Biography

January 9, 1950

B. Tech ( Chemical Engineering)
M.B. A ( Madras University)

Father: (Late) Shri Y. G. Parthasarathy B. A. (Hons) who retired as Deputy Chief Controller of
Imports & Exports is a well known Senior
Dramatist in South Indian stage.

Mother: (Late) Dr.(Mrs).Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy
MA.M.Ed. Ph.D.(Vaishnavism) is a great Educationist, Journalist and South India’s Well Known Socialist. She is Government of India’s Padmashri Awardee and is the Dean & Director of Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary Group of Schools.

Born to such illustrious parents, YGee.Mahendra’s Journey in Education and Arts started early in his childhood. He was introduced to Theatre when he was 11 years old in 1961 when UAA Dramatic Troupe, started by his father, staged its play “PETRAL DAAN PILLAYA?”. Y.Gee.MAHENDRA has completed 6 decades of continuous work on stage as an actor, writer and Director. He has performed more than 7,000 times on stage without any break /interruption. In every play, he created new techniques on stage. Revolving stage, Shiva idol splitting on stage into two for Lord Shiva to enter, an Elephant on Stage, a character appearing in midair of stage, A time Machine to travel to 1945 (to name a few). He performed in several varied roles-as a split personality, Seven roles on stage “ANDHA 7 AATKAL” in which, one is a dwarf. He recreated Vietnam Veedu and performed the role of Prestige Padmanabha Iyer (earlier done by the legendary Sivaji Ganesan ). There are a lot of plays that have stood the test of time and remain in the hearts of viewers. He dons three roles in VENKATA 3 WHICH EXPLORES THE CONFUSION CAUSED BY HUMAN CLONING. His play NADAGAM deals with the life of a stage artiste – his triumphs and travails. Currently he is performing in” IRANDAM RAGASYAM” a Psychological thriller, “PARITCHAIKKU NERAMACHU” a family drama & “ SOPPANA VAAZHVIL” which is creating waves of appreciation in Tamil Theatre. His other successful plays are KASEDHAN KADAVULADA and 3 JI. He has also done a unique experiment in Theatre – training NRIs in Chicago by means of SKYPE and Modern Techniques and performed VENKATA 3 & SWADESHI AIYER throughout the length and breadth of the USA with them. His current play CHARUKESI is a super hit.

He received the prestigious “KALAMAMANI” & KALAIVANAR VIRUTHU” given by Tamil Nadu Government, Mylapore Academy Awards in 1991,92,93,94 – 97, All rounder in Theatre award, Nadaga Sironmani Award, Nataka Thilagam Award(2005), Choodamani Award (2007) Acharya Award, Nadaga Mudhra Award. All these awards were rendered for his dedication to theatre by leading Sabhas in Chennai. In delhi, Shanmughanandha Sabha awarded “NATAKA RATHNAM”. He received “ LIFE TIME ACHIEVER AWARD” for Small Screen from Govt. of Tamilnadu.

NATAKA CHAKRAVARTHY – SICA (Hyderabad), NATAKA KALA NIPUNA (Mylapore Fine Arts Club, Karthik Fine Arts awarded “LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMNET AWARD” Avvai Shanmugam Centenary year NADAGA SELVAM AWARD FOR THEATRE and BEST TAMIL THEATRE PERSON OF 2013 FROM RELIANCE BIG FM.

Entering cine field in 1971, he has performed in almost 300 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam & Hindi with all leading Heros and Heroines and other artistes. Has served as a JURY MEMBER IN THE TAMIL NADU STATE AWARDS COMMITTEE FOR 2006, 2007, 2008 AND 2009.

He is an accomplished percussionist who can play TABLA, BONGOS & DRUMS. He is also the Secretary of BHARAT KALACHAR – a leading cultural organization for the past 27 years and conducted music festivals every December since 1986.

Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Denmark, Germany, Suritzerland, Nerway, U.S.A (16 Times), Gulf Countries, Kenya, & Japan.