Happy Birthday Nassar: 10 Lesser Known Facts About The Theeni Actor

Nassar is the master of his craft. The actor, who turns 63 today, have portrayed some of the most memorable characters ever. From a common next-door neighbour to a wicked king of ancient times, he has played it all. While the actor has always been at the top of his game on the big screen, it is surprising to many that his life story has been as interesting as his reel characters. On this special day, let’s have a look at some of the most interesting yet lesser-known facts about the veteran actor.

Missed out on Nasser’s performance in Uttama Villain? Watch it here:

#1 Humble Beginnings

Nassar had the toughest start to his career. But even before that, Nassar worked some odd jobs. From being a waiter at a five-star hotel to a night security guard, he jumped some jobs to make ends meet. He kept the job until he was financially secure to fully pursue his passion.

#2 Father’s Dream

Although life didn’t start well for Nassar, he had all the support he needed from his parents. Nassar’s father Mehboob Basha, wanted him to become an actor from a very young age. Even when the young actor started working at hotels, his father backed him to keep following his dream.

#3 The Debut Role

Nassar made his acting debut as a secondary supporting character in K. Balachander’s Kalyana Agathigal in 1985. The actor was picked up yet again 2 years later and was given to play villainous roles in S. P. Muthuraman’s Velaikaran and Vanna Kanavugal in 1987.

#4 Belief in his Skill

Nassar is known to have one of the strongest characters in the industry. During his initial day, he was constantly picked upon by people for having a ‘big forehead’ and an ‘oddly shaped nose’. However, the actor never succumbed to any criticism on his looks and worked his way up the ladder.

#5 The Outright Villain

Nassar’s role in Kamal Haasan’s Kuruthipunal is still adored by many. However, little do people know that the story of Badri, a dreaded terrorist, played by Nassar, was so well established that all he had to do was keep a stoic expression throughout the movie.

Also Read: #BreakingTheBarriers: Aravind, Vishal and other men who constantly push women to do their best

#6 Angry Young Man

Just like most of his peers at the time, Nassar was known for his quick to react attitude and idealist beliefs from the start. Like most Kollywood actors of the time, he too was deemed angry at the system and the political running of the state.

#7 The Hero

The angry young man was becoming one of the busiest actors in the industry when Nayagan came around. Only a few people know that Nassar acted in the movie without knowing his role well. The actor was on sets for only a week and didn’t realize how big his role was until the release. The movie which is considered as one of the best movies of all time, had brough the actor critical acclaims.

#8 Best Friend Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan, who was the biggest superstar of the industry at the time was considered Nassar’s best friend. Having worked with numerous movies together, the duo seemed to have built a great relationship. During the shoot of Uttama Villain, Kamal Haasan asked to stop the shoot of the movie after Nassar’s son had met with an accident.

Also Read: #BreakingTheBarriers: Geetha Govindam, Raahu and other movies featuring inspiring female protagonists

#9 A Melodious Voice

Nassar is an actor, producer, writer, director, and lyricist. But how many of you know that he is also a singer? Having appeared in movies of multiple languages, the actor started widening his horizons and tried his hands on singing too. Meghame O Meghame in Arya’s Madarassipattanam, Aridhaaarathai Poosikolla Aasai in Kamal Haasan’s Avadharam are some of the popular songs he has sung.

#10 The Accomplished One

Nassar has had an illustrious career with over 200 movies in several languages across the country. The actor have won the Tamil Nadu State Awards 5 times including once for the Best Villain in 2002. He has also won multiple awards in film festivals across the globe.