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 MattumAs 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.