P. Pandu
Indian actor (1947–2021)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
P. Pandurangan, known as Pandu,[2] (19 February 1947 – 6 May 2021) was an Indian Tamil actor and graphic designer who appeared in many comedy roles in Tamil cinema.[3] He made his acting debut in the film Maanavan (1970).
19 February 1947
P. Pandu | |
|---|---|
| Born | P. Pandurangan 19 February 1947 Komarapalayam, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Died | 6 May 2021 (aged 74)[1] Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Education | National Institute of Design |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1970-1981 1988–2020 |
| Spouse | Kumudha |
| Children | 3 |
A Doctor of Philosophy graduate in arts from France, he was also a visual artist who founded Capital Letters, a graphic designing company. He most notably designed the party symbol and logo of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. His brother Idichapuli Selvaraj had also previously appeared in films as a comedian.[4][5]
Career
He designed the two leaves party logo under the instruction and supervision of AIADMK founder leader MGR.[6] In an interview with The Hindu newspaper in 2016, he said that he designed the AIADMK Flag within one hour at night, around 10:00 pm and also revealed that his association with late Indian veteran actor turned politician MGR began in 1973 when Pandu had designed stickers for MGR's iconic yesteryear evergreen film Ulagam Sutrum Valiban.[7] Pandu made his acting debut in Maanavan.[8] He played a supporting role in Agathiyan's Kadhal Kottai portraying Ramasamy who accompanies Ajith Kumar in Rajasthan. The performance as Ajith's sidekick was widely praised and established him as a prominent actor.[9]
In 2013, he starred in Vellachi, which featured his son Pintu Pandu in the leading role.[10] In 2019, he was bestowed with the Kalaimamani award for the year 2011.[11]
Away from films, in 1975 he started a brass and aluminium business in Chennai called Prapanj Unlimited. He ran it as a family business, with son Prabhu Panju in charge.[12] He also ran a company called Capital Letters and engaged in designing name boards for offices and residences of Tamil film fraternity. In 2014, he held an art exhibition alongside another son Panju Pandu.[13]
Death
Filmography
Tamil films
Other language films
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | H2O | Chennoor villager | Kannada | Bilingual film |
| 2004 | Cheppave Chirugali | Gopi's follower | Telugu | |
| 2006 | Manasu Palike Mouna Raagam | Telugu | Dubbed in Tamil as Yen Indha Mounam | |
| 2011 | Keratam | Bikshapati | Bilingual film | |
Television
- 2007: Dhinam Dhinam Deepavali
- 2014: Uravugal Sangamam
- 2015-2016: Sabitha Engira Sabapathi
- 2016: Valli - Natarajan