Pasupathy turns 56 today.

Versatile actor Pasupathy Masilamani was born on 18 May 1969 in Northern Chennai. He began his career as a radio jockey and newsreader before going on to act in television serials.

After joining a theatre group, he befriended actor Nassar. It was Nassar who introduced him to Kamalhassan.

Pasupathy’s entry to cinema was to have been Kamalhaasan’s stalled project, Marudhanaayagam. Throughout that year, everyone associated with the film were confident that the project would go ahead, but when the film lost its global funder, Pasupathy began to look elsewhere.

Twi years after the launch of Marudhanayagam, Pasupathy made his big screen debut in R. Parthiban’s directorial Housefull. He went on to act in Nassar’s directorial, Maayan, Maniratnam’s Kannaththil Muththamitaal, Dharani’s Vikram-Jyothika starrer, Dhooll, SP Jananahan’s debut directorial, Iyarkai and Hari’s Arull.

Despite these many screen appearances, Pasupathy remained a relatively unknown actor. That was to change dramatically when he played the antagonist in Virumaani, a film produced, written and directed by Kamalhaasan.

After noticeable roles in Mchi, Sullan, Madurey and Thiruppaachi, another Kamalhaasn venture – Mumbai Extress – showcased his impeccable comedic timing.

This led to his landmark role in the film E, which won for him his first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting actor. He was to with the IFA Best Supporting actor in Kuselan, where he was credited as a supporting actor, but had more screen time than the film’s guest star, Rajinikanth.

Pasupathy continued to play a wide variety of roles, making his mark with the intensity of his performance. He later won his second Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Pa. Ranjith’s Sarpatta Parambarai.

Pasupathy also enjoyed widespread praise for his role in Pa. Ranjith’s Vikram starrer, Thangalaan,

Pasupathy has also acted in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and an English film – The Last Vision.

He made his OTT debut in the brilliantly crafted web series, November Story –for which he received international attention.