Delhi Ganesh obit | His restrained presence quietly enriched Tamil cinema

It’s rare for a side actor to stand out when Kamal Haasan is in the spotlight. And Delhi Ganesh never vied for that space.

Yet, in film after film, Ganesh’s restrained presence in every conceivable role that he can play has only quietly enriched Tamil cinema.

Rightly celebrated for his versatility, Delhi Ganesh, who passed away on November 9, stood out with his unique dialogue delivery and unassuming style. Few actors can transition seamlessly from negative roles to comic ones, or play a sidekick and still leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Sindu Bhairavi

In his career spanning over four decades, Delhi Ganesh appeared in more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. Although some of Delhi Ganesh’s most memorable roles come from Kamal Haasan’s films, his talent extended well beyond that.

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Director K Balachander, who launched him in the 1976 film Pattina Pravesam, offered him ample space to showcase his range in the 1985 classic Sindhu Bhairavi. As the mridangam player devoted to singer JKB (played by Sivakumar), Delhi Ganesh effortlessly conveyed layers of guilt — whether furiously playing the mridangam outside JKB’s house after being banned from concerts for showing up drunk, or struggling to conceal JKB’s affair from his wife, Bhairavi (played by Sulakshana).

In one poignant scene, he tries to teach Bhairavi some music lessons — a calm persona that serves as a perfect foil to her inner turmoil, as she is torn between thoughts of her husband's infidelity and the endless chores of the kitchen.

Remarkable versatility

In the critically acclaimed Pasi (1977), Delhi Ganesh portrayed Muniyandi, an alcoholic rickshaw puller and the sole breadwinner of his family, who spends most of his earnings on liquor. The stark contrast in his language compared to his role in Sindhu Bhairavi, along with his effortless lack of guilt at being a burden to his family, is proof enough for the actor's remarkable versatility.

But truth be told, it was in Kamal Haasan’s films that Ganesh truly received his due.

In film after film with Kamal, Delhi Ganesh took on a wide range of roles — from a loyal sidekick to a villain, comedian, villainous comedian, and even a sinister antagonist.

Landmark role in Nayakan

In Nayakan (1987),his first film with Kamal Haasan, Ganesh portrayed Iyer, a loyal sidekick who stands steadfastly by Velu Naicker throughout his tumultuous journey.

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Though his presence is subtle, it carries significant weight, and his understated support plays a crucial role in the development of Velu Naicker’s character. His restrained performance is a demonstration of how powerful a subtle presence can be in a story dominated by complex characters.

In Apoorva Sagodarargal (1989), Ganesh took on the role of Francis Anbarasu, a French beard-sporting villain whose actions set the stage for much of the film's conflict. He is one of the brutal murderers Sethupathi, the father of the twins (once again played by Kamal Haasan), and mocks Appu, the dwarf son seeking revenge.

Even in this villainous role, Ganesh’s restraint comes through, making his performance feel effortless.

As Palakaadu Mani Iyer

In Michael Madana Kamarajan (1990), Ganesh shines in the comedic role of Palakaadu Mani Iyer, a cook who, alongside Kameshwaran (one of Kamal Haasan's four roles), adds a riot of laughter to the film.

Their antics fuel the comedic energy of the film, with Ganesh’s impeccable timing and humor elevating his character’s role. His performance adds a layer of warmth and charm to the film’s otherwise fast-paced, hilarious chaos.

In Avvai Shanmugi (1996), Ganesh plays Sethurama Iyer, an assistant to Viswanatha Iyer, who attempts to expand his influence within the household. However, his schemes are thwarted by Shanmugi (played by Kamal Haasan). Ganesh’s portrayal of Sethurama Iyer blends humor with a touch of villainy, as he attempts to uncover Shanmugi's true identity.

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One of the last films of Delhi Ganesh was again with Kamal Haasan — Indian II, in which he played a corrupt officer.

A versatile actor

The 2021 Netflix anthology Navarasa provided yet another platform for Ganesh to showcase his immense talent as an actor.

At the age of 77, he played the role of Samandhu in Payasam (based on T Janakiraman’s short story), a segment exploring the emotion of disgust. Ganesh effortlessly portrayed Samandhu, an elderly man whose physical vulnerability contrasts sharply with his intense contempt for his nephew Subbu, who has outdone him in life.

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This role only further exemplifies Ganesh’s remarkable range, proving once again his mastery in portraying characters with both vulnerability and a strong emotional core.

With the passing of Delhi Ganesh, Tamil cinema loses a versatile supporting actor whose quiet strength and understated presence enriched every film he was part of.