Pugazhendhi, commonly known as Pugazh, is an Indian actor and comedian. He rose to fame after appearing on

Star Vijay Star Vijay is an Indian Tamil language general entertainment pay television channel owned by Disney Star (formerly Star India), a subsidiary of Asianet Star Communications. The channel's headquarters is in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Star Vijay change ...

's ''

Cooku with Comali ''Cooku with Comali'', also known by the acronym CWC, is an Indian Tamil-language comedy-based cooking competition show aired on Star Vijay and streams on Disney+ Hotstar where the contestants are paired each week with comedians (comalis) who a ...

''.

Personal life

Pugazh was born on 14 November 1990 in

Cuddalore Cuddalore, also spelt as Kadalur (), is the city and headquarters of the Cuddalore District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Situated south of Chennai, Cuddalore was an important port during the British Raj. While the early history of Cudda ...

. He was educated at St. Joseph's High School and Sri Padaleswarar Secondary School in Thirupapuliyur. Pugazh married Benzi Riya in 2022.

Career

Pugazh grew to prominence after competing in ''

''. He is known for his mimicry and humour. Udhaya Raj of ''

Baana Kaathadi ''Baana Kaathadi'' () is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romance film written and directed by Badri Venkatesh. The film stars newcomer Atharvaa, son of Tamil actor Murali, makes his debut in the film, and Samantha. Featuring music scored by Yuvan S ...

'' fame helped Pugazh audition for ''

Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Kalakka Povathu Yaaru? is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language reality Stand-up comedy television show, that airs on Star Vijay and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. Over eighteen years, Kalakka Povathu Yaaru? has rolled out nine seasons. The winners of the ...

'', but was not cast. Undeterred, he worked as a computer serviceman at Vijay TV and later starred in ''Sirippu Da'' alongside

Dheena ''Dheena'' is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language action film written and directed by then-debutante A. R. Murugadoss, starring Ajith Kumar, Suresh Gopi, in his Tamil debut, and Laila. The music and background score is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja ...

. Following his later selection and success in ''Kalakka Povathu Yaaru'', he was given the opportunity to participate in ''Cooku with Comali''. He garnered success on the show resulting in several offers to act in Tamil films. He debuted in ''Sixer'' and has since starred in more movies like ''Cocktail'', '' Sabhaapathy'', and ''

Etharkkum Thunindhavan ''Etharkkum Thunindhavan'' (), also known under the initialism ''ET'', is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Pandiraj and produced by Sun Pictures. The film stars Suriya, Priyanka Arul Mohan, and Vinay R ...

''.

Filmography

Films

Television

Music videos

Accolades

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Pugazh 1990 births 21st-century Indian male actors Indian male comedians Indian male film actors Living people Male actors in Tamil cinema Tamil comedians Television personalities from Tamil Nadu