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Here's to the first of some of the greats that ever lived and went unnoticed.

The name Chandrababu rings in as a sophisticated and stylish comedian for scores of Tamil film lovers. It was not just his ability to be a comedian but also character roles that were apt to the storyline. Moreover, the songs that Chandrababu's sang have stood the test of time with path breaking ideologies that were seldom or never touched upon by majority of filmmakers. Who can forget the classics like 'Puthiyulla Manidharellam' from the film 'Annai', 'Porandhalum Aambalaiya Porakka Koodadhu' that featured in the film 'Policekaaran Magal' and the comic song 'Naan Oru Muttalunga' in the film 'Sahodhari'?

These are songs that have a magical appeal about them. Today's youngsters find them appealing and so perform the songs in school and college cultural shows. This is a feat that many big names of the past cannot do. This instance talks volumes about Chandrababu and his passion towards films.

Yet another talent that the gifted Chandrababu possessed was his ability to dance. With moves that were slick, graceful and energetic, the master performer successfully enthralled audiences for decades. Chandrababu was inspired by Hollywood legends Gene Kelly (master dancer and singer) and Jerry Lewis. Gene Kelly was a personality who was admired by people who showed inclination towards class….and Chandrababu was most definitely one of them.

Born in a Tamil family who originally hailed from Tuticorin, Chandrababu was born in 1926 in Colombo and was raised there. His father worked for a Tamil publication during the British colonial days. Eventually Chandrababu came to Madras and became an actor. The void created by N. S. Krishnan's demise was mighty huge and Chandrababu filled it quite considerably. His style of performance was loved by the masses. Chandrababu had become the master entertainer that he is known to be even today.

Chandrababu's long career was eventful and most of his films had the ability to mesmerize viewers with his antiques….a trait only legends are made of.

In the year 1974 Chandrababu died when he was 48 years old shocking his fans and admirers to a great extent. The sophisticated comedian was no more but had left behind a legacy that is simply stunning.

Many years later on July 21, 2007, the Sivaji-Prabhu Charity Trust in association with the Department of Posts released a special postal cover as a tribute to Chandrababu's dynamic career. Sadly, that is the only recognition the late actor received till date, which is not available anymore and a street in Aminjikarai named after him

Chandrababu's antiques in the film 'Sabash Meena' along with Shivaji Ganeshan is pure legendary stuff. He even demanded a rupee more than that was offered to Shivaji Ganeshan and the director obliged because both himself and Shivaji felt that no other actor could do justice to the role than Chandrababu. A talented comedian, singer and dancer, Babu was the first Tamil comedy actor to receive a pay cheque for 1 lakh.

Chandrababu also embarked as a director for the movie 'Thattungal Thirakkappadum’ in 1966, which was highly acclaimed for its cinematography. Chandrababu, well-known for his wits, in this movie, acted as a physically challenged person who can't speak. For the same reason, as critiques say, the film became a bomber in the box-office. The film's first half is still praised for its quality and difference, thanks to Mr. Babu as a director, but the second-half is criticized as soaked into the hoods of a regular tragedy Tamil movie.

The world of Tamil Cinema owes a lot to this legendary actor who is still able to sway the masses with his spectacular performance in movies of old.

 Remembering a forgotten gentleman.

March 7 was the 35th death anniversary of veteran Tamil comedy actor Chandrababu. His trademark dance, song and brand of comedy are still alive in the minds of millions of his fans. His performance in evergreen movies like Sabaash Meena, Sahodari and Annai stands testimony to his unique style, placing him in the league of the most memorable and inimitable comedians of Tamil cinema.

Chandrababu’s tombstone in Quibble Island Cemetery in Foreshore Estate stands lost between dozens of tombs that have filled the ground there.

Paulraj, caretaker of the cemetery, recalls the afternoon of March 8, 1974, when the actor was laid to rest. “I was studying in ITI at Saidapet then and my friends gave me news of his death and told me that he was to be buried in Quibble, where my father was employed.

I rushed to the cemetery, but was not let in by a police battalion controlling the huge crowd gathered,” says the 60-year-old. Paulraj was finally escorted inside by one of the masons at the cemetery and he saw the face of his favorite comedian the last time.

“His mother and a few relatives used to visit his grave on the anniversary days. But in the last eight years, it’s only some fans who stop by to lay flowers or light a candle,” Paulraj adds.

Renowned Tamil movie historian ‘Film News’ Anandan was a long-time friend and still photographer to the comedian. He describes the actor as an epitome of the word prestige, the most humorous man he has ever met and the one who introduced him to alcohol. “One evening at his first-floor home in Bheemanna Mudali Street in Abhiramapuram, Babu offered me a glass of gin saying it was soda.

I got sloshed after gulping a few glasses and he later dropped me home in his car. We laughed over the episode the next day,” reminisces the 83-year-old.

Anandan was the photographer for Chandrababu’s wedding at Santhome Church and reception in New Woodlands on Radhakrishnan Salai. The marriage was short-lived, lasting for just over a month.

Anandan also remembers the comedian’s dream home, then under construction at Kesava Perumal Puram near Greenways Salai, featuring a car ramp leading to the first floor of the house.

The sight of the house with the elevated driveway on a four-acre land used to be a subject of much discussion.

Following an attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills inside the famous Gemini Studios after he was denied a chance in an action role, Chandrababu gradually rose to fame after his first movie, Dana Amaravathi (1947). His first production venture, Maadi Veetu Ezhai, with actor MGR in the lead didn’t kick off after a few initial promotional campaigns. The project left Babu under a heavy debt. He turned into an alcoholic and died in a way only the most talented and creative people do, of heartbreak.