Veteran Tamil actor 'Delhi' Ganesh passes away at 80

Chennai: Renowned Tamil actor 'Delhi' Ganesh, known for his versatile roles in over 400 films, passed away late Saturday night at his residence in Chennai, following a brief illness. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.

Ganesh's son, Maha Delhi Ganesh, confirmed the news, stating that his father had been suffering from age-related ailments and was undergoing treatment. "Last night, when we tried to give him a tablet, he did not respond. A doctor confirmed that he had passed away," he said. Ganesh died peacefully in his sleep at his Ramapuram home around 11 pm on November 9.

A native of Tirunelveli, Ganesh began his career in the 1960s, performing in stage dramas while serving in the Indian Air Force. After relocating to Chennai, he joined the troupe of 'Kathadi' Ramamoorthy and soon landed his breakthrough role in K. Balachander’s *Pattinaprevasam* (1977), based on one of his stage plays.

Ganesh became a prominent figure in Tamil cinema, sharing the screen with legends like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Vijayakanth. His memorable performances in films such as *Nayakan* (1987), *Michael Madana Kamarajan*, *Avvai Shanmughi*, and *Aboorva Sagotharargal* have left a lasting impression on fans.

With a career spanning over four decades, Ganesh was renowned for his impeccable dialogue delivery, a skill refined through his extensive stage experience. Beyond films, he also featured in web series and was honored with Tamil Nadu's prestigious Kalaimamani Award.

Film celebrities condoled his death. On X, Rajinikanth described him as a "wonderful human being and remarkable actor," expressing deep sadness and extending condolences to his family. Actor Karthi mourned the loss, recalling Ganesh's iconic roles and his contribution to Tamil cinema, saying, "His unforgettable characters will forever be etched in the history of Tamil cinema."

Chief Minister M. K. Stalin also expressed his condolences, describing Ganesh's passing as a "great loss" to the Tamil film industry and remembering his contributions to cinema.

With PTI inputs