Nassar, a highly acclaimed Indian actor, currently holds the esteemed position of president of the South Indian Actors Association. His extensive filmography boasts a plethora of critically acclaimed movies, including Thevar Magan (1992),Bombay (1995),Anbe Sivam (2003),and Nayakan (1987),which have cemented his status as one of India's most respected thespians.
Born on March 5, 1958, in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, to Mehaboob Basha and Mumtaz, Nassar's early life was marked by his education at St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School in Chengalpattu. Following his schooling, he moved to Madras (now Chennai) to pursue his pre-university studies at Madras Christian College, where he actively participated in the Dramatic Society. Nassar's brief stint in the Indian Air Force preceded his formal training in acting at the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce's Film Institute and the Tamil Nadu Institute for Film and Television Technology.
Nassar's acting career began in 1985 with a secondary supporting role in a K.Balachander film, before he transitioned to playing villainous roles. His breakthrough performance as a police officer in Nayakan (1987) catapulted him to stardom, solidifying his position as one of Indian cinema's most important actors. He subsequently became a regular in collaborations with esteemed directors Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan.
Even in smaller roles, Nassar's remarkable acting skills have left a lasting impact on the audience, as seen in movies like Kabali (2016),Vishwaroopam (2013),and Iruvar (1997).