CHENNAI: Endowed with a characteristic wit and humour which he used to full measure in plays and films, the versatile Cho Ramasamy was well known for his political satire and caustic barbs against political leaders of all shades whom he fearlessly criticised.
The 82-year-old theatre personality, a film artist and journalist, had spent more than four decades in the tinsel world performing comedy roles and an equal period of time in journalism after he founded 'Thuglak', the political magazine, in 1970.
Despite unrelenting in training his guns on politicians, he had been keeping cordial, friendly relations throughout his career with several of them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great admirer of Cho Ramasamy who passed away on December 7 last year after a brief illness.
His bonding with late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was marked by mutual respect and affection. Besides being a long time friend sharing roles in plays and films, Cho was also her political guide chipping in with indispensable advice during troubling times.
Cho, who was born on October 5, 1934, was a lawyer by profession but left the field to embrace theatre, film and later journalism where he left an indelible mark by his sheer outstanding performance that earned him laurels. His debut in film was in 1963 as a comedian in 'Paar Magale Paar'. He had appeared in 180 films, besides penning screenplay and story for as many films.
Cho's play Muhammed Bin Tuglak was a huge hit and was converted into a movie later.
Recognising his service, the BJP government at the Centre during 1999-2005, nominated him to the Rajya Sabha.
Admirers hail him having left a rich legacy in the field of journalism that marked probity and honesty.