Janagaraj
Janagaraj is an Indian Tamil actor. He has acted in over 200 predominantly in Tamil cinema as a comedian or in supporting roles. He also starred in few Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi films.
Early life
Janagaraj was born to Vadivelu and Muthulakshmi in Chennai Tamil Nadu. He joined the Auditor General's Office as a Junior Division Clerk in 1976 and worked part-time as a theatre artist and a stage artist due to his desire to act and perform. He was friendly with Delhi Ganesh, another AGS employee who remains his closest friend to date.Janagaraj joined Director Bharathiraja as his unofficial assistant. After seeing his talent during the shooting of Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Bharathiraja gave him the chance to act as a Brahmin in the same movie. Later in Puthiya Vaarpugal, Bharathiraja gave Janagaraj another sensational character as a minor boy named G.Srinivasan. Janagaraj had acted with a trouser and baniyan for that movie.
Janagaraj found his break in 1980 in Bharathi Raja's Nizhalgal and was among the most wanted comedians, having shared roles with major film stars like Sivakumar, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Ramki, Sivaji Ganesan, and with major film directors like Mani Ratnam, K. Balachander and Suresh Krishna.
Film career
Beginning
In 1977, he was introduced by director Bharathiraja in Kilakke Pogum Rail, and he continues to give chance to him in his films Puthia Varppugal, Kathal ovium, and Oru kaithin diary.Janagaraj's career however spun silver in the 1980s. Starting with Nizhalgal, continuing in Sindhu Bhairavi, Palaivana Rojakkal, Muthal Vasantham, Agni Natchathiram, Rajadhi Raja and Apoorva Sagodharargal. Janagaraj became a popular comedian in Tamil. He is known for his peculiar voice and face expression. He has also acted in supporting roles in films like Nayakan, Annamalai and Baashha. He was main sidekick for Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in 80s and early 90s films. Suruli Rajan's untimely death pushed him to forefront for roles that demanded comedy as well as character support.
Later years
Janagaraj has also acted in character roles in films like Nayakan, Kizhakku Vasal, Annamalai and Baashha. His latest roles were in King, Aayutha Ezhuthu and M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi in supporting roles. He acted a negative role in Aayudham. After a hiatus, Janagaraj made his acting comeback with 96 and Dha Dha 87.Award
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Character Artiste for – King
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1978 | Kizhake Pogum Rail | Panchayat Member | |
| 1979 | Suvarilladha Chiththirangal | ||
| 1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal | Periyavar's son | |
| 1980 | Kallukkul Eeram | ||
| 1980 | Red Rose | Hindi film | |
| 1980 | Nizhalgal | Moneylender | |
| 1981 | Enakkaga Kaathiru | ||
| 1981 | Palaivana Solai | Senthil | |
| 1982 | Kalyana Kalam | ||
| 1982 | Kaadhal Oviyam | ||
| 1982 | Pakkathu Veetu Roja | ||
| 1983 | Paayum Puli | ||
| 1983 | Mann Vasanai | ||
| 1983 | Ilamai Kaalangal | ||
| 1983 | Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey | ||
| 1983 | Dhooram Adhighamillai | ||
| 1984 | Kuva Kuva Vaathugal | ||
| 1984 | Nooravathu Naal | John | |
| 1984 | Thambikku Entha Ooru | ||
| 1984 | Pudhumai Penn | ||
| 1984 | Shanthi Muhurtham | ||
| 1984 | Ingeyum Oru Gangai | ||
| 1984 | Unga Veetu Pillai | ||
| 1984 | Iru Medhaigal | ||
| 1984 | Vai Sollil Veeranadi | ||
| 1984 | Ambigai Neril Vanthaal | ||
| 1984 | January 1 | ||
| 1985 | Oru Kaidhiyin Diary | Velappan | |
| 1985 | Mannukketha Ponnu | ||
| 1985 | Kanni Rasi | Shivaraman | |
| 1985 | Oru Malarin Payanam | ||
| 1985 | Anni | ||
| 1985 | Anbin Mugavari | ||
| 1985 | Ambigai Neril Vanthaal | ||
| 1985 | Uyarndha Ullam | Mani | |
| 1985 | Muthal Mariyathai | ||
| 1985 | Maruthani | ||
| 1985 | Vetrikani | ||
| 1985 | Sri Raghavendra | St. Sudeendrar's disciple | |
| 1985 | Puthiya Theerppu | ||
| 1985 | Thiramai | ||
| 1985 | Padikkadavan | Kabali | |
| 1985 | Sindhu Bhairavi | Tambura Musician | |
| 1985 | Aan Paavam | Kanagaraj | |
| 1986 | Vikram | Dubash Translator | |
| 1986 | Selvakku | ||
| 1986 | Marakka Matten | ||
| 1986 | Anandha Kanneer | ||
| 1986 | Isai Paadum Thendral | ||
| 1986 | Palaivana Rojakkal | ||
| 1986 | Kadalora Kavithaigal | ||
| 1986 | Aayiram Pookkal Malarattum | ||
| 1986 | Kaalamellam Unn Madiyil | ||
| 1986 | Oru Iniya Udhayam | Thavudu | |
| 1987 | Kadhal Parisu | Malini's uncle | |
| 1987 | Raja Mariyadhai | ||
| 1987 | Kudumbam Oru Koyil | ||
| 1987 | Valayal Satham | ||
| 1987 | Vilangu | ||
| 1987 | Makkal En Pakkam | ||
| 1987 | Ini Oru Sudhanthiram | ||
| 1987 | Vairagyam | ||
| 1987 | Jallikattu | Janagaraj | |
| 1987 | Theertha Karaiyinile | ||
| 1987 | Nayakan | Selvam | |
| 1987 | Neram Nalla Irukku | ||
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu | Vaidehi's Suitor | |
| 1988 | Annanagar Mudhal Theru | ||
| 1988 | Paimara Kappal | ||
| 1988 | Poovukkul Boogambam | ||
| 1988 | Urimai Geetham | ||
| 1988 | Ullathil Nalla Ullam | ||
| 1988 | En Bommukutty Ammavukku | Lawyer | |
| 1988 | Agni Natchathiram | Lakshmipathi | |
| 1988 | Therkathi Kallan | Pandian | |
| 1988 | Ganam Courtar Avargale | ||
| 1988 | Manasukkul Mathappu | Vasu | |
| 1988 | Jeeva | ||
| 1988 | Soora Samhaaram | ||
| 1988 | Unnal Mudiyum Thambi | ||
| 1988 | Nallavan | ||
| 1988 | Sathya | ||
| 1988 | Kodi Parakuthu | ||
| 1988 | Kaliyugam | ||
| 1988 | Paravaigal Palavitham | ||
| 1988 | Puthiya Vaanam | Pattabi | |
| 1988 | Nethiyadi | ||
| 1989 | Nalaya Manithan | ||
| 1989 | En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan | Lawyer | |
| 1989 | Thaai Naadu | ||
| 1989 | Vaai Kozhuppu | ||
| 1989 | Varusham Padhinaaru | Rajamani | |
| 1989 | Moodu Manthiram | ||
| 1989 | Rajadhi Raja | ||
| 1989 | Paattukku Oru Thalaivan | Vicky | |
| 1989 | En Rathathin Rathame | ||
| 1989 | Apoorva Sagodharargal | Police Inspector | |
| 1989 | Siva | ||
| 1989 | Oru Thottil Sabadham | ||
| 1989 | Manidhan Marivittan | ||
| 1989 | Manandhal Mahadevan | ||
| 1989 | Vetri Vizha | Cameo appearance | |
| 1989 | Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal | Jolly | |
| 1989 | Thiruppu Munai | Pichandi | |
| 1989 | Ponnu Parkka Poren | ||
| 1990 | Idhaya Thamarai | Absence of mind man | |
| 1990 | Panakkaran | ||
| 1990 | Pachai Kodi | ||
| 1990 | No.20 Madras Mail | Murukesan | Malayalam film |
| 1990 | Arangetra Velai | ||
| 1990 | Seetha | Boopathy's father | |
| 1990 | Urudhi Mozhi | ||
| 1990 | Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari | Police Inspector | Telugu film |
| 1990 | Nila Pennae | ||
| 1990 | Kizhakku Vasal | ||
| 1990 | Aarathi Edungadi | ||
| 1990 | Vellaiya Thevan | ||
| 1990 | Sathan Sollai Thattathe | ||
| 1990 | Vaigasi Poranthachu | ||
| 1990 | Kizhakku Vasal | ||
| 1990 | Anjali | ||
| 1990 | Keladi Kanmani | ||
| 1990 | Nee Sirithal Deepavali | ||
| 1990 | Vaigasi Poranthachu | ||
| 1990 | Raja Kaiya Vacha | Raghu | |
| 1990 | Pudhiya Sarithiram | ||
| 1991 | Naan Pudicha Mappillai | Pichayandi | |
| 1991 | Vetri Padigal | Govind | |
| 1991 | Gopura Vasalile | Bank clerk Pethaperumal | |
| 1991 | Thanga Thamaraigal | ||
| 1991 | Nattai Thirudathey | ||
| 1991 | Aatha Un Koyilile | Kaliappan | |
| 1991 | Kaaval Nilayam | Murali | |
| 1991 | Archana IAS | Perumalswamy | |
| 1991 | Pondatti Pondattithan | Kathiresan | |
| 1991 | Veetla Ezhi Velila Puli | ||
| 1991 | Idhayam | Doctor | |
| 1991 | Manasaara Vaazhthungalean | ||
| 1991 | Nee Pathi Naan Pathi | Ramasamy | |
| 1991 | Nattukku Oru Nallavan | Subhash's father | |
| 1991 | Guna | Gunaa's uncle | |
| 1991 | Thoodhu Poo Chellakiliye | ||
| 1991 | Kurumbukkaran | ||
| 1992 | Rendu Pondatti Kaavalkaaran | Muthusamy | |
| 1992 | Naangal | Sundaram | |
| 1992 | Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen | ||
| 1992 | Nadodi Thendral | ||
| 1992 | Unakkaga Piranthen | ||
| 1992 | Endrum Anbudan | Vengatachalam | |
| 1992 | Annamalai | Panchachalam | |
| 1992 | Kalikaalam | ||
| 1992 | Pattathu Raani | Viswanathan | |
| 1992 | Roja | Chajoo Maharaj | |
| 1992 | Brahmachari | Ganesan's uncle | |
| 1992 | Pandiyan | ||
| 1992 | Solaiyamma | Balraj's father | |
| 1992 | Meera | Comic Inspector | |
| 1993 | Thangakkili | ||
| 1993 | Prathap | ||
| 1993 | Vedan | McDowell | |
| 1993 | Pass Mark | ||
| 1993 | Sneha Sagaram | Pazhaniappan Gounder | Malayalam film |
| 1993 | Nallathe Nadakkum | Rami | |
| 1993 | Parvathi Ennai Paradi | Venkatraman | |
| 1993 | Dhadi | Police Inspector | Telugu film |
| 1993 | Pathini Penn | ||
| 1993 | Kizhakke Varum Paattu | ||
| 1993 | Idhaya Nayagan | Jana | |
| 1994 | Veetla Visheshanga | Doctor Sree | |
| 1994 | Purushanai Kaikulla Poottukanum | ||
| 1994 | Captain | Lakshmi Narayanan | |
| 1994 | Pondattiye Deivam | Sundaram | |
| 1994 | Uzhiyan | Manickam | |
| 1994 | Veera | Rupa's father | |
| 1994 | Oru Vasantha Geetham | ||
| 1994 | Sevvanthi | ||
| 1994 | Thaatboot Thanjavur | ||
| 1994 | May Madham | ||
| 1994 | Karuththamma | Kaliamma's husband | |
| 1994 | Manju Virattu | Gnanam | |
| 1995 | Engirundho Vandhan | Manikandan | |
| 1995 | Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari | Accountant Ekambaraeshwarar | |
| 1995 | Baashha | Gurumurthy | |
| 1995 | Gangai Karai Paattu | ||
| 1995 | Paattu Padava | Rangarajan | |
| 1995 | Thottil Kuzhandhai | Muthu | |
| 1995 | Puthiya Aatchi | Rajarathnam | |
| 1995 | Indira | ||
| 1995 | Thirumoorthy | Uma's father | |
| 1995 | Nandhavana Theru | Albert | |
| 1995 | Thedi Vandha Raasa | ||
| 1995 | Rajavin Parvaiyile | Pannaiyar | |
| 1995 | En Pondatti Nallava | ||
| 1996 | Gopala Gopala | Kuzhanthaivel | |
| 1997 | Vaimaye Vellum | Michael | |
| 1997 | Arunachalam | Kathavarayan | |
| 1997 | Devathai | Keerthi's father | |
| 1997 | Paththini | ||
| 1997 | Vidukathai | ||
| 1997 | Vasuki | Kabali | |
| 1998 | Ulavuthurai | Duraisamy | |
| 1998 | Udhavikku Varalaamaa | Annamalai | |
| 1998 | Kavalai Padathe Sagodhara | ||
| 1998 | Harichandra | Doctor | |
| 1998 | Dil Se.. | Taxi Driver | Hindi film |
| 1998 | Kumbakonam Gopalu | ||
| 1999 | Ullathai Killathe | ||
| 1999 | Annan Thangachi | Kodeeswaran | |
| 1999 | Suyamvaram | Mithrabuthan | |
| 1999 | Jodi | Nachimuthu | |
| 2000 | Seenu | ||
| 2000 | Puratchikkaaran | ||
| 2001 | Piriyadha Varam Vendum | Kannatha's neighbour | |
| 2002 | Dhaya | Selvaraj | |
| 2002 | Raajjiyam | ||
| 2002 | King | Shanmugam's father | |
| 2002 | Solla Marandha Kadhai | Mudhaliar | |
| 2002 | I Love You Da | Sadasivam | |
| 2004 | Jai | ||
| 2004 | Aayutha Ezhuthu | Doctor | |
| 2004 | New | Doctor | |
| 2004 | M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi | Police officer | |
| 2005 | Aayudham | Naga's uncle | |
| 2006 | Kalinga | ||
| 2006 | 47A Besant Nagar Varai | ||
| 2007 | Mudhal Kanave | ||
| 2007 | Thavam | Mani | |
| 2008 | Pattaya Kelappu | Arunachalam | |
| 2018 | '96 | Watchman/Kaaval Theivam | |
| 2019 | Dha Dha 87 | Nayudu |