Remembering the versatile R. Muthuraman on his 96th birth anniversary

R Muthuraman was born in Thanjavur on 04 July 1929. His family had no links with the acting industry, but Muthuraman showed an early interest in stage acting. He joined S.S. Raajendran’s acting troupe and soon became quite popular, eventually leading to film roles.

After playing supporting roles, Muthuraman soon graduated to lead roles. His humility and compassionate nature made him a very popular actor. He was paired with every leading actress at the time because his gentlemanly conduct on set led to actresses being very comfortable around him. When Jayalalitha starred in her 100^th film, Thirumangalyam,  she personally selected R Muthurman to star opposite her as she was also the producer of the film.

Muthuraman’s career was given a boost because of his role in C.V. Shridhar’s Kaadhalikke Neramillai, but he continued to accept supporting roles in films, showing a special affinity for Sivaji Ganesan, co-starring with him in many movies ranging from Paar Magalle Paar to Ootyvarai Uravu to Moondru Deivangall to Vani Rani and Chithra Pournami. Muthuraman also shared the screen with M.G. Ramachandran, Gemini Ganesan, Ravichandran, Jaishankar, Sivakumar, Kamalhaasan and Rajinikanth. His last released film was Rajinikanth’s Pokkiri Raja.

Muthuraman passed away on 16 October 1981 three months after his 52^nd birthday. He had gone to Ooty to shoot for the film Aayiram Muthangall and was jogging when he succumbed to a heart attack. He was found by fellow actor, Sivakumar (father of Suriya and Karthi) and rushed to hospital but was declared death on arrival.

Muthuraman was married to Sulochana and they had four children, one of whom – Karthik – became a very successful actor. Karthik is the father of Gautham Karthik (Kadal, Vai Raja Vai & Pathu Thala).