Lollu Sabha Swaminathan – Tamil Actor Who Became Popular Through ‘Lollu Sabha’ Series

Swaminathan, best known as Lollu Sabha Swaminathan, was one among the best finds of the comedy spoof show, Lollu Sabha, aired on Vijay TV during the mid-2000s. Started with newcomers and lesser-known actors, the show went on to become a huge success and immensely popular among TV viewers. The show aired on STAR Vijay during 2003–2008, hilariously parodied popular Tamil movies and classic blockbusters. After the huge success of the show, like many other actors associated with the show, the ‘Lollu Sabha’ tag got permanently added to his name.

Lollu Sabha Swaminathan – Character Artist of the Tamil Entertainment Industry

Swaminathan was born on January 31, 1959, in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District. He has been active in Tamil cinema since the mid-1980s, playing bit roles. Though he was fully associated with the film industry for more than 2 decades, he mostly played uncredited and less significant roles. In 2003, he became a part of the comedy series, Lollu Sabha, aired on Vijay TV, and the show became an instant hit. Since 2019, there have been talks for the second season of the show, but still in the pipeline.

Lollu Sabha – The major turning point of Swaminathan’s career

The show established the respective careers of many actors, including Santhanam. Other great finds of the spoof comedy show include – Lollu Sabha Manohar, Lollu Sabha Jeeva, Lollu Sabha Balaji, Lollu Sabha Seshu, and Jangiri Madhumitha. Most of its actors established themselves as comedians on the big screen. The prefix ‘Lollu Sabha’ permanently attached itself to his name as a badge of honor. A few of his co-stars also added the tag to their professional names. Lollu Sabha made him a household name in Tamil Nadu.

Later he played memorable roles on the big screen

Now, Swaminathan is a lead name on the Tamil screen. He played several memorable character roles in recent times. He frequently collaborates with Santhanam as a comedian in Tamil films, his co-actor from the hit TV show. As an actor, he marked his debut with 1985 releases – Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri and Chinna Poove Mella Pesu, and was later seen in Thalaivasal, Singaravelan, Udan Pirappu, Aaru, Sivaji, etc.

Now he is a full-fledged actor in Tamil cinema and a well-known face. He plays both comic and character roles. He can also mimic several Tamil actors like Kamal Haasan, Ramarajan, Sathyaraj, T. Rajendhar, Vijay, and Ajith. He has also won the ‘Jodi Number One’ dance competition and ‘Kalakkapovathu Yaaru’ Season 3.

His deadpan expressions, eccentric body language, and impeccable satirical timing made him a recognizable face in modern Tamil comedy. He played roles like quirky uncle, hyperactive temple priest, gullible father, and eccentric neighbour with ease on the silver screen.

Some of his most memorable film appearances

His collaboration with Santhanam and Arya in Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010) was well received. Lollu Sabha Swaminathan played a hilarious local temple priest in the film. His role as Paavadaisamy (who hilariously renames himself “Google”) in Ethir Neechal (2013) and Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012) – both alongside Udhayanidhi Stalin are his memorable outings. Singam II (2013), A1 (2019), Theri (2016) & Vedalam (2015) are other notable works.