Meesai Murugesan


Meesai Murugesan was a veteran actor and musician who appeared in Tamil films. He starred in more than 100 films, as well as having supporting roles in various films.

Music career

He started his career by playing the "Kottankuchi", alongside great musicians such as 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 the footfall of the horse in the "Rajavin Paarvai Raniyin Pakkam" song in MGR-Saroja Devi's Anbe Vaa. He played instruments for music directors including M. S. Viswanathan, Ilayaraja and Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan.
He was a carnatic artist and had learned to play more than 25 instruments. He also ran a one-man band called "Apoorva Thalavaithiyangal" and held several concerts across the world including Europe, Canada, the United States and Russia.

Film career

His career spanned more than 100 films and he was famous for his roles in Vijay's Poove Unakkaga, Kamal Haasan's Unnal Mudiyum Thambi, Sathyaraj's Amaidhi Padai, Pandiarajan's Aan Paavam, and many others. He earned the name "Meesai Murugesan" after he sported a thick moustache in his first film Sugamana Raagangal.

Awards

He was conferred Kalaimamani by the Tamil Nadu State government for his contribution to the cinema.

Death

He died due to ill health and blood clots in his brain on 8 November 2014. He was 84 years of age and was survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.