Santhanam

Santhanam Neelamegam, born on January 21, 1980, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of Tamil cinema’s most popular comedians and actors. He grew up in Pozhichalur near Pallavaram and completed his graduation at Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai, before rising to fame through the comedy television show “Lollu Sabha” on Star Vijay, where he enacted spoofs of Tamil films.

His television success caught the attention of actor Silambarasan, who cast him in a supporting role in “Manmadhan” (2004). Santhanam quickly became a fixture in Tamil cinema, winning acclaim for his comic performances in “Sachein” (2005) and “Polladhavan” (2007). His brand of sharp, insult-based comedy made him enormously popular, and his market draw became so strong that his involvement could help stalled productions find distributors.

Santhanam appeared in a leading role in Shankar’s production “Arai En 305-il Kadavul” (2008) and won the Vijay Award for Best Comedian in 2010 for “Siva Manasula Sakthi” (2009). He transitioned to leading man status with “Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham” (2014), which opened to positive reviews, with critics noting he delivered “as a complete actor, displaying a range of emotions.” As a producer, his first venture “Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya” (2013) under Handmade Films was a commercial hit.

He continues to be one of the busiest actors in Tamil cinema, balancing comedy roles with lead performances. Santhanam married Usha in 2004 and has three children.