M. N. Nambiar
M. N. Nambiar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar 7 March 1919 |
| Died | 19 November 2008 (aged 89) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1935—2008 |
| Spouse | Rukmani (m. 1946) |
| Children | 3 |
Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar (7 March 1919 – 19 November 2008) was an Indian actor who predominantly worked in Tamil cinema, renowned for his portrayals of villainous characters. [1] He also appeared in a few Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi and English films during his career.[2][3]
Early life
Manjeri Narayan Nambiar[4] was born on 7 March 1919 in a Ambalavasi Nambiar family at Kandakkai near Mayyil in Cannanore (Kannur) in North Malabar region of Kerala.[5] He was the son of Kelu Nambiar and 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.[6]
Film career
Nambiar’s debut in cinema was at the age of 16, with Bhakta Ramadas (1935) in a comic role.[7]
In 1944, he essayed the role of Rajaguru in the play Kaviyin Kanavu, written by S. D. Sundaram to such perfection that his reputation as villain came to be well established. Nambiar soon signed up with Jupiter Films as a studio artiste and played a comedian in the film Vidyapathi (1946). He married Rukmani the same year.
This was followed by A. S. A. Sami's Rajakumari (1947), which featured his friend M. G. Ramachandran as hero. Nambiar then played the lead role along with S. V. Subbaiah in Kanjan (1947). Then, followed Abhimanyu (1948), Mohini (1948) and Velaikari (1949).
Soon, Nambiar developed a reputation as a dependable actor and major banners like Jupiter and progressive theatre companies enlisted his services. He is also known to have played multiple roles in one film, as the central character in Digambara Samiyar (1950). He played the antagonist to perfection in many a mythological or period drama which was the norm of storytelling in the 50s and early 60s.[8]
Though he acted mostly in Tamil films, he had starred in Hindi, Malayalam and Telugu movies.[9] A lone English film, The Jungle (1952), and a handful of Malayalam films including Thadavara (1981) and Kolilakkam (1981) also formed part of the actor’s filmography. Nambiar also worked on the small screen in serials like Oviyam, Velan and Alaigal.[10]
Nambiar steadily rose and became the industry's “bad” man — his performance in Annaiyin Aanai (1958), Thennilavu (1961), Padagotti (1964), Enga Veettu Pillai (1965), Aayirathil Oruvan (1965), Ragasiya Police 115 (1968) and Raman Ethanai Ramanadi (1970) is unforgettable. During this time, he also essayed character roles in films such as Pasamalar (1961). Despite stiff competition from the likes of P. S. Veerappa, S. A. Ashokan, R. S. Manohar and a host of others, Nambiar managed to retain his place in the industry. His portrayal of an old man in C. V. Sridhar's Nenjam Marappathillai (1963) was classic.[11] Manjeri Narayanan Nambiar slipped so effectively into the skin of the characters he played that fans of the heroes he opposed on screen continued to nurture their hatred for him long after they walked out the theatres.[12]
But then, the 70’s was a period when Nambiar’s popularity began to wane. Once MGR made a complete transition to politics, Nambiar was bereft of his plum villainous roles. To top it off, onscreen baddies were turning suave and younger and Nambiar gradually found himself being sidelined.[13]
After becoming popular in Tamil films, he started his own drama troupe Nambiar Nataka Mandram, which staged many plays.[14]
As long as MGR and Sivaji played the hero, Nambiar was a favourite choice to play the villain. However, in his later years, he began taking up character roles that once again proved his acting talents. K. Bhagyaraj’s Thooral Ninnu Pochchu (1982) and S. Shankar’s Gentleman (1993) are among his best.[15] His other projects include Thai Veedu (1983), Paalam (1990), Yajaman (1993), Poove Unakkaga (1996), Moovendhar (1998), Sharja To Sharja (2001), Baba (2002), Winner (2003), Arasatchi (2004), Anbe Aaruyire (2002) and Sudesi (2006).[16]
Personal life
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.[17] His colleagues noted that he died during the famous Sabarimala season and it may be due to the blessing of his Lord.
Partial filmography
Tamil films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 | Bhaktha Ramadas | ||
| 1946 | Vidyapathi | Narayana Bhagavathar | |
| 1947 | Rajakumaari | Bahu | |
| Kanjan | Velappan | ||
| 1948 | Abhimanyu | Lakkanan | |
| Mohini | |||
| 1949 | Velaikaari | Moorthi and Yogi Hariharadas | |
| 1950 | Manthiri Kumari | Rajaguru | |
| Thigambara Samiar | Chokkalingam Pillai | Lead role | |
| 1951 | Marmayogi | Nallathambi | |
| Devaki | Gopu | ||
| Sarvadhikari | Mahavarman | ||
| 1952 | Kanchana | Manohar | |
| Kalyani | Moorthi | ||
| 1953 | Naam | ||
| Petra Thai | Shankar | ||
| Devadas | Bhagavan | ||
| Azhagi | |||
| 1954 | Mangalyam | Gopi | |
| 1955 | Kaveri | Gnananandar | |
| Missiamma | David | ||
| Nalla Thangai | Lead role | ||
| Pennarasi | Minister Vijayasimman | ||
| Kanavane Kankanda Deivam | Veerasenan | ||
| Doctor Savithri | Krishnamoorthi | ||
| Guna Sundari | Second son-in-law | ||
| 1956 | Naan Petra Selvam | Sundar | |
| Tenali Raman | Kannan | ||
| Amara Deepam | Sukumar | ||
| Rambaiyin Kaadhal | Narada | ||
| 1957 | Pathini Deivam | ||
| Makkalai Petra Magarasi | Kannan | ||
| Mayabazar | Shakuni | ||
| Vanangamudi | Narendran | ||
| Rajarajan | Udhayachandhran | ||
| Karpukkarasi | Jagaveeran | ||
| Thangamalai Ragasiyam | King Adithan | ||
| Iru Sagodharigal | Vasudevan | ||
| Ambikapathy | Ottakoothar | ||
| 1958 | Kanniyin Sabatham | ||
| Bhooloka Rambai | Puththi Sigamani | ||
| Uthama Puthiran | Naganathan | ||
| Annaiyin Aanai | Balu | ||
| Illarame Nallaram | Gopu | ||
| Sarangadhara | Mahadevan | ||
| Nadodi Mannan | Pingalan | ||
| 1959 | Thanga Padhumai | Baladevar | |
| Kalyana Parisu | Raghu's father | ||
| Penn Kulathin Pon Vilakku | |||
| Bhaaga Pirivinai | Mani | ||
| 1960 | Baghdad Thirudan | Hyder / Chinna Sarkar | |
| Raja Bakthi | General | ||
| Ellarum Innattu Mannar | Thirumeni | ||
| Veerakkanal | Raghu Devan | ||
| 1961 | Arasilangkumari | Vetrivelan[ | |
| Naaga Nandhini | |||
| Thirudathe | Ponnambalam / Duraisingam | ||
| Pasamalar | Bhaskar | ||
| Nallavan Vazhvan | Inspector Madhavan | ||
| Then Nilavu | Raj-2 | ||
| 1962 | Raani Samyuktha | Muhammad Ghori | Guest appearance |
| Nichaya Thamboolam | Pattusamy | ||
| Madappura | Kannan | ||
| Kavitha | |||
| 1963 | Panathottam | Chidambaram | |
| Chitor Rani Padmini | Malik Kafur | ||
| Kalai Arasi | Dheenan | ||
| Nenjam Marappathillai | Zamindar | ||
| Needhikkuppin Paasam | Muthaiya | ||
| Parisu | Viswam | ||
| Annai Illam | Rathnam | ||
| Ezhai Pangalan | |||
| 1964 | Vettaikkaran | Mayavan | |
| En Kadamai | Shankar | ||
| Thozhilali | Velu | ||
| Padagotti | Neelamagam | ||
| Thaayin Madiyil | |||
| 1965 | Enga Veetu Pillai | Gajendran | |
| Aayirathil Oruvan | Pirate captain | ||
| Kalangarai Vilakkam | Nagarajan | ||
| Kanni Thai | Estate manager's son | ||
| Thazhampoo | Mohan | ||
| Aasai Mugam | Varatha, alias Varathan | ||
| 1966 | Naan Aanaiyittal | Velaiya | |
| Muharasi | Duraisamy | ||
| Nadodi | Jambu | ||
| Chandrodayam | Paranthaman | ||
| Thali Bhagyam | Namchivayam | ||
| Thanippiravi | Sub-inspector Sundaram | ||
| Parakkum Pavai | Rangasamy | ||
| Petralthan Pillaiya | Mani | ||
| Mani Magudam | Raja Guru / Veera Mahendran | ||
| 1967 | Arasa Kattalai | Amudha's guardian | |
| Raja Veetu Pillai | Anand | ||
| Kaavalkaaran | Maruthachalam | ||
| Vivasayee | Pannaiyar Velupandiyan | ||
| 1968 | Ragasiya Police 115 | Inspector Kumar and Krishnan | |
| Thirumal Perumai | Chola King | Cameo appearance | |
| Kudiyirundha Koyil | Boopathy / Nagappan | ||
| Harichandra | Vishvamitra | ||
| Pudhiya Bhoomi | Kangeyan | ||
| Thillana Mohanambal | Maharaja of Madhanpur | ||
| Enga Oor Raja | Rajangam | ||
| Lakshmi Kalyanam | Suruttu Sundaram Pillai | ||
| 1969 | Anbalippu | Vasudevan | |
| Subha Dinam | Narayana Iyer | ||
| Nil Gavani Kadhali | Gang leader | ||
| Kaaval Dheivam | Ananth | ||
| Kanne Pappa | Inspector James | ||
| Gurudhatchanai | Singapur Singaram | ||
| Anjal Petti 520 | Nagarajan | ||
| Deiva Magan | Ananth | ||
| Sivandha Mann | Diwan | ||
| 1970 | En Annan | Nayagam | |
| Thalaivan | Sangili | ||
| Raman Ethanai Ramanadi | Minor Rajarathnam | ||
| Paadhukaappu | Vinayagam | ||
| 1971 | Thangaikkaaga | Moorthy / Prakash | |
| Kulama Gunama | Nallakannu | ||
| Praptham | Raju | ||
| Savaale Samali | Rajavel | ||
| Aathi Parasakthi | Ashtavadhana Kaala Kandathana Munivar | ||
| Oru Thaai Makkal | Rathnam | ||
| 1972 | Kurathi Magan | Jambilingam | |
| Naan Yen Pirandhen | Rajan | ||
| Dharmam Engey | Marthandan | ||
| Kannamma | |||
| Idhaya Veenai | Annamalai | ||
| Raman Thediya Seethai | Babu Bhairavan | ||
| Annamitta Kai | Selvaraj | ||
| 1973 | Rajaraja Cholan | Bala Devar | |
| Ulagam Sutrum Valiban | one of Bairavan's henchmen | ||
| Ponnunjal | Ponnan | ||
| Pattikaattu Ponnaiya | Pannaiyar Paramasivam | ||
| Rajapart Rangadurai | Somasundaram | ||
| 1974 | Thaai | Kumar | |
| Netru Indru Naalai | Rathnam (the false) | ||
| Urimaikural | Duraisamy | ||
| Sirithu Vazha Vendum | Cheater in gambling | ||
| 1975 | Ninaithadhai Mudippavan | Mohan | |
| Naalai Namadhe | Ranjith | ||
| Mannavan Vanthaanadi | Punyakodi | ||
| Pallandu Vazhga | Bhairavan | ||
| 1976 | Needhikku Thalaivanangu | Sathiyamoorthy | |
| Satyam | Sokkanathan | ||
| 1977 | Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga | Guruviah | |
| Meenava Nanban | Arun | ||
| 1978 | Punniya Boomi | Nagalingam | |
| Varuvan Vadivelan | Velagiri | ||
| Vayasu Ponnu | |||
| Mudi Sooda Mannan | Rajaguru | ||
| En Kelvikku Enna Bathil | Sivaraman | ||
| 1979 | Neeya? | Appu Kuttan | |
| Thirisoolam | Chakravarthi | ||
| Nadagame Ulagam | |||
| Vetrikku Oruvan | thirajulu | ||
| 1980 | Ratha Paasam | Arjun Das | |
| Guru | Head of the anti-social group | ||
| 1981 | Ram Lakshman | Chandrasekar | |
| Lorry Driver Rajakannu | Jaganath | ||
| Garjanai | Mr. Mithra | ||
| 1982 | Oorukku Oru Pillai | ||
| Parvaiyin Marupakkam | Viswanath | ||
| Thooral Ninnu Pochu | Kusthi Vaathiyaar | ||
| Sangili | Tiger Dayanidhi / Lion, leader of a smuggling ring | ||
| Thaai Mookaambikai | Durga's father | ||
| 1983 | Thai Veedu | Rajasingam | |
| Sandhippu | Vedagiri | ||
| Dowry Kalyanam | Rowthar | ||
| Saatchi | |||
| Miruthanga Chakravarthi | Neelakandan Pillai | ||
| 1984 | Naan Mahaan Alla | G.M.K | |
| Vetri | Commissioner Chandrasekharan | ||
| Pozhuthu Vidinchachu | |||
| Tharaasu | |||
| Vaazhkai | Rajalingam | ||
| Simma Soppanam | Nagarajan | ||
| Ezhuthatha Sattangal | Farooq | ||
| Nyayam | |||
| Iru Medhaigal | Rajalingam | ||
| 1985 | Naan Sigappu Manithan | Commissioner Amarnath | |
| Needhiyin Nizhal | Krishna Prasad | ||
| Nermai | Seetharam | ||
| Eetti | |||
| Thanga Mama 3D | |||
| Raja Rishi | Sage Vashista | ||
| Puthiya Theerpu | Namachivayam | ||
| 1986 | Karimedu Karuvayan | ||
| Nambinar Keduvathillai | |||
| Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu | Noorjahan's father | ||
| Aayiram Kannudayaal | |||
| 1987 | Valayal Satham | ||
| Vilangu | International smuggler | ||
| Velundu Vinaiyillai | Raghunatha Bhoopathy | ||
| Enga Ooru Pattukaran | Kallampattiyan | Guest appearance | |
| Anjatha Singam | Max | ||
| Krishnan Vandhaan | Rangarajan | ||
| Jallikattu | Dheenadalayan | ||
| Uzhavan Magan | Marudhamalai Gounder | ||
| 1988 | Sakkarai Panthal | ||
| Thambi Thanga Kambi | Thyagu | ||
| Manaivi Oru Mandhiri | |||
| Nallavan | Guru and Raja's father | ||
| Enga Ooru Kavakkaran | Pandimuni Devar | ||
| Thappu Kanakku | |||
| 1989 | Thaai Naadu | Saleem Bhai | |
| Paattukku Oru Thalaivan | Veluchami | ||
| Paandi Nattu Thangam | Captain Raghu | Special appearance | |
| Meenakshi Thiruvilayadal | |||
| 1990 | Pulan Visaranai | DGP | |
| Paattali Magan | |||
| Paalam | SP Izhavenil | ||
| Jagathalaprathapan | John Frederick | ||
| Kalyana Rasi | Murali's father | ||
| Periya Veetu Pannakkaran | |||
| Sathyam Sivam Sundaram | |||
| Avasara Police 100 | Prakash | ||
| 1991 | Sami Potta Mudichu | ||
| Kumbakarai Thangaiah | |||
| Enga Ooru Sippai | |||
| Captain Prabhakaran | Police Commissioner S. Ramanathan | ||
| Kaaval Nilayam | Andhavar | ||
| Maanagara Kaaval | IG Jayaprakash | ||
| 1992 | Thanga Manasukkaran | Sadha Swamy | |
| Chembaruthi | Raja Rathnam | ||
| Nadodi Pattukkaran | Thevar Ayya | ||
| Annai Vayal | |||
| Thai Mozhi | Church Father | ||
| Kaviya Thalaivan | Damodaran | ||
| Villu Pattukaran | Nambiyappan | ||
| 1993 | Yejaman | Kathavarayan | |
| Ezhai Jaathi | Iyer | ||
| Thanga Pappa | Adaikalam | ||
| Sakkarai Devan | Sarasu's grandfather | ||
| Gentleman | Ramesh's father | ||
| Nallathe Nadakkum | Vikraman | ||
| 1994 | Sethupathi IPS | Ramarathnam | |
| Paasamalargal | Swamy Uncle | ||
| Thai Maaman | Arivudai Nambi, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu | ||
| Periya Marudhu | Bhai | ||
| 1995 | Karuppu Nila | Nandhini's father | |
| Kattumarakaran | Vaidehi's grandfather | ||
| Raasaiyya | Swamy | ||
| 1996 | Poove Unakkaga | Sadhasivam | |
| Aavathum Pennale Azhivathum Pennale | Deena Dayalan | ||
| 1997 | Kathirunda Kadhal | ||
| Vallal | Dharmarasu | Guest Appearance | |
| Pasamulla Pandiyare | Nesamani | ||
| Nattupura Nayagan | Kuppusamy | ||
| Thambi Durai | |||
| 1998 | Moovendhar | Nagappan | |
| Poonthottam | Sundari's grandfather | ||
| 1999 | Endrendrum Kadhal | Sethupathi | |
| Rojavanam | |||
| Pooparika Varugirom | Narayanan | ||
| 2001 | Vinnukkum Mannukkum | Cameo Appearance | |
| 2002 | Varushamellam Vasantham | Paramasivam | |
| Baba | Baba's maternal uncle | ||
| 2003 | |||
| Anbe Anbe | Mahendra Bhoopathy | ||
| Winner | Velayutham | ||
| 2004 | Arasatchi | Iyer | |
| 2005 | Anbe Aaruyire | Father of Memories | |
| 2006 | Sudesi | Sudesi's grandfather |
Malayalam films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Jesus | Judas | |
| 1978 | Thacholi Ambu | Ittiri | |
| 1979 | Pancharatnam | ||
| Maamaankam | Thanayanjeri Pandhya Perumal | ||
| Avesham | Shekhar | ||
| 1980 | Chandra Bimbam | ||
| Shakthi | Vikraman | ||
| 1981 | Thadavara | Madhavan | |
| Kolilakkam | |||
| 1982 | Chilanthivala | Shekhar | |
| 2001 | Sharja To Sharja | Valiya Kappithan |
Other language films
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 | Bhaktha Ramadas | Hindi | ||
| 1951 | Ek Tha Raja | Hindi | ||
| 1952 | Kanchana | Telugu Malayalam |
||
| Jungle | Mahaji | English | ||
| 1953 | Kanna Talli | Shankar | Telugu | |
| 1955 | Vijaya Gowri | Telugu | ||
| 1956 | Devta | Veersen | Hindi | |
| 1973 | Errakota Veerudu | Telugu | ||
| 1976 | Maa Daivam | Bhairavudu | Telugu | |
| 1985 | Aatmabalam | Puligolla Varahavataram | Telugu | |
| 1993 | Manikantana Mahime | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Ramudochadu | Bhusayya | Telugu |
Television
- Oviyam
- Velan
- Alaigal
- 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
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
- P. Vasu (Director) :
"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 (Actor) :
"This is a very big loss...you cannot find a human being like him easily."
- Manorama (Actress) :
"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."
- Sundaram (Dance master) :
"Nambiar swami was responsible for taking most of us in the industry to Sabarimalai"
- 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."
References
- ↑ Kumar, Sonika (19 November 2024). "MN Nambiar, Tamil cinema's most convincing villain wielded swords with MGR, worshipped Ayyappa". ThePrint. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
- ↑ Narayanan, Sujatha (6 March 2019). "100 Years Of MN Nambiar: Tamil Cinema's Own Supervillain". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
- ↑ Krishnamachari, Suganthy (28 November 2019). "Nambiar, a villain with a divine personality". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
- ↑ "rediff.com: An Ode to M N Nambiar". specials.rediff.com. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ↑ Krishnamachari, Suganthy (28 November 2019). "Nambiar, a villain with a divine personality". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "Most loved villain of Tamil cinema". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
- ↑ "100 Years Of MN Nambiar: Tamil Cinema's Own Supervillain". Film Companion. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ↑ "Veteran Tamil actor M.N. Nambiar dead". Hindustan Times of India. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
- ↑ "Remembering MN Nambiar: From 'Anbe Vaa' to 'Thillana Mohanambal', the menacing villain". The News Minute. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ↑ "Reel villain, real hero". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- ↑ "M.N. Nambiar — not so evil after all". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
- ↑ "The two faces of MN Nambiar: Fearsome baddie onscreen, a monk offscreen". DT Next. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
- ↑ "Veteran Tamil film villian M N Nambiar dead". Times of India. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
- ↑ "The villain with a heart of gold: Remembering MN Nambiar on his birth centenary". The News Minute. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
- ↑ "M. N. Nambiar". Book My show.
- ↑ "A handsome villain". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 20 November 2008. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2010.