South Indian cinema has seen countless artists come and go, but only a few names have carved a permanent place in history. One such icon is N. S. Krishnan (NSK) — the comedian lovingly referred to as “India’s Charlie Chaplin.” His innocent expressions, sharp comic timing, and the social messages woven into his humour made him unforgettable. Born on 29 November 1908, NSK rose to great heights but lived a life equally filled with struggle and controversy.

Early life and rise to fame
NSK began his artistic journey on stage, performing the folk art form Villupaattu before moving into theatre. His natural comedy became so popular that crowds gathered just to watch him perform. With the arrival of cinema, his life changed forever.

In 1935, he made his film debut with Menaka, which became a huge success. Overnight, NS Krishnan became a major star. Over the next two decades, he appeared in more than 150 Tamil films, mastering a unique style of comedy that still inspires actors today.

Why he was called the ‘Charlie Chaplin of India’
NSK was not just a comedian—he was a socially conscious performer. His humour was layered with commentary on class, inequality, and social behaviour. It entertained audiences while making them think, much like the works of Charlie Chaplin. This blend of humour with social message earned him the title “Charlie Chaplin of India.”

His on-screen pairing with his wife T. A. Madhuram was immensely popular, and together they delivered a string of hits that became classics of Tamil cinema.

The darkest phase: 30 months in jail
But NSK’s life was not free of turmoil. He became embroiled in the infamous Lakshmikanthan murder case, one of the biggest scandals of that time. According to reports, he spent nearly 30 months in prison while the case was being investigated. This period deeply affected his career and personal life.

Yet, NSK was resilient. After his acquittal, he returned to cinema and once again won over audiences. His comeback proved that his stardom and fanbase remained untouched.