Veteran Tamil actor Delhi Ganesh passes away

Veteran Tamil actor Delhi Ganesh has passed away at the age of 80 in Chennai. He was suffering from age related ailments and the end came at his house in Ramapuram.

Reports confirm that the actor died at 11:30 pm last night. The last rites are scheduled to take place today. Ganesh, known for his extensive career in Tamil cinema, was a beloved figure in the industry.

A Distinguished Actor and Former IAF Officer

Delhi Ganesh had a notable career not only in Tamil cinema but also in the Indian Air Force. From 1964 to 1974, he served in the Indian Air Force before transitioning to acting. His cinematic debut came with the 1970 film Pattina Pravesam, directed by K. Balachander, which marked the beginning of his prolific career in Tamil cinema. Over the years, Ganesh appeared in more than 400 films across various languages, earning a reputation for his versatile roles in both films and television serials.

His most iconic films include Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), Nayagan (1987), Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989), Michael Madana Kama Rajan(1990), Aaahaa (1997), and Thenali (2000). His last film appearance was in Indian 2, which was released in 2024.

A Career Spanning Multiple Languages

In addition to his contributions to Tamil cinema, Delhi Ganesh also made his mark in Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi films. Some of his noteworthy Malayalam films include Dhruvam, Devaasuram, The City, Kalapani, Keerthi Chakra, Pokkiri Raja, Peruchazhi, Lavender, and Manoharam. He also featured in Telugu films such as Jaitra Yatra, Punnami Nagu, and Naayudamma, as well as Hindi films like Dus, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, and Chennai Express. 

He was also known for lending his voice in various regional films, including providing the voice for Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan in Mazhalai Pattalam and for several actors like Chiranjeevi, Prathap Pothen, Ravindran, and Nedumudi Venu.

Awards and Recognition

Delhi Ganesh's contribution to the film industry was recognised with several prestigious awards. In 1979, he won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Pasi. In 1994, he was honoured with the Kalaimamani award for his achievements in Tamil cinema. His career was a testament to his enduring talent and versatility, making him one of the most beloved figures in Indian cinema.