M. N. Nambiar
Born: 1919-03-07
FAN SCORE
95
POPULARITY
Legendary Star
N. Nambiar was a legendary Indian actor in the Tamil film industry, best known for his iconic villain roles. With a career spanning over seven decades, he acted alongside generations of Tamil cinema legends such as M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth. Born in Kandakkai near Mayyil, Kannur, Kerala, Nambiar began his cinematic journey in the 1930s and became synonymous with compelling antagonist performances. Off-screen, he was known for his humility, devout spirituality, and disciplined lifestyle. His presence on-screen commanded respect and fear, making him one of the most memorable figures in Tamil cinema history.
N. Nambiar was a legendary Indian actor in the Tamil film industry, best known for his iconic villain roles. With a career spanning over seven decades, he acted alongside generations of Tamil cinema legends such as M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth. Born in Kandakkai near Mayyil, Kannur, Kerala, Nambiar began his cinematic journey in the 1930s and became synonymous with compelling antagonist performances. Off-screen, he was known for his humility, devout spirituality, and disciplined lifestyle. His presence on-screen commanded respect and fear, making him one of the most memorable figures in Tamil cinema history.
N. Nambiar, born Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar on March 7, 1919, in Kandakkai near Mayyil, Kannur, Kerala, was a celebrated actor in Tamil cinema renowned for his villainous roles. Early in his career, he took on a variety of roles, including comedy and hero parts, before becoming the quintessential antagonist of Tamil films. Nambiar worked with many legendary actors, including M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Known for his discipline, vegetarianism, and devotion to Lord Ayyappa, he maintained a stark contrast between his on-screen villainy and off-screen humility. Over his lifetime, he appeared in more than 1,000 films across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and even English, earning widespread acclaim for his ability to evoke strong emotions in viewers. Nambiar passed away on November 19, 2008, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of Tamil cinema’s most iconic villains.
N. Nambiar, born Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar on March 7, 1919, in Kandakkai
near Mayyil, Kannur, Kerala, was a celebrated actor in Tamil cinema renowned for his villainous roles. Early in his career, he took on a variety of roles, including comedy and hero parts, before becoming the quintessential antagonist of Tamil films. Nambiar worked with many legendary actors, including M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Known for his discipline, vegetarianism, and devotion to Lord Ayyappa, he maintained a stark contrast between his on-screen villainy and off-screen humility. Over his lifetime, he appeared in more than 1,000 films across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and even English, earning widespread acclaim for his ability to evoke strong emotions in viewers. Nambiar passed away on November 19, 2008, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of Tamil cinema’s most iconic villains.
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Personal details
- Alternative names M. N. Nambiar ,Mannjheri Narayanan Nambiar
- Height 5′ 9
- Born March 07, 1919 · Kandakkai, near Mayyil, Kannur, Kerala, India
- Spouses
- Rukmani Nambiar
- Children Mohan Nambiar Sukumar Nambiar Sneha Nambiar
- Other works
- Actor
Parents
Manjeri Kalyani Amma
Kelu Nambiar
FAQ
M. N. Nambiar was a legendary Tamil actor, best known for his villain roles in Tamil cinema. He acted in over 1,000 films across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and English.
He was born on March 7, 1919, in Kandakkai near Mayyil, Kannur, Kerala, India.
He is most famous for portraying iconic villain characters in Tamil cinema, working alongside actors like M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth.
No, although he was mostly cast as a villain, he also performed hero roles, comedy, and character roles in various films throughout his career.
He passed away on November 19, 2008, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Did you know
Trivia
M. N. Nambiar was originally interested in acting and stage performances before entering films.
He began his career in the 1930s and became the quintessential villain of Tamil cinema.
Though famous for villain roles, he also performed comedy, hero, and character roles.
He acted in over 1,000 films across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and English.
Quotes
“A villain is only powerful if the hero is worthy.”
“Discipline off-screen makes you believable on-screen.”
Trademarks
Iconic villain roles with a commanding screen presence.
Swords and hand-to-hand combat scenes in classic Tamil films.
Intense facial expressions and dialogue delivery that instilled fear in audiences.
Nicknames
Tamil Cinema’s “Ultimate Villain”
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