ARTISTS

                                          
If I share all artists, both past and present actors and actresses, this page would not be sufficient, since hundreds of artists like M.R. Radha, T.S. Balaiah, and many more with their own style, body language and voice modulations presented memorable performances in many Tamil films. I share some of the artists’ information on this page.

GEMINI GANESAN

Kaathal Mannan (King of Romance) Gemini Ganesan, whose dream was to become a Doctor was born in Pudukottai, Tamilnadu on November 7 1920. His first film was Miss Malini with not much break till his first Hero movie Manampol Maangalyam in the year 1953 and he paired with actress Savitiri, who later became his third wife. He was active in the field from 1950s and 1970s and he got Padmashri award in 1971. He acted with all the top heroines like Padmini, Sarojadevi and others at his time.

Unlike Sivaji Ganesan and MGR, he kept his distance from politics. He was offered a Rajya Sabha seat by former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi but he declined it. On the personal level he was friendly with many of the top personalities but then he did not like to flatter them on stage and kept away from public functions. However, he had a close circle of friends, and always remembered those who helped him in his career. He died at the age of 84 in the year 2005.

Film: Ithayathil Nee

S. S. RAJENDRAN ( S.S.R. )

S. S. Rajendran (known popularly as SSR), born in Sedapatti near Thirumangalam, Madurai  was initially a theater artist like Shivaji, debuted in Parasakthi. He is vary famous for his dialogue delivery with his bombastic style of TAMIL pronunciation.  Being one of the most popular stars of Tamil cinema in the 1950s and 60s, he raised funds for DMK and acted in movies glorifying Dravidian ideologies. SSR was the first elected member of legislative assembly among actors in India in 1962. Personal problems led to a fall in his film career and in politics. Having spent most of his earnings for the party he found himself in a deep financial crisis.   His notable films include KAAKKUM KARANKAL, KAI KODUTHA THEIVAM, AALAYAMANI,

 Film: Aalyamani

JAISHANKAR

Jaishankar, fondly called South Indian James Bond was born on July 12, 1938 and his father was a Judicial Magistrate.  Started his drama career from Cho Ramasamy’s Viveka Fine arts, he did Hero roles in the 60s and Villain and character roles in the 70s and 80s.  His notable films include iravum Pagalum, Kulanthiyum Theivamum, C.I.D. Shankar, Iru Vallavargal, Kannan Varuvaan, Noothukku Nooru of K. Balachander. 

He is also remembered as a good Samaritan as he helped the needy without any publicity.  He died at the age of 61 in June 3,  2000 and he is still, the South Indian James Bond in many Tamil cine fans’ hearts.

 Film: Neelagiri Express

Film: C.I.D. Shankar

Film: Noothukku Nooru

J.P. CHANDRABABU

J.P. Chandrababu, Tamil film comedian – actor was born in TUTICORIN on August 4, 1927 to Joseph Pichai Rodriguez and Roselin and his father was a freedom fighter.  Chandrababu was multi-talented. He was an actor, a singer, a great dancer, a mimic, a writer, a director and a producer. The film industry had never seen such a person.  He made his debut in the film 'Dhana Amaravathi' in 1947,after this came several failed attempts to meet producers and directors.  Though multi-talented and successful in his career, he could not emulate the same level of success in his personal life. Thus, he became addicted to alcohol after a failed marriage and died in March 7, 1974, at the relatively young age of 45.

Film: Rathakanneer

Film: Kaathavarayan