Yecha Gunja Mahendran, a living legend in the field of drama, playwriting and comedy. Born into a family deeply rooted in the world of drama and stagecraft, Mahendran inherited his passion for theatre from his father, Y.G. Parthasarathy, a pioneering figure in modern Tamil drama. His mother, Y.G. Rajalakshmi, was no less influential as the founder of the renowned Padma Seshadri Group of Schools.
Mahendran’s journey into the world of theatre began at a young age, performing comedic roles in school plays and earning accolades for his talent. Despite pursuing studies in Chemical Engineering and later an MBA, his love for drama and acting remained unwavering. Joining his father’s esteemed United Amateur Artists (UAA) troupe marked the beginning of his illustrious career, where he quickly became a prominent name in Chennai’s theatre scene.
The UAA troupe, standing as a testament to enduring passion and excellence, boasts an impressive 72-year legacy and is arguably the oldest active drama troupe in India. Their performances have transcended geographical boundaries, captivating audiences not only across India but also in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Japan, various Gulf countries, Nairobi (Kenya), USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With over 200 movies to his credit and a knack for portraying comedic characters that leave audiences in stitches, Y.G. Mahendran continues to be a beloved figure in Tamil cinema and theatre, embodying the rich heritage and enduring charm of the UAA troupe.
Here is Y.G. Mahendran with us to delve deeper into his remarkable journey as an artist….
- Your illustrious career spanning over four decades and more than 200 movies is a testament to your passion for theater and cinema, especially in the realm of comedy. How did the passion and love for art start?
Growing up in an artistic family laid the foundation for my journey as an artist. My father, YGP, was a remarkably talented dramatist who founded the United Amateur Artistes (UAA) in 1952 when I was just two years old. I vividly recall being surrounded by rehearsals and music from a very young age, unsure if I was born in a hospital or amidst a drama rehearsal. The atmosphere was filled with top musicians like M S Subbalakshmi and Ravishankar, contributing to my deep-rooted passion for theatre and music. My father’s fervent interest in theatre shaped my early years profoundly. He collaborated with Pattu, a brilliant writer known for his witty and purposeful style, which became the hallmark of our troupe. Our humour was never just about jokes; it always carried a meaningful message. I grew up witnessing stalwarts like Cho, Nagesh, and the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, and her mother Sandhya was one the first heroines in our plays honing their craft in our troupe. It was a breeding ground for talent and creativity. My mother was equally passionate about the arts, taking me to music academies when I was barely three or four years old. Despite my academic prowess, ranking third in the state during my matriculation, I pursued Chemical Engineering at A.C College, Guindy, as was expected in a Brahmin family. However, my partnership with T.S.B.K. Moulee during college reignited my love for drama, leading to numerous successful performances. By the time I completed my Chemical Engineering degree, I was certain about my path in acting. The thrill of entertaining people had bitten me hard, thanks to my early exposure to the vibrant world of theatre and comedy. My first stage appearance was in 1961, and I never looked back since. In 1970, I made my debut in the film “Navagraham” directed by K. Balachander, followed by my television debut in 1975 with “Vaaliban Thirumbunaal,” the first-ever drama on Madras Doordarshan. Over the years, I’ve been driven not by success or accolades but by my sheer love for entertaining people. Even now, at 74 years young, I’m actively engaged in multiple film projects, after my recent hit, “Maanadu.” The show goes on, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to bring joy and laughter to audiences. - Would you like to share some memorable experiences from your early days in school plays, and how did they shape your career in the entertainment industry?
During my school days, there was a special event at the ladies’ club where they staged an English play. I was just ten years old at the time and had the role of a jailer in the production. It was a private club show, and the leading actress for that club was the late Chandrakala, who happened to be our neighbor. After the play, everyone showered praise on her performance, leaving me feeling a bit overlooked since I had a less sympathetic role. However, the chief guest of the evening, none other than Sowcar Janaki, approached me directly and said, “Your role was quite challenging. Handling it at your age shows great skill.” This experience taught me the importance of appreciating every role, no matter how small or unsympathetic. Another memorable experience was when the renowned comedian J.P. Chandrababu, affectionately calling my father ‘Pacha,’ complimented me by saying I was doing better than my father in drama. These experiences have always stayed with me, serving as reminders to remain humble and constantly strive for improvement. - Your father, Y. G. Parthasarathy, was a pioneer in Tamil drama. How did his legacy inspire and guide your journey as an actor and playwright?
In childhood, my father used to take me to other plays to ensure that I learned how to create purposeful theatre dramas. Particularly, S V Sahasranamam dramas and TKS Brother dramas had a great influence on me, and of course, the greatest influence on my performance has always been Sivaji Ganesan sir. To me, he is everything. Fortunately, I knew him from an early age. My very first drama, “Pettral Dhan Pillaiya,” was watched by him, and that drama was later adapted into the movie ‘Paar Magale Paar.’ I was addicted to him. My virus was called Sivaji Virus and that continues till date. Being in the field was a tremendous boon. I have acted with Sivaji sir in 33 films; not many actors get this chance. I have also acted with every top artist right up until now. Currently, I am acting with actor Vijay in the movie “G.O.A.T.” So, God has kept me active and entertaining others. One of the significant milestones in my early career was during my final year of college when I had my first day of shooting with the legendary director K Balachander for the film “Navagraham.” I went for the shoot from college, missing my afternoon classes. Acting alongside my idol Nagesh was a tremendous experience that further fueled my passion for the art of cinema. - Tell us about your transition from studying Chemical Engineering to pursuing a career in acting. What motivated this shift?
The recognition I received from college dramas, coupled with my involvement in my father’s troupe, naturally drew me towards theatre. - How do you think the landscape of comedy in theater and cinema has evolved over the decades, and what trends do you find most intriguing or promising?
In theatre dramas, I’ve noticed a shortage of good comedy writers, but there are still many talented theatre artists. In cinema, the style of comedy has evolved over time. What Nagesh, Thengai Srinivasan, and I did was timing or intellectual comedy. Then came the era of physical comedy with artists like Goundamani and Senthil, which was also incredibly hilarious. Subsequently, intellectual comedy made a comeback with actors like Vivek and Vadivelu, followed by innocent comedy. However, in my opinion, the peak of comedy in cinema was during the period of Nagesh, Chandrababu, and Thangavelu. The comedies we created in the 1980s were of exceptional quality and had a certain class to them. This level of excellence was achieved because comedians were an integral part of the narrative. Comedy wasn’t treated as a separate entity back then. - Apart from acting, you are also known for your singing and writing. How do these artistic pursuits complement your work as an actor and comedian?
Growing up in a musical family, I began playing the Tabla at the age of five. Although I didn’t receive formal training, my mother often laments that with proper training, I could have excelled as a Tabla player. Even now, my wife suggests that I should have pursued a career as an instrumentalist, as she believes I have a natural talent for music that surpasses my acting skills. I have a strong sense of music and can play various percussion instruments proficiently, which is why I am involved in running Bharat Kalachar. Although I don’t possess singing abilities, I express my love for music through whistling tunes. One of my greatest inspirations in music is MS Viswanathan, and I can recite all his songs by heart. - Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring actors and comedians who are looking to make their mark in the entertainment industry?
Always approach your work with sincerity and dedication. Focus on honing your craft rather than chasing commercial success. Your goal should be to excel in what you do and satisfy both the director and the audience, as this will ultimately bring rewards. As an actor in stage or film, you have a responsibility to society. Avoid getting involved in cheap or vulgar content. I personally dislike stand-up comedy shows where some individuals resort to vulgarity for cheap laughs. It’s easy to make people laugh with crude jokes, but it’s a challenge to entertain them with meaningful and sensible content. Remember, just because the audience laughs doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good. Uphold your commitment to delivering quality content that uplifts and entertains without resorting to vulgarity. There are plenty of ways to make your audience laugh without compromising on integrity, and failures are opportunities to learn and grow as an artist.