Charlie's Birthday: Legendary Tamil Comedian Who Performed Versatile Characters In More Than 800 Films!

Named After Charlie Chaplin

Actor Charlie celebrates his 63rd birthday today (March 6). Charlie has carved a niche for himself in the world of comedy.

Charlie was born as Velmurugan Thangasamy Manohar in Kovilpatti near Tirunelveli. Being a teacher's son, Charlie initially aspired to become a teacher. But time dragged him into the film industry.

He made his debut in the year 1983 with Director K Balachandar's film Poikaal Kudhirai. He has acted in around 800 Tamil films as a comedian and supporting actor. K Balachander named him Charlie after English comedian Charlie Chaplin.

Charlie talks to the fans through his eyes according to the roles he plays on screen. During his college days he was interested in mimicry.

Vetri Kodi Kattu & Friends

Charlie's nostalgia is that because he acted as a comedian in the first film, he was branded as a comedian. Being a drama actor, he wanted to play all the characters. Charlie did not fail to establish his personality in the few character roles that came his way. Especially in the film Vetrikodi Kattu, Palani, who until then had been telling Manorama about his inability to overcome his delusional story, turns like a mentally ill person and starts speaking as if he is the prince of Dubai. It is a scene that makes the audience emotional.

He made us laugh in many films. He has acted in many 90s kids' favorite films like Poove Unakakkam, JJ, Kovil. Especially his role as Kovalu in the movie Friends, cannot be easily forgotten by anyone.

The comedy scene from the movie Friends which was released in 2001 is trending globally even now. As much as Vadivelu's Contractor Nesamani character has impressed us in that film, Kovalu too cannot leave our minds.

Crossed 800 Films

He has been continuously reading books including world literature and cinema. Charlie didn't limit himself to reading. It is worth noting that in 2013, he received his M.Phil degree from Alagappa University on the topic 'Contribution of comedians to the development of Tamil Cinema.'

Even though he has proven himself by acting in around 800 films, Charlie is still running tirelessly to achieve great heights.

Long Time College Student

Director V Shekhar's films are worth mentioning in Charlie's film career. Charlie has the honor of acting as a college student for a long time in Tamil cinema after Murali and Chinni Jayanthu. This is Charlie's 40th year in Tamil cinema. He is a good hearted man who sees no ego in performing with other comedians. The cockroach comedy in Dharmathin Thalaivan with Superstar Rajinikanth is still entertaining us. After that, in Thalapathy and Veera they both acted together. He also performed in Singalavelan movie with Kamal.

Being consistent in the film industry with so many performances to mention is not an easy task. Charlie is a person who belongs to our house. Let's wish him to get more recognition. Happy Birthday Charlie!