Tamil cinema history has witnessed a lot of comedians who have excelled in various phases, and one cannot easily dismiss Goundamani as one among them, as he is one of the most important and unique comedian who has achieved a lot in Tamil cinema and is entertaining audience for more than four decades successfully. Goundamani had been instrumental in making Tamil film comedy reach a wider audience and connect to the common man.

Goundamani celebrates his 80th birthday today. Born in Kannampalayam as Subramani Karuppaiya, he started his career as a theater artist, and later appeared in blink and you miss roles in movies like Annakili, Raman Ethanai Ramanadi and many other movies, before Bharathiraja gave him a good opportunity in 16 Vayathiniley, and with his impressive ability to give counters, Subramani became Goundamani.

While he began initially as a solo comedian, he later teamed up with Senthil, and together, they have entertained two generations with their memorable and hilarious comedy tracks. The duo was considered to be the Laurel - Hardy of Kollywood, and their fun filled tracks generate huge laughs even today. Goundamani had not just limited to slapstick, mindless comedies but had also touched politics, social issues in his comedy in his own inimitable style.

Of all his tracks, the "Onnu inga iruku, innonu enga" from Karakattakaran is an all time classic loved by all. He has not just trolled/ made fun of Senthil, but also the heroes who team up with him in movies, be it Superstar or a small hero, Gounder spared none. It would be a crime to limit the most popular/ favorite Goundamani comedies to a few scenes, as almost all his comedies are "rolling on the floor laughing" stuff. Having acted in more than 750 movies, Goundamani has also acted in lead roles in several movies, and villain in few movies.

Goundamani is an avid cinema lover, and watches a lot of Hollywood and other language movies as well, and can identify the originals from which movies are ripped off. Best known for his instant counters, Goundamani was the one who inspired current gen counter comedians like Santhanam and many others, and even today, his dialogues and comedy scenes are used to troll, generate fun or create topical memes, becoming the favorite of Internet meme creators. Even though Goundamani is not active in films, his appearances in public events and the photographs from those events evoke a smile for anyone who sees it, and his comedies evoke nonstop laughter even now when telecast on TV. Such is the impact the legend has left on audience. Wishing the legendary counter king a very Happy Birthday!