Visu | |
---|---|
Born |
M. R. Viswanthan 1 July 1945 Tamil Nadu, India |
Occupation | Director, producer, writer, stage actor, film actor, television host |
Years active | 1981-Present |
Spouse(s) | Uma (née Sundari) |
Awards | National Awardee |
M. R. Viswanathan (born 1 July 1945), best known by his stage name Visu, is an Indian writer, director, stage, film and television actor and talk-show host. Visu initially worked as an assistant to director K. Balachander until becoming a director himself. He later began acting, with his first film being Kudumbam Oru Kadambam directed by S. P. Muthuraman.
A philanthropist, Visu had been supporting the needy through his own foundation. He became known for hosting live debates on television, namely Visuvin Makkal Arangam on Jaya TV and Arattai Arangam on Sun TV.
In 2013, Visu fell ill while shooting for Alex Pandian with kidney failure, requiring him to undergo dialysis three times a week for the remainer of his life. In 2015, he was diagnosed with a throat cancer, which was successfully removed surgically. However, it led to a permanent change in his voice.