Chinni Jayanth

Chinni Jayanth (born Krishnamurthy Narayanan on 26 July 1960) is a Tamil director, producer, comedian, actor and mimicry artist, who has appeared in many main, character and supporting roles in Tamil films. He is also a popular television personality having hosted hit shows like Sagalai Vs Ragalai, Kalakka Povathu Yaar and Asathapovathu Yaaru on Sun TV in Chennai. He is also a recipient of the Kalaimamani award given by the Government of Tamil Nadu for excellence in the field of cinema. He received this award from the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at a glittering function at Valluvar Kottam.

As an acknowledgement of his efforts in the field of cinema, mimicry, stage performances and social service activities, Chinni Jayanth was presented with a doctorate by The Open International University of Alternate Medicine on 29 December 2013.

Chinni Jayanth is an alumnus of Ramakrishna Mission Students Home, Chennai. He went on to study at New College, Royapettah. He then completed his acting course (Diploma in Film Technology, DFTech) from the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu in Taramani.

Jayanth began his acting career in 1984, playing the eccentric villain in director J. Mahendran's film Kai Kodukkum Kai.

He carved a niche for himself with his unique style of comedy which included the creation of some unique words like gilfans, silfans, etc. which became a rage among the youth. His supporting roles in movies like Kizhakku Vasal, Idhayam, Kannedhirey Thondrinal and Chinna Pulla, are audience favourites.

Jayanth's performance in Chinna Pulla (1994) along with Revathi was well received. In the movie, Jayanth portrayed a mentally challenged person. This movie was also the first production of his company Ashtalakshmi Creators.

His directorial debut was in the film Unakkaga Mattum. The second film he directed was Kaanal Neer, which introduced J.K. Rithesh and Manisha Chatterjee in lead roles.

His last direction was the movie Neeye Yen Kaadhali (2010), and played a vital role in the screen play. The film was graded by experts Suresh Menon and Brian Jennings at HD Studios, Sushma Multimedia, Chennai.