Pugazh stands as one of Tamil Nadu’s most talented and beloved comedians, known for his powerful performances and natural humor that has captivated audiences through Tamil television and cinema. He has consistently demonstrated versatility and dedication throughout his career in the entertainment industry, rising from humble beginnings to become a household name.
Pugazh is a 34-year-old Indian actor and comedian with an estimated net worth of $1.2 million as of 2025. Born on November 14, 1990, in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Pugazh rose to fame through his appearance on Star Vijay’s popular cooking reality show “Cooku with Comali.” He is currently married to Benzi Riya since 2022 and they have one daughter born in September 2023.
Quick Facts About Pugazh
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pugazhendhi |
| Date of Birth | November 14, 1990, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Age | 34 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Television Personality |
| Net Worth | $1.2 Million (2025) |
| Spouse | Benzi Riya (married 2022) |
| Children | One daughter, Rithanya (born September 2023) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
| Famous For | Cooku with Comali, Tamil Cinema |
Pugazh Early Life and Education
Pugazh was born on November 14, 1990, in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, into a middle-class Hindu family. His father works as a serviceman while his mother is a homemaker. He has two siblings – an elder brother and sister – and remains very close to his family, often spending his free time with them.
Education History
| Level | Institution | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School | St. Joseph’s High School | Cuddalore | Early education |
| Secondary School | Sri Padaleswarar Secondary School | Thirupapuliyur | Completed up to 10th standard |
| University | Manonmaniam Sundaranar University | Tirunelveli | Graduate course completed |
Pugazh Personal Life and Family
On September 1, 2022, Pugazh got married to his girlfriend Benzi Riya at a private resort on ECR in Chennai. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, in September 2023. The family currently resides in Chennai, and their daughter is named Rithanya.
Family Details
| Relationship | Name | Profession | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Father | Not publicly disclosed | Serviceman | Middle-class background |
| Mother | Not publicly disclosed | Homemaker | Supportive family member |
| Spouse | Benzi Riya | Not disclosed | Married September 1, 2022 |
| Daughter | Rithanya | Child | Born September 2023 |
| Siblings | Elder brother and sister | Various | Close family relationships |
Pugazh Career and Achievements
Pugazh started his career as a comedian and mimicry artist, making his television debut on the reality comedy show “Siripuda” in 2016. Before entering the entertainment industry, he worked at a water-wash shed near Prasad Studios to earn daily wages for survival.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Platform/Project | Role/Position | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Television Debut | Siripuda | Comedian | First TV appearance |
| 2017-2018 | TV Shows | Kalakka Povathu Yaaru | Contestant | Building recognition |
| 2019-2020 | Major Breakthrough | Cooku with Comali Season 1 | Comali (Assistant) | Rose to fame |
| 2019 | Film Debut | Sixer | Supporting Actor | Cinema entry |
| 2020-2024 | Film Career | Multiple Tamil Films | Actor | Established actor |
Complete Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Genre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Sixer | Supporting | Chachi | Comedy | Film debut |
| 2020 | Cocktail | Supporting | Ra. Vijaya Murugan | Comedy | ZEE5 release |
| 2021 | Sabhaapathy | Supporting | R. Srinivasa Rao | Comedy | With Santhanam |
| 2022 | Valimai | Supporting | H. Vinoth | Action | With Ajith Kumar |
| 2022 | Etharkkum Thunindhavan | Supporting | Pandiraj | Action | With Suriya |
| 2022 | Yaanai | Supporting | Hari | Action | With Arun Vijay |
| 2022 | DSP | Supporting | Ponram | Action | With Vijay Sethupathi |
| 2023 | Por Thozhil | Supporting | Vignesh Raja | Thriller | Critical acclaim |
| 2023 | Ayodhi | Supporting | Manthira Moorthy | Drama | Character role |
| 2023 | August 16 1947 | Supporting | N.S. Ponkumar | Historical | Period film |
| 2024 | Goli Soda Rising | Cast Member | Vijay Milton | Series | Disney+ Hotstar |
| 2025 | Mr. Zoo Keeper | Lead Role | J. Suresh | Comedy/Drama | First lead role |
| 2025 | Desingu Raja 2 | Supporting | Ezhil | Comedy | Upcoming release |
Pugazh Net Worth and Lifestyle
Pugazh’s estimated net worth is $1.2 million as of 2025, making him one of the successful entertainers in Tamil television and cinema. His wealth comes from television shows, film appearances, live events, and his YouTube channel.
Income Sources
| Source | Details | Estimated Value | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Television Shows | Cooku with Comali, other TV appearances | ₹5-10 thousand per show | Regular |
| Film Projects | Supporting and lead roles | Varies by project | Multiple per year |
| YouTube Channel | Parattai Pugazh channel | $129K estimated worth | Regular uploads |
| Live Events | Stage shows and performances | Event-based | Occasional |
| Brand Endorsements | Social media and commercial endorsements | Varies | Occasional |
Physical Attributes
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 80 kg |
| Hair Color | Black, curly |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Body Type | Average build with strong physique |
Pugazh Hobbies and Interests
Pugazh enjoys traveling, reading books, and photography as his primary hobbies. He also has a keen interest in mimicry and comedy, which have been instrumental in his career development.
| Hobby/Interest | Level | Details | Professional Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comedy & Mimicry | Expert | Natural talent for humor and imitation | Primary career skill |
| Photography | Amateur | Personal interest and documentation | Social media content |
| Reading | Regular | Various genres for knowledge | Content inspiration |
| Traveling | Enthusiast | Explores different places | Work-related and leisure |
| Gaming | Casual | Plays PUBG during work hours | Recreation |
Pugazh Favorites and Preferences
| Category | Preference | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Non-vegetarian | Follows non-vegetarian diet |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio | Born November 14 |
| Religion | Hinduism | Hindu faith and beliefs |
| Language | Tamil | Native Tamil speaker |
| Residence | Chennai | Currently living in Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Pugazh Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award/Recognition | Category | Project/Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Audience Appreciation | Best Comedian | Cooku with Comali Season 1 | Widespread recognition |
| 2021 | Popular Television Personality | Entertainment | Cooku with Comali Season 2 | Fan favorite |
| 2021 | Host | Events | Behindwoods Awards 2021 | Recognition as host |
| 2023 | Social Media Milestone | Digital | YouTube Channel | 1.36 million subscribers |
| 2024 | Film Recognition | Acting | Por Thozhil | Critical acclaim |
Pugazh Controversies and Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Pugazh has faced a few minor controversies that have attracted media attention. Here’s a factual overview of the incidents and their outcomes.
| Year | Controversy Type | Description | Response | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Comedy Skit Controversy | Backlash for comedy skit mocking Kamal Haasan | Public apology video with co-performer | Resolved, claimed honest mistake |
| 2023 | Regional Sensitivity | Hurt sentiments of Karnataka people with content | Clarification and apology | Issue settled |
| 2024 | Fan Controversy | Apologized to Thalapathy Vijay fans | Public apology and explanation | Fan relations restored |
Unknown Facts About Pugazh
Here are 8 fascinating unknown facts about Pugazh that most fans don’t know, including his hidden struggles, early career challenges, and surprising personal preferences.
Before achieving fame, Pugazh worked at a water-wash shed near Prasad Studios for daily wages, earning just ₹50 per day as a cleaner to survive in Chennai. This humble beginning shaped his appreciation for every opportunity and taught him the value of hard work. His longtime friend Udhaya Raj from “Baana Kaathadi” fame played a crucial role in his career by helping him attend the “Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Season 6” audition, though he wasn’t selected initially.
KPY Dheena and Pugazh were roommates during their struggling days, sharing accommodation and supporting each other’s dreams in the entertainment industry. Their friendship continued even after both achieved success in their respective careers. Pugazh had an uncredited role in the critically acclaimed movie “Kaidhi” directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, which many fans are unaware of.
Pugazh worked as a computer serviceman at Vijay TV studios before getting his break, using this opportunity to observe and learn from established comedians while doing technical work. His persistence and dedication during this period eventually led to cameo roles in “Sirippu Da” alongside KPY Dheena. His breakthrough performance came when he appeared as a lady in KPY Final and his “Anniyan” performance in “Super Singer,” which grabbed the attention of top authorities and secured his place in “Cooku with Comali.”
Pugazh discontinued his studies after the 10th standard due to family financial situations, but later completed his graduation from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli, showing his commitment to education despite early challenges. He has a keen interest in playing PUBG during work hours, which has become a known stress-relief activity among his colleagues and friends in the entertainment industry.
Lesser Known Facts About Pugazh
Beyond the well-known achievements, here are 6 lesser-known facts about Pugazh that reveal interesting aspects of his personality, background, and life experiences.
Pugazh’s daughter Rithanya was born in September 2023, and he often shares that becoming a father has been the most transformative experience of his life, changing his perspective on responsibility and success. The family maintains a relatively private life despite his public fame. His nickname “Pugal” is used by close friends and family members, reflecting the intimate relationships he maintains despite his celebrity status.
Pugazh has a YouTube channel named “Parattai Pugazh” with over 1.36 million subscribers, where he shares behind-the-scenes content, personal vlogs, and comedy sketches that showcase a different side of his personality from his television appearances. There were rumors about his relationship with co-contestant Ramya Pandian during “Cooku with Comali,” but these remained speculation as both maintained professional boundaries and Pugazh later married Benzi Riya.
Early in his career, Pugazh faced backlash and criticism, but he consistently apologized and learned from mistakes, demonstrating his humility and commitment to personal growth. His ability to handle controversies with grace has earned him respect in the industry. His upcoming film “Mr. Zoo Keeper” marks his first lead role, where he plays a zoo keeper, representing a significant milestone in his transition from television comedian to film actor with substantial roles.
Pugazh Online Presence and Social Links
Official Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers/Status | Link/URL | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @pugazhoffl_ | 4M followers | instagram.com/pugazhoffl_ | Active | |
| @vijaytvpugazh | Active | instagram.com/vijaytvpugazh | Official TV Account | |
| YouTube | Parattai Pugazh | 1.36M subscribers | YouTube Channel | ✓ Active |
| Siripudapugazh | Active | facebook.com/Siripudapugazh | Official | |
| VjTVPugazh | Active | m.facebook.com/VjTVPugazh | TV Official |
Professional Profiles
| Platform Type | Platform Name | Profile Status | Link/URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb | Actor Database | Active/Complete | imdb.com/name/nm5465715 | Filmography |
| Wikipedia | Biography Page | Active | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pugazh_(actor) | Encyclopedia |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Actor Profile | Active | rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/pugazh | Film Reviews |
| FilmiBeat | Celebrity Profile | Active | filmibeat.com/celebs/pugazh | Entertainment News |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pugazh
What is Pugazh’s net worth?
Pugazh’s estimated net worth is $1.2 million as of 2025, primarily from television shows, film appearances, live events, and his YouTube channel earnings.
How old is Pugazh?
Pugazh is 34 years old, born on November 14, 1990, in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Is Pugazh married?
Yes, Pugazh is married to Benzi Riya since September 1, 2022. They have one daughter named Rithanya, born in September 2023.
What is Pugazh’s real name?
Pugazh’s real name is Pugazhendhi. He is also known as “Parattai Pugazh” and “Cooku with Comali Pugazh.”
How tall is Pugazh?
Pugazh is 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall and weighs approximately 80 kg.
What is Pugazh famous for?
Pugazh is best known for his role as a comedian on Star Vijay’s “Cooku with Comali” and his subsequent career in Tamil cinema with films like Valimai, Etharkkum Thunindhavan, and Por Thozhil.
What are Pugazh’s upcoming movies?
Pugazh’s upcoming movies include “Mr. Zoo Keeper” (2025) where he plays the lead role, and “Desingu Raja 2” (2025) in a supporting role.
How many followers does Pugazh have on Instagram?
Pugazh has over 4 million followers on his main Instagram account @pugazhoffl_ and maintains another official account @vijaytvpugazh for his television work.
What is Pugazh’s YouTube channel name?
Pugazh’s YouTube channel is called “Parattai Pugazh” and has over 1.36 million subscribers with more than 106 million video views.
Where does Pugazh live now?
Pugazh currently lives in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with his wife Benzi Riya and their daughter Rithanya.
