On the occasion of the veteran actor's birthday, we give you ten of his best characters on-screen. 
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Nagesh birth anniversary: 10 memorable performances of the undisputed king of comedy in Tamil cinema

Nagesh's style of comedy was largely inspired by Hollywood actor Jerry Lewis. Similarities between Nagesh and Lewis earned the actor the sobriquet the "Jerry Lewis of India".

Team CE
One of Nagesh's most memorable characters is Chellappa, the aspiring actor of Kaadhalikka Neramillai. This particular sequence with Baaliah, who plays his father, is a riot.
Nagesh's 'Savadal' Vaithi, the cunning con-man of Thillana Moganambal, is an all-time favourite with the audience and critics alike, as the veteran stands up to the great Sivaji and steals the show.
Nagesh plays the cancer patient, Sethu, who uses laughter as a medicine to overcome pain in KB's Neerkumuzhi. His dances in the film, especially the one in 'Kanni Nathiyoram', are a treat to watch.
Nagesh turned hero with this AVM film, which was apparently partly autobiographical. A hotel waiter becomes a superstar and the transformation is aced by the veteran.
As the poet Dharmi, Nagesh is in his elements in Thiruvilaiyadal. His exemplary question-answer session with Sivaji became a reference for future actors in the comedy genre.
'Naan Madhu Vandirukken' - the iconic dialogue uttered by Nagesh in Ethir Neechal, where he plays the role of a gullible and innocent nitwit.
Nagesh's on-screen chemistry with MGR is fantastic in Anbey Vaa. Acccording to a veteran distributor, his scenes with MGR brought repeat audiences to the theatres.
Nagesh is hilarious as Parthasarathy, Yugi Sethu's father-in-law in Kamal Haasan's Panchatanthiram. His facial expression when Vasu Vikram says 'Nee Oodhave Venaam' is one for the ages.
If someone could play a corpse in a film, and win all accolades for it, it must be the one and only Nagesh. Film: Magalir Mattum
As the grief stricken father, who is not able to come to terms to her daughter's sudden suicide, Nagesh is just terrific. Arguably, the veteran actor's all-time best.

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