R. Neelakantan

R. Neelakantan, widely recognized by his stage name Neelu, was a highly regarded Indian actor celebrated for his exceptional contributions to Tamil cinema, television, and theatre. Born on July 20, 1936, he left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry before his passing on May 10, 2018, in Chennai.

Neelu’s passion for acting was evident from a young age when he began participating in school plays, a journey that continued throughout his college years at Vivekananda College. It was during this time that he, along with Ambi (the brother of Cho Ramaswamy) and Narayanasamy, founded Viveka Fine Arts, an institution that would further his theatrical career. Neelu’s prowess on the stage was unrivaled, and he left a lasting impact with over 7,000 play performances, some of which include notable titles like “Muhammad bin Tughluq,” “Endru Thaniyum Indha Sudandira Dhaagam,” “Quo Vadis,” “Unmayae Un Vilai Enna?,” and “Yarukkum Vetkamillai.”

In 1966, Neelu ventured into the realm of cinema with his debut film, “Aayiram Poi,” directed by Muktha Srinivasan. He went on to grace the silver screen in approximately 160 films, earning acclaim for his versatile acting, often excelling in comedic and supporting roles. His collaboration with renowned personalities like Crazy Mohan and Cho Ramaswamy in both plays and films further showcased his acting prowess.

Apart from his acting career, Neelu also served as a production manager for the movie “Jerry.” Throughout his professional journey, he maintained a 40-year-long association with V D Swamy before retiring from his day job.

R. Neelakantan, known as Neelu, will forever be remembered for his remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of his fans and the Tamil film and theatre industry. His performances continue to be celebrated, and his name remains synonymous with talent, dedication, and the joy of laughter in Indian cinema and theatre.