Veteran Tamil actor Delhi Ganesh dies at 80

Confirming the news, his family released a statement, saying: "We deeply regret to inform you that our father Mr Delhi Ganesh has passed away on 9th November at around 11 PM."

His mortal remains have been kept in Ramapuram in Chennai and his final rites are scheduled for November 11.

Condoling his death, actor Ranganathan Madhavan posted on X: "A phenomenal actor and an amazing soul departs for the heavens to entertain them. You will be so sorely missed, sir..  Rest in peace for eternity. #DelhiGanesh."

With a career spanning over four decades, Delhi Ganesh acted in over 400 films, becoming one of Tamil cinema's most beloved actors.

Before films, he was a member of the Delhi-based theatre troupe, Dakshina Bharata Nataka Sabha. Ganesh served in the Indian Air Force from 1964 to 1974 before quitting in favour of films. He was given the stage name Delhi Ganesh by K. Balachander.

He was introduced to the Tamil Film Industry by K. Balachander in the film Pattina Pravesam (1976).

Ganesh played the hero in the 1981 film Engamma Maharani. His most popular roles were as a supporting actor or a comedian, but he also played villainous roles in films like Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989).

He was best known for his recurring collaborations with Kamal Haasan including Nayakan (1987), Apoorva Sagodharagal (1989), Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990), Avvai Shanmugi (1996) and Thenali (2001).

He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for his performance in Pasi (1979). He also received various state awards, such as Kalaimamani (1994) from then-Chrin Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

His other notable films included Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), Sri Raghavendrar (1985), Chatriyan (1990), Iruvar (1997), Aahaa..! (1997), Priyamaanavale (2000), Saamy (2003) and Kaavalan (2011).

Delhi Ganesh also appeared in TV serials and short films.