Vivekanandan, known professionally as
Vivek, was an Indian film actor, comedian, television personality, playback singer and social activist working in the Tamil film industry. Introduced in films by director K. Balachander, he won three Filmfare Awards for Best Comedian in Tamil for his performances in the films,
Run (2002),
Saamy (2003) and
Perazhagan (2004) and five Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Best Comedian for the films,
Unnaruge Naan Irundhal (1999),
Run (2002),
Parthiban Kanavu (2003),
Anniyan (2005) and
Sivaji (2007). His comedy style consisted of one-liners that featured social and political satire, which lead to critics comparing him to N. S. Krishnan and earning him the nickname
Chinna Kalaivanar.