he has done is in Tamil, though he has acted in Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, besides an English film 'The Jungle' (with Rod Cameron, the film's hero, directed by William Burke) in which he appears in a few brief scenes. The film was released in 1952. The Hindi film he acted in was a remake of the Tamil Kanavane Kankanda Deivam. After becoming popular in Tamil films he started his own drama troupe called Nambiar Nataka Mandram. They staged two plays — 'Kaviyin Kanavu' and a comedy play 'Kalyana Supermarket.'

His most notable films are Aayirathil Oruvan with MGR, Ambikapathy with Sivaji Ganesan, Missiamma with Gemini Ganesan, 'Nenjam Marappathillai' directed by Sridhar and Thooral Ninnu Pochchu with Bhagyaraj. This was the film that made him do character roles, something that he continued to do till his death. He also acted as hero in two films 'Kalyani' and 'Kavitha' produced by Modern Theaters. He has done stage, films and also acted on TV dramas like 'Oviyam' and Velan. When it comes to acting, he supposedly likes all the actors; but of special mention are M. R. Radha and Savitri. Both, in his opinion, were brilliant in their own way.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Friends and associates of M.N.Nambiar described him as kind, witty, and disciplined. He was a vegetarian, teetotaler, and fitness enthusiast. He was also an ardent devotee of Sabarimala Sri Ayyappan. He has had a long association with Sabarimala Temple, where he made trips to for almost 60 years and brought many colleagues; this has led to him being called Maha Guruswamy.[7] His colleagues noted that he died during the famous Sabarimala season and it may be due to the blessing of his Lord.

Partial filmography[edit | edit source]

Tamil films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1935 Bhaktha Ramadas
1946 Vidyapathi
1947 Rajakumaari
Kanjan
1948 Abhimanyu
Mohini
1949 Velaikaari
1950 Manthiri Kumari Rajaguru
Digambara Samiyar
1951 Marmayogi
Sarvadhikari
1952 Kanchana Manohar
Kalyani
1953 Petra Thai
Devadas Bhagavan
Azhagi
1954 Mangalyam Gopi
1955 Guna Sundari
Doctor Savithri
Pennarasi Minister
Kaveri
1956 Tenali Raman Kannan
1957 Amara Deepam Sukumar
Makkalai Petra Magarasi Kannan
Iru Sagodharigal Vasudevan
Rajarajan
Mayabazar Shakuni
Thangamalai Ragasiyam King Adithan
Ambikapathy
Pathini Deivam
1958 Uthama Puthiran Naganathan
Nadodi Mannan
Illarame Nallaram
1959 Bhaaga Pirivinai Mani
Thanga Padhumai Baladevar
Kalyana Parisu
1960 Raja Bakthi General
Veerakkanal
1961 Thirudathe
Arasilangkumari
Pasamalar Rathnam
Naaga Nandhini
Then Nilavu
Nallavan Vazhvan
1962 Raani Samyuktha
Nichaya Thamboolam Pattusamy
1963 Panathottam
Nenjam Marappathillai
Needhikkuppin Paasam
Parisu
Annai Illam
1964 Thaayin Madiyil
En Kadamai
Vettaikkaran
Padagotti
Thozhilali
1965 Aasai Mugam
Enga Veetu Pillai
Kalangarai Vilakkam
Thazhampoo
Aayirathil Oruvan
1966 Thali Bhagyam
Nadodi
Naan Aanaiyital
Petralthan Pillaiya
Parakkum Pavai
Muharasi Duraisamy
1967 Kaavalkaaran
Vivasayee Pannaiyar Velupandiyan
1968 Harichandra
Thirumal Perumai
Lakshmi Kalyanam Suruttu Sundaram Pillai
Ragasiya Police 115
Kudiyirundha Koyil Bhoopathy
Pudhiya Bhoomi
Enga Oor Raja Rajangam
Thillana Mohanambal Maharaja of Madhanpur
1969 Subha Dinam Narayana Iyer
Anbalippu Vasudevan
Kaaval Dheivam Ananth
Gurudhatchanai
Anjal Petti 520
Deiva Magan
Sivandha Mann
1970 En Annan
Thalaivan
Raman Ethanai Ramanadi
Paadhukaappu
1971 Thangaikkaaga
Kulama Gunama
Oru Thaai Makkal
Praptham
Savaale Samali
1972 Kurathi Magan
Naan Yen Pirandhen
Dharmam Engey
Idhaya Veenai
Raman Thediya Seethai
Kannamma
1973 Rajaraja Cholan
Ponnunjal
Pattikaattu Ponnaiya
Ulagam Sutrum Valiban
Rajapart Rangadurai
1974 Thaai
Urimaikural
Netru Indru Naalai Rathnam
Sirithu Vazha Vendum
1975 Mannavan Vanthaanadi
Pallandu Vazhga
Ninaithadhai Mudippavan
1976 Satyam
Needhikku Thalaivanangu
1977 Meenava Nanban
Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga
1978 Punniya Boomi
Vayasu Ponnu
Varuvan Vadivelan
Mudi Sooda Mannan Rajaguru
1979 Nadagame Ulagam
Thirisoolam
1980 Ratha Paasam
Guru
1981 Garjanai
1982 Thooral Ninnu Pochu
Parvaiyin Marupakkam
1983 Thai Veedu Rajasingam
Dowry Kalyanam
Sandhippu
Saatchi
1984 Naan Mahaan Alla G.M.K
Vetri
Vaazhkai
Simma Soppanam
1985 Needhiyin Nizhal Krishna Prasad
Thanga Mama 3D
Eetti
Raja Rishi Sage Vashista
Puthiya Theerpu
1986 Karimedu Karuvayan
Nambinar Keduvathillai
Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu
1987 Vilangu
Velundu Vinaiyillai
Jallikattu
Uzhavan Magan
Anjatha Singam Max
1988 Thappu Kanakku
Thambi Thanga Kambi Thyagu
Nallavan
1989 Paattukku Oru Thalaivan
Meenakshi Thiruvilayadal
1990 Pulan Visaranai
Paattali Magan
Paalam
Jagathalaprathapan
Avasara Police 100
1991 Sami Potta Mudichu
Enga Ooru Sippai
Captain Prabhakaran
Maanagara Kaaval
1992 Chembaruthi
Thai Mozhi
Annai Vayal
Kaviya Thalaivan
1993 Yejaman
Ezhai Jaathi
Sakkarai Devan
Gentleman
Nallathe Nadakkum
Thanga Pappa
1994 Sethupathi IPS
Paasamalargal
Periya Marudhu
1995 Karuppu Nila
1996 Poove Unakkaga
1997 Vallal
1998 Moovendhar
Poonthottam
1999 Endrendrum Kadhal
Rojavanam
Pooparika Varugirom
2001 Vinnukkum Mannukkum
2002 Varushamellam Vasantham
Baba Baba's maternal uncle
2003
Anbe Anbe Mahendra Bhoopathy
Winner Velayutham
2004 Arasatchi
2005 Anbe Aaruyire
2006 Sudesi

Malayalam films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1973 Jesus Judas
1978 Thacholi Ambu Ittiri
1979 Avesham Shekhar
Pancharatnam
Maamaankam Thanayanjeri Pandhya Perumal
1980 Chandra Bimbam
Arangum Aniyarayum
Shakthi Vikraman
1981 Kolilakkam
Thadavara Madhavan
1982 Chilanthivala Shekhar
2001 Sharja To Sharja Valiya Kappithan

Other language films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Language Notes
1951 Ek Tha Raja Hindi
1952 Kanchana Telugu
Malayalam
Jungle Mahaji English
1953 Kanna Talli Shankar Telugu
1956 Devta Veersen Hindi
1985 Aatmabalam Puligolla Varahavataram Telugu
1996 Ramudochadu Bhusayya Telugu

Television[edit | edit source]

  • Alaigal as Father (Acha)
  • Velan
  • Oviyam
  • The TV serial Avalukkendru oru idam in Doordharshan Madras is his first Television debut. The television serial produced by Lakshmi and Lakshmi Creations fetched him the Mylapore Academy Award 1991 for Best Actor in Character Role.

Death[edit | edit source]

Nambiar suffered from bacterial infection and died at his residence in Chennai on 19 November 2008. He was survived by his wife Rukmani, 2 sons — one, a senior BJP leader Sukumar Nambiar, and the other, Mohan Nambiar, a prominent businessman based in Coimbatore and a daughter, Sneha Nambiar who was married to actor Sarath Babu. His eldest son Sukumar Nambiar died on 8 January 2012 aged 63 and later, his wife Rukmani also died on 11 April 2012 aged 82.

Tributes[edit | edit source]

"If there was anyone who could act with both the top heroes (Sivaji Ganesan and M. G. R.) of Tamil cinema then, it was Nambiar. At one point, directors could not think of anyone else but him to play villain."

"This is a very big loss...you cannot find a human being like him easily."

"He was a villain only when the camera got rolling...otherwise, he'd always keep us laughing with his ready wit,"

  • K. Raman (Make-up man) :

"In ‘Nenjam Marappadillai,’ he plays a really old man...the makeup would take hours together, but he would be extremely patient. His skin was flawless and almost pink...he took great care of his health."

"Nambiar swami was responsible for taking most of us in the industry to Sabarimalai"

"I have acted with him in several films. He would be very jovial and enthusiastic on the sets. When one worked with him, one forget the burden of work. He was very fond of me and I always had great regard and respect for him. His passing away is a great loss indeed."

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Kumar, Sonika (19 November 2024). "MN Nambiar, Tamil cinema's most convincing villain wielded swords with MGR, worshipped Ayyappa". ThePrint. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Narayanan, Sujatha (6 March 2019). "100 Years Of MN Nambiar: Tamil Cinema's Own Supervillain". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  3. ↑ Krishnamachari, Suganthy (28 November 2019). "Nambiar, a villain with a divine personality". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  4. ↑ "rediff.com: An Ode to M N Nambiar". specials.rediff.com. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Archived copy". The Hindu. 29 September 2000. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ↑ Mohan V. Raman (16 November 2010). "Reel villain, real hero". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
  7. ↑ "A handsome villain". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 20 November 2008. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2010.

External links[edit | edit source]

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