Delhi Ganesh (born Ganesan Mahadevan; 1 August 1944 – 9 November 2024) was an Indian actor who worked predominantly in Tamil cinema and television serials. Known for his versatility across supporting roles, he had a long career spanning more than 400 films. He was introduced to the Tamil film industry by the noted filmmaker K. Balachander, who also gave him his stage name.
| Birth name | Ganesan Mahadevan |
|---|---|
| Stage name | Delhi Ganesh |
| Born | 1 August 1944 |
| Died | 9 November 2024 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Primary industry | Tamil cinema and television |
| Debut film | Pattina Pravesam (1976) |
| Mentor | K. Balachander |
| Films | More than 400 |
Born as Ganesan Mahadevan on 1 August 1944, he later adopted the stage name Delhi Ganesh, which was given to him by the filmmaker K. Balachander. The name became his identity throughout his acting career in the Tamil entertainment industry.
Delhi Ganesh made his debut in Tamil cinema with Pattina Pravesam in 1976, a film through which K. Balachander introduced him to the industry. Over the following decades, he became one of the most prolific character actors in Tamil films, appearing in more than 400 productions. He was widely recognised for the range and versatility of the roles he portrayed, working steadily across both films and Tamil television serials.
Delhi Ganesh is regarded as one of the dependable character actors of Tamil cinema. His association with K. Balachander, who not only introduced him to films but also conferred his stage name, placed him within a generation of actors nurtured under Balachander's mentorship. The breadth of his filmography, exceeding 400 titles, reflects a sustained presence across multiple decades of Tamil film history.