It was a time when people didn't know there existed a thing called 'mimicry', the society didn't see it as a talent. But he loved imitating people, right from his childhood. He recalls his innate ability to mimic anyone just like that. He was so good and spontaneous at mimicking that he had to hold himself back lest his parents should get him treated to curb it!
From that stage, Nerella Venu Madhav garu, hailing from Warangal, reached heights that very few have been able to since. It is not an overstatement to say he's the Father of Indian Mimicry.
He started his career at the age of 16. Popularly known as NV, he imitated everyone from celebrities and politicians, to local dialects and the Nizams. He even acted in Superstar Krishna's Gudachari 116, in a guest role.
His stage performances were the stuff of legend. He could imitate everyone's voices perfectly, without faltering. Chittoor Nagaiah, Jaggayya, SVR, NTR and numerous Bollywood actors were part of his regular fare.
He received numerous awards and felicitations for his incredible talent, including the Padmasri in 2001. He has toured all over the world and is the only mimic in the world who performed at the UN in New York. His mimicry from the movie Ten Commandments is world famous.
Ventriloquist Mimicry Srinivos, an international performer and a sound illusionist, is a disciple of his. Many of his disciples have started celebrating his birthday, the 28th of December as World Mimicry Day for the past 12 years.
His sheer talent is to be seen to be believed. Here's a video of him mimicking various personalities with an impeccable style!
Nerella Venu Madhav Garu is no more. We miss you the most, Sir.
