Veteran Tamil actor Delhi Ganesh passes away at 80

Chennai: Veteran stage and film actor Delhi Ganesh passed away in Chennai on Sunday due to age-related illness. He was 80.

A famous comedian, he has acted in various character roles in a career spanning near five decades, during which he had acted in more than 400 films spread over several languages.

After a career in the Air Force from 1964 to 1974, he started his acting as a stage artist. He joined the Delhi-based theatre troupe, Dakshina Bharata Nataka Sabha, before he made his debut n the silver screen when legendary director K. Balachander gave him the stage name Delhi Ganesh and introduced him in the film 'Pattina Pravesam" (1976), marking the beginning of a prolific journey.

He was a prominent actor in all the films produced and acted by Kamal Haasan and has acted with present stars also.

He had also acted in various TV serials and has become a household name.

He had won various awards, including the state's Kalaimamani award.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, Information Minister M P Saminathan, leaders of various political parties, leading actors, including Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, actresses, film artistes, directors, music composers, producers condoled his death.

Several actors and film personalities, including political leaders, visited his residence and paid their last respects.