Meesai Murugesan (13 January 1930 - 8 November 2014) was a veteran actor and musician who appeared in Tamil films. He starred in more than 100 films and has done supporting roles in various films.[2]
He started his career by playing the 'Kottankuchi' (coconut shell), alongside great musicians like K. P. Sundarambal, M. K. T. Bhagavathar, T. M. Soundararajan and Seerkazhi Govindarajan. He was popular for creating shrill sound effects in Nenjam Marappathillai and footfall of the horse in "Rajavin Paarvai Raniyin Pakkam" song in MGR-Saroja Devi's Anbe Vaa.[3] He has played instruments for music directors like M. S. Viswanathan, Ilayaraja and Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan.[citation needed]
He was a carnatic artist and had learned to play over 25 instruments. He also ran a one-man band "Apoorva Thalavaithiyangal" and held several concerts across the world including Europe, Canada, the United States and Russia.
His career spans over 100 films and he is famous for his roles in Vijay's Poove Unakkaga, Kamal Haasan's Unnal Mudiyum Thambi, Sathyaraj's Amaidhi Padai, Pandiarajan's Aan Paavam and much more. He earned the name "Meesai Murugesan" after sported a thick moustache in his first film Sugamana Raagangal.
He was conferred Kalaimamani by the Tamil Nadu State government for his contribution to the cinema.[4]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Sugamana Raagangal | ||
| Aan Paavam | Murugesan | ||
| Janani | Janani's father | ||
| Kalyanam Oru Kaalkattu | |||
| 1986 | Kadaikan Paarvai | ||
| Thazhuvatha Kaigal | |||
| Aayiram Pookkal Malarattum | |||
| Oomai Vizhigal | |||
| Police Officer | Telugu | ||
| Uyire Unakkaga | Murugesan Mudaliar | ||
| 1987 | Chinna Thambi Periya Thambi | ||
| Meendum Mahaan | |||
| Mangai Oru Gangai | |||
| Paasam Oru Vesham | |||
| 1988 | Unnal Mudiyum Thambi | Anjayya | |
| Kalyana Paravaigal | |||
| Sigappu Thali | |||
| Paimarakappal | |||
| Thanga Kalasam | |||
| 1989 | Athaimadi Methaiadi | ||
| Radha Kadhal Varadha | |||
| Sakalakala Sammandhi | Body Building Trainer | ||
| 1990 | Pudhu Padagan | Kunjithapatham | |
| Salem Vishnu | Vishnu's father | ||
| Vaazhkai Chakkaram | |||
| Sila Sasanam | Telugu | ||
| Vetrimalai | |||
| 1991 | Ennarukil Nee Irunthal | Vaidyar | |
| 1993 | Senthoorapandi | Meena's suitor's father | |
| 1994 | Amaidhi Padai | ||
| Sevvanthi | |||
| Killadi Mappillai | |||
| 1995 | Chellakannu | ||
| Maaman Magal | |||
| Padikira Vayasula | |||
| Puthiya Aatchi | |||
| 1996 | Poove Unakkaga | Velangiri | |
| 1997 | Kadavul | ||
| Pudhalvan | |||
| Thedinen Vanthathu | |||
| 1998 | Kannathal | ||
| 2002 | Gemini | ||
| 2008 | Pirivom Santhippom | Natesan |
He died due to ill health and blood clots in his brain on 8 November 2014.[4] He was 84 years of age and is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.
