Vivek
Vivek is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Vivek began their career in 1997 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 29 years. With over 210 credits to their name and an average audience rating of 6.4, Vivek remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Vivek's influence on Tamil cinema is generational — their work continues to define the standard for the industry.
- Born
Biography
Vivek is an Indian film actor, comedian, television personality and Social Activist working in the Tamil film industry. Introduced in films by director K. Balachander, he has won three Filmfare Best Comedian Awards for his performances in Run (2002), Saamy (2003) and Perazhagan (2004). In 2009, Vivek received the Padma Shri award by the Government of India for his contribution to the arts. As a television personality, Vivek has hosted a number of events and has interviewed media personalities, notably A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, A. R. Rahman, and Rajinikanth.
Personal Info
Career Milestones
Film debut with director K. Balachander
Breakthrough as lead comedian in Tamil cinema
Five Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Best Comedian
View film →Consecutive Filmfare Best Comedian Awards
View film →Padma Shri Award from Government of India
Iconic Roles
Sivaji: The Boss
Rajinikanth's witty friend providing comic relief. Vivek won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian for this role, praised for standing out with his impeccable timing and satirical commentary even alongside the superstar.
Padayappa
Rajinikanth's bumbling sidekick who became a breakthrough role for Vivek. This performance helped establish him as a solo comedian capable of carrying significant screen time and earned widespread appeal across audiences.
Perazhagan
A character-defining comedic role that earned Vivek the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. This film is widely regarded as one of his most acclaimed performances across multiple sources.
Run
A breakthrough role that won Vivek the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian, establishing his prominence as a lead comedic actor in Tamil cinema during the early 2000s.
Saamy
A notable comedic role that earned Vivek his third Filmfare Award for Best Comedian, further cementing his status as one of Tamil cinema's most acclaimed comic performers.
Defining Moments
One-liner driven satirical comedy addressing corruption, over-population, and political bribery through everyday scenarios
Won Filmfare Best Comedian Award; cemented Vivek's reputation as 'Chinna Kalaivanar' (young arts master), pioneering satirist-comedian style that influenced Tamil cinema's approach to comedy
Teacher character delivering comedy with social messages about respecting elders and addressing religious superstitions
Won Filmfare Best Comedian Award; exemplified Vivek's signature style of using humor as a vehicle for social messaging and commentary
Marriage broker Kuzhandhaisamy's courtship comedy - witty one-liners attempting to find a bride for his hunchback friend Chinna with impeccable comic timing
Won Filmfare Best Comedian Award; demonstrated Vivek's signature non-exaggerated humor blending comedy with pathos and emotion, establishing his reputation as a sophisticated satirist
View film →Thiruvayaar love letter sequence - comedic commentary on Vikram's character's romantic expressions that drew thunderous applause from cinema audiences
One of the film's most memorable comedic moments; showcased Vivek's ability to elevate scenes with precise one-liners and social observation
View film →Punch dialogue parody scene - stops Rajinikanth from delivering punch dialogues, then satirizes the film industry's obsession with them by delivering his own series, while also tackling professional ethics
Iconic meta-commentary on Tamil cinema conventions; demonstrated Vivek's self-aware satirical humor and ability to critique the industry itself while entertaining
Filmography
See all 210 credits →
Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →
Did You Know?
Vivek was introduced to the Tamil film industry by legendary director K. Balachander.
He is a recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2009 for his contributions to arts and social work.
Vivek won the Filmfare Best Comedian Award for his performances in the films Run (2002), Saamy (2003), and Perazhagan (2004).
He was known for incorporating social messages and awareness about environmental issues into his comedy roles.
Vivek hosted the popular Tamil television talk show 'Vivek Super Talkies'.
Signature Dialogues
After six, there's seven; after sivaji there's no one
Arivu Mama·Sivaji (2007)
If you cross Chittoor, there's Katpadi; if you cross Sivaji you're a dead body
Arivu Mama·Sivaji (2007)
Akum Patham... Anbu Itham... Kathal Sugam.. ah haaaaaawww!!
Chari Singari·Anniyan (2005)
Photos
See all →No photos available.
News & Stories
Vivek wishes for Santhanam’s Inimey Ippadithan
12/6/2015
Legacy & Influence
Vivek, born in 1961, carved a unique and enduring legacy in Tamil cinema as a comedian with a conscience. Introduced by the legendary director K. Balachander, he transcended the conventional role of a film comedian. His career trajectory evolved from early supporting roles to becoming a leading comic actor in the 1990s and 2000s, a period where his presence was considered a significant box-office draw. His true contribution lies in seamlessly weaving sharp social commentary and awareness messages into his comedy routines. Through memorable characters and witty dialogues, he addressed critical issues such as environmental conservation, civic responsibility, literacy, and the dangers of superstition, earning him the moniker 'Chinna Kalaivanar' (Little Kalaivanar) after the socially conscious actor of yore. This approach made him a beloved figure who entertained while educating the masses. His performances were not just about eliciting laughter but about sparking thought, a rarity in mainstream commercial cinema. He won three Filmfare Best Comedian Awards for his work in 'Run', 'Saamy', and 'Perazhagan', cementing his critical acclaim. Beyond films, he was a dedicated social activist, notably involved in tree plantation drives and promoting eco-friendly practices. His later career saw him in strong character roles, but his core identity remained that of a comedian who used his platform for societal good. Vivek's passing left a void, marking the end of an era where comedy was leveraged as a powerful tool for social change in Indian cinema.