Air Force officer turned actor: How Delhi Ganesh left his uniform for cinema, leaving a mark on Malayalam too

Veteran South Indian actor Delhi Ganesh, renowned for his versatile performances across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi cinema, passed away in Chennai after a prolonged illness. Ganesh, who appeared in over 400 films, leaves behind a legacy of iconic roles that resonated deeply with audiences across multiple generations.

Delhi Ganesh began his film journey with the 1976 release ‘Pattina Pravesam’, directed by the legendary K. Balachander. Prior to his film career, Ganesh served in the Indian Air Force from 1964 to 1974, but his passion for acting ultimately led him to resign from his position. His association with the Dakshina Bharat Nataka Sabha, a Delhi-based theatre group, helped him hone his craft, eventually catching the attention of director Balachander, who affectionately nicknamed him "Delhi Ganesh."

His career saw him take on diverse roles, ranging from hero to villain, showcasing his incredible range as an actor. He starred as the protagonist in ‘Engamma Maharani’ (1981) and later took on a villainous role in ‘Apoorva Bhranthanaal’. He was known for his notable performances in iconic Tamil films, including ‘Naayagan’ (1987), ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan’ (1990), ‘Apoorva Sagodharargal’ (1989), ‘Tenali’ (2000) and ‘Dhruvangal Pathinaaru’ (2016). His work extended beyond the big screen into television serials and short films, cementing his versatility and commitment to the craft.

Ganesh received significant recognition throughout his career. He won a Special Prize at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards in 1979 for ‘Paasi’ and was honored with the Kalaimamani Award in 1994, celebrating his artistic contributions to Tamil cinema. In Malayalam cinema, he left a lasting impression with his role in ‘Devasuram’, starring alongside Mohanlal. Delhi Ganesh’s final cinematic appearance was in Kamal Haasan starrer Indian 2.