Charle

Biography:

Velmurugan Thangasamy Manohar, professionally known as Charle, is a prominent Indian actor primarily active in Tamil cinema. Born on March 6, 1960, he has made a significant mark in the industry, having appeared in over 800 Tamil films in various roles, particularly as a comedian and supporting actor. His stage name “Charle” was inspired by the legendary English comedian Charlie Chaplin.

Charle’s journey into the world of entertainment began during his college days at G. V. N. College in Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu. Known for his talent in imitating Tamil actors like Sivaji Ganesan, Muthuraman, and Nagesh, he started his career as a Staff Artist in the Song & Drama Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. His debut in the film “Poikkal Kudhirai” in 1982, directed by K. Balachander, marked the beginning of his successful film career. Charle’s versatility is evident in his ability to excel in comedy and character roles, not only in Tamil but also in Telugu and Malayalam cinema. He even lent his own voice for a Malayalam film called “Hijack” in 1995.

Aside from his film career, Charle is also recognized for his academic achievements. He holds a Master of Arts degree from Madurai Kamaraj University and a Master of Philosophy degree from Karaikkudi Alagappa University. His M.Phil. dissertation focused on the “Contributions of Comedians in the growth of Tamil cinema – 1937 to 1967.” In 2019, he earned a PhD in Tamil from Tamil University, Thanjavur, with a thesis titled “Humour in Tamil Cinema,” under the guidance of Professor K Ravindran, the former Head of the Drama department at Tamil University.

In summary, Charle is a highly accomplished actor in Tamil cinema, known for his extensive filmography and exceptional comedic talent. He is also an accomplished academic with advanced degrees and a doctorate, with his research focusing on the role of comedians and humor in the growth of Tamil cinema. His contributions to both the entertainment industry and academia have earned him recognition and respect in his field.