Comedy is a serious business anytime. Legendary comedians have all gone through a lot of personal pain but their profession demanded them to show the other side. That's why they are legends. When comedy was meant only to entertain people by being in a 'safe zone', very few were ready to break the barriers and come out bold expressing what they really want to say. Goundamani is a phenomenon. 

How many of us know that Goundamani has acted in very small, uncredited supporting roles in MGR and Sivaji films in the 60s before making his mark in the late 70s? The making of legendary people takes a lot. Though he has acted in little roles for a long time, it was Bharathiraja's '16 Vayathinile' the real gamechanger for Goundamani. His performance as the villager sharing screen space with Rajinikanth throughout the film earned him much-needed recognition, especially for his one-liners. 

He continued his journey with roles that had comic as well as negative shades. There is something called a 'second break' for every artist and for Goundamani it came with 'Vaidehi Kathirunthal' directed by R.Sundarrajan in 1984. It's the film in which Tamil cinema found an epic combination called 'Goundamani-Senthil'. As All-in-All Azhaguraja, he along with Senthil presented a very realistic comedy. The duo went on to do hundreds of films together and is called the 'Laurel and Hardy' of Tamil cinema. 

Goundamani is known for his guts and an uncompromising attitude on screen. He has attacked almost every politician in his films. But the beauty is that the ones whom he attacked have themselves enjoyed his comedy. When a TV anchor met Kalaignar Karunanidhi at his home, Kalaignar said to him the following: "When you meet Goundamani, tell him that I like him very much". Goundamani, in many films, has trolled Kalaignar and his party. He has also made fun of Jayalalithaa and the submissive attitude of ADMK ministers many times. Making everyone your friend through art is simply an impressive thing. Goundamani's criticisms of politicians were always hitting the bull's eye but he was not targeted personally by any of them. Neither Goundamani would have feared such acts. His stamina and fearlessness is something to be learnt.

Some of the most striking dialogues of Goundamani...

"Arasiyal la idhellaam saadhaaranamappa" (Such fraudulent acts are very common in politics)

"Pazhamozhiya yaen da innum sollittu irukkinga? Pudhusaa edhaavadhu sollunga da" (For how long are you going to say the same old proverbs? Discover and say something new)

"Petromax light eh dhaan vaenumaa?" (Do you need only Petromax light? Not anything else?)

"Onnu indhaa irukku. Innonnu enga?" (One of it is here. Where is another?)

"Veettla thinguradhukku soaru irukkaa da? Apram enna da cricket score vaenum?" (Do you have food to eat at home? Then why do you need to know the cricket score so urgently?)

"Adhu yaen da enna paathu andha kaelvi kaetta?" (Why did you ask that question to me specifically?)

"Grease dappaa va epdi odhacha?" (How did you just kick the grease box?)

"Dai.. Nee yaaru nu enakku theriyum. Naan yaaru nu unakku theriyum. Namma rendu paerum yaaru nu indha oorukkae theriyum" (I know who you are. You know who I am. And the people know who we both are)

Goundamani's friendship with Sathyaraj has given Kollywood some unforgettable 'Nakkal' comedies in the 90s. He has also worked with Karthik in many memorable and successful films like Ullathai Allitha and Mettukudi. Among the directors, Sundar. C was the one to use Goundamani continuously and extract the best from him. He has been widely criticized for his abusive comedy but that has become 'Goundamani style' and is enjoyed by the people. 

He is in the 'Hero' avatar for the past few years and has acted in socially responsible films like 49-O. Goundamani never relied on anyone for his growth and never joined or voiced out in support of any political party for his survival. His contribution to Tamil cinema and his dialogues with concern towards social issues will be remembered and celebrated across generations.

Long live, the man of self-respect.