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Vivek (actor)

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Name
  
Vivek Vivek

Occupation
  
Film actor

Years active
  
1987–2021


Role
  
Film actor

Spouse
  
Arulselvi Vivek

Vivek (actor) httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommons99

Awards
  
Padmashri (2009), Honorary Doctorate (2015), Filmfare Best comedian Awards

Children
  
Amritha Nandini Vivek, Prasanna Kumar, Tejaswini Vivek

Movies
  
Singam, Sivaji, Yennai Arindhaal, Singam 2, Velaiyilla Pattathari


Died
  
17 April 2021 (aged 59), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India


Similar
  
Vadivelu, Santhanam (actor), Manivannan


Born
  
19 November 1961(age 59), Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India

Profiles

Iam comedy actor vivek fan sivakarthikeyan speech paalakkaatu madavan movie audio launch


Vivekh, better known as Vivek was an Indian film actor, comedian, television personality, playback singer and activist working in the Tamil film industry. Introduced in films by director K. Balachander, he has won three Filmfare Best Comedian Awards for his performances in Run (2002), Saamy (2003) and Perazhagan (2004). In 2009, Government of India awarded Vivekh with the Padma Shri award for his contribution to the arts. Sathyabama University conferred actor Vivek with an honorary doctorate for his contribution to the society through cinema. As a television personality, Vivek also hosted a number of events and has interviewed media personalities, notably A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, A. R. Rahman, and Rajinikanth.

Contents

Vivek (actor) Actor Vivek REAL Biography kurukkalpatti

Tamil comedy actor vivek son passes away died death


Early career (1987–1997)

Vivek (actor) Vivek Tamil Actor Photos Stills HD photos 174228

While working at the Secretariat in Chennai, Vivek in his free-time participated at the Madras Humour Club where people would perform stand-up comedy. He helped pioneer the movement to expand and subsequently won the Best Entertainer Award several times during his pantomimes at the Club. Vivekh subsequently left Chennai and went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in commerce from Madurai and during semester breaks, he would return and perform at the Club. Through an acquaintance at the Club, P. R. Govindarajan, he was introduced to film director K. Balachandar for the first time and began a professional relationship as a script-writer for the director's films. Vivekh revealed that after four years, Balachandar explained a situation and asked him to write a script for sixteen characters, which Vivek completed over night. He later understood that this was actually a test, and through his performance, Balachandar became closer to Vivek. While assisting with the script for Manathil Uruthi Vendum in 1987, Balachandar offered Vivek an acting role of Suhasini's brother in the film, which he decided to pursue. He began his career portraying supporting roles and collaborated again with Balachandar in Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (1989) and Oru Veedu Iru Vasal (1990), before often appearing in the primary cast as a friend to the film's lead actor in films such as K. S. Ravikumar's Putham Pudhu Payanam (1991) and Vikraman's Naan Pesa Ninaipathellam (1993). He then also made appearances in Rajinikanth's big budget productions Uzhaippali (1993) and Veera, playing secondary cast roles. Vivek had to wait till 1996 to establish himself as a sole comedian who could help carry the film, and thereafter began to appear in increasingly prominent roles in his ventures.

Breakthrough and success (1998–2007)

Vivek (actor) Vivek actor vivek at green kalam initiative pictures

In the late 1990s, Vivek was able to make a breakthrough by appearing as the lead comedian in films, who would often be the main friend of the lead actor and thus his on-screen time began to increase. He worked consecutively on successful films starring Ajith Kumar, appearing as a sidekick in Kaadhal Mannan, Unnaithedi and Vaali, and had similar success repeatedly featuring alongside Prashanth in Kannedhirey Thondrinal, Poomagal Oorvalam and Aasaiyil Oru Kaditham. He subsequently became amongst the most busy actors in 2000 and 2001, featuring in over fifty films in two years. Films including Kushi, Priyamanavale and Minnale became blockbusters, while his roles in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey, Mugavaree and Dumm Dumm Dumm all won critical acclaim for the actor. The rising success of Vivek's films had meant that he was featured on film posters on an equivalent scale to the lead actor, and thus helped stuck films find distributors. Telugu films were dubbed into Tamil and released with an additional comedy track featuring the actor such as Kanden Seethaiyai, while devotional films such as Kottai Mariamman, Palayathu Amman and Nageswari were released with a separate comedy track featuring Vivek. In 2000, director K. Subash had planned a film starring Vivek in the leading role titled Enakkenna Korachal?, however the film never materialised. Similarly in 2001, he began production on a film titled Panju by Rama Narayanan in which he appeared as the protagonist, but the venture was also then after shelved as was another film to be directed by Sivachandran.

Vivek (actor) Picture 690431 Actor Vivek in Aadhar Tamil Movie Stills

Vivek worked on more commercially successful ventures in 2002 and 2003, receiving consecutive Filmfare Best Comedian Awards and Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedians for his work. His comedy track in Run won him multiple accolades, with a critic adding Vivek's "nods to current social events showed a stroke of brilliance". He played extended comedy roles in Vikram's Dhool and Priyadarshan's Lesa Lesa, while winning further acclaim for his portrayal of a teacher in Saamy and a software engineer in Parthiban Kanavu. He then played a marginally more serious role in S. Shankar's coming-of-age tale Boys, portraying a mentor to the group of youngsters, and his performance was well received. Critics noted that "Vivek, for a change, follows Shankar’s script and delivers with his impeccable sense of comic timing", while the reviewer from The Hindu claimed that "the show belongs to Vivek, he's the mouthpiece for the director." Success continued in 2004, where he retained the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for his role of a marriage assembler in Perazhagan, while his roles in Chellamae and M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi helped contribute to the films' commercial success respectively. His rising profile as an actor meant that he became the first comedian to become an ambassador for the soft drink, securing the sponsorship deal with Mirinda after the brand had carried out market surveys to find a popular promoter. He also made a special exception to appear in a few artistic films and often charged significantly less remuneration for the ventures, notably playing character roles in Janaki Vishwanathan's Kutty (2001) and Thangar Bachan's Azhagi (2002). In the latter film, the director had requested Vivek to write and appear in a role himself, in order to use his fame to help the film find a distributor for release.

A film which would feature Vivek in the leading role finally materialised in early 2004 and he completed a project titled Solli Addipean directed by newcomer Ramki. The team worked on the production of the film for close to a year and ensured that the audience would be able to accept the comedian's transformation into a lead role, with actresses Chaya Singh and Tejashree cast as the film's heroines. Despite completion, the film has been stuck since 2004 and as a result of a failure to find a distributor, the film is unlikely to have a theatrical release. In mid 2004, he suffered an injury during the production of a film and took a break from acting assignments for a period of six months. He returned by portraying a well-received supporting role in Shankar's Anniyan (2005), appearing as an undercover police officer hunting down clues left by a psychopath serial killer. The film opened to critical and commercial success with a critic noting "Vivek’s comedy is bankable", and the actor subsequently went on to win the State Award for Best Comedian for his work on the venture. He continued his comeback with appearances in Vijay's Aadhi, Ajith Kumar's Paramasivan and Silambarasan's Saravana, all of which released on the same day in January 2006. After winning acclaim for his performance as a comedic undercover detective in Susi Ganesan's Thiruttu Payale, Shankar approached him to feature in a prominent role in his venture Sivaji (2007), starring Rajinikanth, which would go on to become the most expensive Tamil film made at release. Vivek allotted ninety days for the film, significantly more than any of his previous films, and his performance as Rajinikanth's sidekick Arivu, won him another award from the state for Best Comedian. He won positive reviews from critics for his performance, with reviewers noting his "one-liners are really whacky and hilarious" and that "Vivek must come in for special mention for his performance".

Recent work (2008–present)

In the late 2000s, Vivek's market reach began to falter as a result of changes in screenplay in Tamil cinema, which saw less films adopting a separate comedy track. Moreover, the lack of big budget films signed by the actor and the emergence of Santhanam, saw Vivek reach a nadir in 2012, where he only had a single release. His acclaimed work during the period involved a portrayal of a don in Padikathavan (2009), an appearance in drag in Guru En Aalu (2009) and as a police officer in the Singam (2010) series. Re-emerging after a sabbatical, Vivek announced his plans to move away from his usual comedy roles after being advised by director Bala and Kamal Haasan and signed a film titled Naan Than Bala (2014), in which he played a serious role. Simultaneously he began work on another film as the lead actor in Palakkattu Madhavan (2015) opposite Sonia Agarwal, while appearing in another parallel lead role with Karunas in Sakthi Chidambaram's unreleased Machan. Since his return, Vivek has been recalled into the industry by film makers to appear again in bigger budget films and has since worked on Velraj's Velaiyilla Pattathari (2014), Gautham Menon's Yennai Arindhaal (2015), Aishwarya Dhanush's Vai Raja Vai (2015)

Personal life

Vivek was born in Sankarankovil and got married to Arulselvi, with whom he has three children: Amrithanandini, Tejaswini and Prasanna Kumar, who died in 2015, aged 13, due to brain fever. Vivek graduated from The American College in Madurai Vivek was the brand ambassador of Mirinda softdrinks in 2003. As of 2011, he was the ambassador of Nathella jewellery.

Vivek launched Green Kalam, under the guidance of former President of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. "Green Globe Project”, a Campaign against global warming, which had attained its mission of planting billion trees for billion people all over the state.

Awards and honours

Vivek has won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian – Tamil for Run (2002), Saamy (2003), and Perazhagan (2004). He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian five times for Unnaruge Naan Irundhal (1999), Run (2002), Parthiban Kanavu (2003), Anniyan (2005), and Sivaji (2007). His other creative awards include International Tamil Film Award for Best Comedian, Variety Cinema Award for Best Comedian, Asianet Film Award for Best Comedian, and Edison Award for Best Comedian. He also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award - Kalaivanar Award in 2006.

Death

Vivek passed away on 17 April 2021 at the age of 59 after suffering heart attack.

Cause of death was Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Filmography

Actor
2023
Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir (completed)
2022
The Legend
2021
Aranmanai 3 as
Sigamani
2021
LOL: Enga Siri Paappom (TV Series)
2020
Dharala Prabhu as
Kannadaasan
2019
Bigil as
Nessi
2019
Vellaipookal as
Rudhran
2019
Viswasam as
Kesavan
2018
Ezhumin
2017
Sakka Podu Podu Raja as
Delhi
2017
Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 as
Azhagu Sundaram
2017
Meesaya murukku as
Ramachandran
2017
Brindavanam as
Vivek
2017
Mupparimanam as
Guest appearance
2017
Muthuramalingam as
Rajasekara Kaalakeyan
2017
Rum
2016
Kaashmora
2016
Manithan as
Surya
2016
Oopiri as
Lawyer
2015
Sakalakala Vallavan as
Vettaiyan
2015
Palakkattu Madhavan (TV Movie)
2015
Buddhanin Sirippu as
Comedian
2015
Vai Raja Vai as
Panda
2015
Yennai Arindhaal as
Revolver Richard
2015
Killadi
2015
Touring Talkies as
Cameo appearance
2014
Vigynani
2014
Velaiyilla Pattathari as
Azahagusundaram
2014
Naan Than Bala as
Bala
2014
Ninaithathu Yaaro as
Guest appearance
2013
Singam 2 as
Yettu Erimalai
2013
Chandra
2013
Kantha
2013
Pathayeram Kodi as
Shankar Lal
2012
Murattu Kaalai as
Saroja
2011
Vedi as
Varun Sandhesh
2011
Mappillai as
Child Chinna
2011
Seedan as
Gumbidiswamy
2010
Bhavani IPS
2010
Thambikku Indha Ooru as
Cola Kumar
2010
Uthama Puthiran as
Emotional Ekambaram
2010
Vaadaa as
Annamalai
2010
Bale Pandiya as
Mr.London
2010
Pen Singam as
Thirupathi
2010
Singam as
Yettu Erimalai
2010
Magane En Marumagane as
Singapetti Singaram
2010
Sivappu Mazhai
2009
Anthony Yaar? as
Kingfisher
2009
Ainthaam Padai
2009
Indira Vizha
2009
Guru En Aalu as
Aasana Azhagappan / 'Lassi' Latha
2009
1977 as
Paraman
2009
Thee
2009
Perumal
2009
Padikkathavan as
Assault Arumugam
2008
Aayudham Seivom
2008
Bommalattam as
Madurai (Tamil)
2008
Dhurai
2008
Jayam Kondaan as
Gopal
2008
Kuruvi as
Vetrivel's sidekick
2008
Singakutti
2008
Sandai as
Mani / Thangapandi
2008
Thoondil as
Mac
2007
Urchagam
2007
Veerappu
2007
Kireedam
2007
Thullal
2007
Sivaji as
Arivu Mama
2007
Agaram as
Thiru's friend
2007
Aalwar as
Pons
2006
Devi Maa
2006
Nee Venunda Chellam
2006
Madhu as
Madhan
2006
Thiruttu Payale as
Manohar
2006
Kalvanin Kadhali
2006
Aathi as
Bullet
2006
Paramasivan as
Agni Puthiran
2006
Saravana as
V. C. Damodaran
2005
Vanakkam Thalaiva
2005
Anbe Vaa
2005
Anniyan as
Sub-Inspector Arivazhagan 'Chari'
2005
Kanaa Kanden as
Comedian
2005
Thaka Thimi Tha
2005
Jambhavan as
Subhash
2004
Chellame as
Harichandra
2004
Jhoot as
Siva
2004
M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi as
Ganesan
2004
Arasatchi as
Prakash
2004
Peralagan as
Kuzhandhai
2004
Aethiree as
Auto Sampath
2004
Udhaya as
Basheer
2003
Anbe Anbe
2003
Joot
2003
Naag Lok
2003
Whistle
2003
Ennaku 20 Unakku 18 as
Kapil
2003
Thirumalai as
Pazhani
2003
Three Roses as
Shankar / Bala Mani Bharathi
2003
Alai
2003
Boys as
Mangalam Sir
2003
Thennavan
2003
Thithikudhe
2003
Kadhal Kisu Kisu
2003
Ice
2003
Parthiban Kanavu as
Mano
2003
Laysa Laysa as
Chandru
2003
Saamy as
Venkataraman Iyer
2003
Kadhal Sadugudu as
'Super' Subbu
2003
Popcarn
2003
Dhool as
Arumugam's Friend
2002
University as
Aal Thotta Bhoopathy
2002
Namma Veetu Kalyanam as
Gopi
2002
Run as
Siva's friend
2002
Youth as
Kandasamy
2002
Yai Nee Romba Azhaga Irukey as
Hari's Friend
2002
Thenkasi Pattanam as
Manikkam Pillai (Mapillai)
2002
Devan as
Saravanan
2002
Thamizhan as
Nandhakumar
2002
Roja Kootam as
Auto Aarumugam
2002
Shakalaka Baby
2002
Azhagi
2002
Vivaramana Aalu as
Suitcase Subbu
2001
Alli Thandha Vaanam as
Tamil Kirukkan
2001
Middle Class Madhavan as
Manimaran
2001
The Little One
2001
Vadagupatti Maapillai
2001
Majunu as
Mano
2001
Dum Dum Dum as
Jim
2001
Manadhai Thirudivittai as
Valayapathi
2001
Paarthale Paravasam as
Madhava's Friend
2001
Shahjahan as
Boopathi Ramaiyaa
2001
Lovely as
Azhagesh
2001
12 B as
Mathan / Madan Garage Mechanic
2001
Poovellam Un Vaasam
2001
Kanna Unnai Thedukiren
2001
Super Kudumbam
2001
Dhill as
'Megaserial' Mahadevan
2001
Badri as
Azhagu
2001
Ullam Kollai Poguthae
2001
Minnale as
Chockalingam (Chokku)
2001
Looty as
Thyagarajan
2001
Kottai Mariamman
2001
Ninaivirukkum Varai
2000
Budget Padmanabhan
2000
Doubles
2000
Eazhaiyin Sirippil
2000
Karisakattu Poove
2000
Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai
2000
Sudhandhiram as
Vikram
2000
Seenu
2000
Palayathu Amman
2000
Priyamanavale as
Chandru
2000
Unnai Kann Theduthey
2000
9 Nelalu
2000
Pennin Manathai Thottu as
Kandhasamy
2000
Kushi as
Vicky, dance master
2000
Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela as
Kathirvela
2000
Alai Payuthey as
Shakti's cousin
2000
Sandhithavaelai
2000
Mugavari
2000
Thai Poranthachu as
Prabhu's friend
2000
Good Luck
2000
Thirunelveli
1999
Aasaiyil Oru Kaditham as
Ramalingam
1999
Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa
1999
Unnaruge Naan Irundhal
1999
Mugam
1999
Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga as
Madhi
1999
Viralukketha Veekkam as
Ramanathan
1999
Oruvan
1999
Poomagal Oorvalam as
Sakthi
1999
Vaalee as
Vicky
1999
Unnai Thedi
1998
Marumalarchi as
Nagaraj
1998
Kannethirey Thondrinal
1998
Sollamale
1998
Harichandra
1998
Kadhal Mannan
1998
Kaadhale Nimmadhi
1998
Naam Iruvar Namakku Iruvar as
Vivek Kumar
1997
Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga
1997
Nerukku Ner
1997
Pagaivan
1997
Pongalo Pongal as
Pazhanisamy
1997
Sishya 1997
1996
Enakkoru Magan Pirappan
1996
Subash
1996
Minor Mappillai as
Kichcha
1996
Thayagam as
Hostage
1995
Ilaya Raagam
1995
Maya Bazar 1995
1995
Nandhavana Theru
1995
Vaanga Partner Vaanga
1995
Thedi Vandha Raasa
1995
Muthukulikka Vaariyala
1994
Mogha Mull
1994
Pattikottai Periyappa
1994
Watchman Vadivelu
1994
Vanaja Girija as
Appu
1994
Pudhiya Mannargal as
Araitchi Ariandndham
1994
Namma Annachi as
Nallathambi
1994
Veera
1993
Enga Muthalali
1993
Rajadhi Raja, Raja Kulothunga, Raja Marthanda, Raja Gambeera, Karthavaraya Krishna, Kamarajan
1993
Uzhaippaali
1993
Pass Mark
1993
Naan Pesa Ninaipathellam
1992
Innisai Mazhai
1992
Thambi Pondaatti as
Mani
1991
Jenma Natchathiram
1991
Sindhoora devi
1991
Putham Puthu Payanam as
Vivek
1991
MGR Nagaril
1991
Nanbargal as
Gopi
1990
Keladi Kanmani as
Adaikkalam's friend
1990
Puriyatha Puthir
1989
Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal
1987
Manathil Uruthi Vendum
Self
-
Shades of Grey: The Cinema of K. Balachander (Documentary) (announced) as
Self
2021
LOL: Enga Siri Paappom (TV Series) as
Self - Host
- The Zero Hour (2021) - Self - Host
- Catch my point? (2021) - Self - Host
- Howizzzit? (2021) - Self - Host
- Pulling a leg or two! (2021) - Self - Host
- Where's the party tonight? (2021) - Self - Host
- Ready Steady Po (2021) - Self - Host

References

Vivek (actor) Wikipedia