Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1958-03-05
- Born Place: Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
Also Known As:
Naasar, Nazar, నాజర్, Nasser, Naaser, நாசர், M. Nassar, Muhammad Hanif, M. Nasser, ناصـر
Nassar
Nassar (born Muhammad Hanif on March 5, 1958) is a highly respected and prolific Indian actor, director, producer, and dubbing artist who primarily works in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, with credits in over 550 films across multiple languages including Kannada, Hindi, and English. After training at the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce's Film Institute, he made his debut in 1985 and quickly gained recognition for his versatility, playing everything from police officers (like in Mani Ratnam's Nayakan in 1987) and antagonists to powerful character roles. His notable performances in films like Thevar Magan, Bombay, Kuruthipunal, and his role as the conniving and ambitious Bijjaladeva (or Palvaalthevan) in S. S. Rajamouli's epic saga, Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, brought him nationwide fame and established him as one of India's foremost character actors. Beyond acting, he has directed films such as the critically acclaimed Avatharam (1995). Furthermore, Nassar is a respected figure within the industry and currently serves as the incumbent President of the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes' Association), a key trade union for actors in Tamil Nadu, reflecting his influence and commitment to the welfare of his peers. He continues to be incredibly active in cinema, with recent and upcoming projects including Ponniyin Selvan: I & II, Captain Miller, and Mani Ratnam's Thug Life.
