Well known Tamil film comedian Vivek turns 52 today.
Here's wishing the philanthopist comedian a very happy birthday!
This keen keyboard player, has completed over 25 years of acting in Tamil cinema.
Vivek was the brand ambassador of Mirinda softdrinks in 2003. As of 2011, he is the ambassador of Nathella jewellery.
He is famously called as Chinna Kalaivanar for his message-oriented comedies.
Vivek is married to Kavitha and has three children, viz, Amritha Nandini Vivek, Tejaswini Vivek and Prasanna Kumar Vivek.
Vivek is an active participant in the 'Green Kalam Project' campaigns. Under the guidance of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, which focuses on planting new saplings he has already planted more than 13 lakh trees in a span of less than three
He has started an education trust in his mother's name, which not only provides assistance for education to poor children, but also provide medical and financial assistance to the poor and needy.
Apart from films, Vivek actively participates in charity work.
In April 2009, Vivek received the Padma Shri award from the Government of India for his contribution to the cinema.
However his first film as a hero - 'Solli adipen' did not release due to financial problems.
He has won four Filmfare Best Comedian Awards for his performances in 'Run', 'Saamy', 'Perazhagan' and 'Shivaji', respectively.
Some of his most noted films are 'Run', 'Namma Veetu Kalyanam', 'Dhool', 'M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi', 'Guru En Aalu', 'Padikathavan', 'Kuruvi', 'Sivaji', 'Perazhagan', 'Singam II' and many others.
He is also well known for his ability to mimic actors such as MGR, Sivaji, Rajnikant, Kamal, Vijay, Vijaykant, Solomon Papaiah and many others.
His jokes often relate to serious subjects, e.g., bribery, health, education, social affairs, unemployment, black money, love, over-population, political corruption etc.
Unlike his contemporaries, Vivek is more of a satirist than a slapstick comedian.
Vivek made his film debut with 'Manathil Uruthi Vendum' in 1987. The film was directed by renowned director K. Balachander.
He studied in The American College in Madurai shortly before entering his film career.
He was born as Vivekananthan in Madurai on 19 November 1961.