Nagercoil Sudalaimuthu Krishnan, popularly known as Kalaivanar (lit. 'Lover of arts') and also as NSK, (29 November 1908 – 30 August 1957) was an Indian actor, comedian, dancer, playback singer and screenwriter in the early stages of the Tamil film industry – in the 1940s and 1950s. He is considered as the "Charlie Chaplin of India." His stage and cine-screen comedy performances were unique and always carried a message for the people.
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Early life
He was born into a Vellalar family in Ozhuginasery, Nagercoil, in the princely state of Travancore, India on 29 November 1908. He grew up in poverty and supported himself by selling sweets.
Career
He started his acting career in a drama troupe and became a top stage actor before switching to film. Krishnan and T. A. Mathuram became a popular comedy duo in South Indian cinema. They were later married.
