(This article is authored by Alar)

In a poignant social media post on Wednesday, acclaimed actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan commemorated the 15th death anniversary of his mentor and close friend, Nagesh. The revered comedian, born as Cheyur Krishnarao Nageshwaran  on September 27, 1933, in Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

In his heartfelt note in Tamil, Kamal Haasan expressed, "Today is the memorial day of Nagesh who was a unique genius in comedy. There was never a day that went by that I did not utter his name. He is the author who captivated me with his ability to know the inside and outside of the character and portray it on the silver screen with depth and breadth. Cherish the memories of the timeless artist."

Nagesh's illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he featured in more than 1,000 films from 1958 to 2008, showcasing his versatility across various genres and languages. Recognized for his exceptional talent, he received numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, Kalaimamani Award in 1974, and a Special Prize from the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.

The camaraderie between Kamal Haasan and Nagesh extended beyond the screen, as they collaborated on several memorable films, including Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989), Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990), Avvai Shanmughi (1996), and Dasavatharam (2008). Nagesh, not only a co-star but also a mentor to Kamal Haasan, played a pivotal role in shaping the latter's acting prowess.

Kamal Haasan once acknowledged, “Nagesh is my guru. He taught me how to act, modulate my voice, use my eyes, time my dialogues, and make people laugh.”. On January 31, 2009, Nagesh bid farewell to the world in Chennai, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and brilliance. Even after 15 years, his fans and admirers continue to celebrate his life and work, paying homage to him on his death anniversary.

நகைச்சுவை நடிப்பில் தனித்துவம் மிக்க மேதையாகத் திகழ்ந்த நாகேஷ் அவர்களின் நினைவு நாள் இன்று. அவரது பெயரை நான் உச்சரிக்காத நாளென ஒன்று இருந்ததில்லை.

கதாபாத்திரத்தின் அகமும் புறமும் அறிந்து, ஆழமும் அகலமுமாக வெள்ளித் திரையில் நிலைநிறுத்திக் காட்டுகிற ஆற்றலால் என்னை ஆட்கொண்ட…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 31, 2024