Radha – Kanavu Kani of the 1980s – turns 60
Udaya Chandrika is better known by her screen name, Radha. Born on 03 June 1965, she made her acting debut in Bharathiraja’s 1981 film, Alaigal Oyvathilai opposite fellow newcomer, Karthik. The film was a huge hit and won for her the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Female Debut. Her second role was a small […]
A fresh look at Illaiyaraja on the eve of his 82nd Birthday – with 100 of his best songs
Illaiyaraja was born in Pannaipuram on 03 June 1943. He had a close friendship with former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi. It was Karunanidhi who first referred to Illaiyaraja as “Isai Gnani”. Since Karunanidhi’s birthday was also on 03 June, Illaiyaraja decided to celebrate his birthday on 02 June as a mark of […]
Mani Ratnam’s 69th birthday comes three days before his ambitious film “Thug Life”: Here is a peek into his impressive career in films.
Mani Ratnam, whose real name is Gopalaratnam Subramaniam, is one of India’s most respected directors. He was norn on 02 June 1956 in Madurai. He has won seven National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, six Filmfare South Awards and the Padmashri Award from the Government of India. He made his directorial debut in the Kannada […]
Exploring the Enigma Called Illaiyaraja – Episode 10
Illaiyaraja’s first release for 1981 – Meendum Kokila – had an interesting history. It was to have been directed by Mahendran and was meant to mark the Tamil debut of actress Rekha, daughter of Gemini Ganesan. Mahendran and Rekha both dropped the project and Kamalhaasan then approached G.N. Rangarajan to direct the film, where the […]
R Madhavan’s film career is an inspiration to all – A look at the highlights of his career on his 55th birthday.
R. Madhavan was born on 1 June 1970 in North East India where he grew up and completed his education. He won a scholarship as a cultural ambassador to India in Canada where he stayed for a year before returning to India He began his acting career playing various roles in Hindi TV serials, including […]
K.S. Ravikumar turns 67 as he celebrates 35 years as a film director.
After apprenticing under various directors like Bharathiraja, Vikraman and K. Rangaraj, K.S. Ravikumar worked as co-director to Vikraman in the film Pudhu Vassantham produced by RB Choudary (father of actor Jiiva). Choudary noticed Ravikumar’s speed and attention to detail and signed him on to direct his next venture. Titled Puriyaadha Pudhir, this film marked K.S. […]
Exploring the Enigma called Illaiyaraja – Episode 9
As indicated in Episode 8, by the middle of 1980, Illaiyaraja had become a household name and a much sought after music composer. Even those who had gleefully predicted a short career for him had to accept that he was now a major role-player. For the first time, listeners were taking careful note of the […]
Versatile actor Rajesh (75) passes away
Actor Rajesh, the charismatic and versatile actor of more than 150 films, has passed away at the age of 75. He is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak. Rajesh was born on 20 December 1949 and began his working life as a school teacher. He made his debut to films through K. Balachander’s […]
Remembering “Aachi” Manorama on her 88th Birth Anniversary
If ever one needed a female role model that was strong, decisive, successful and one capable of overcoming seemingly impossible odds, the first choice would probably be Jayalalitha. Second place would go to Manorama – an actress who constantly reinvented herself to eventually complete 1000 film and 5000 stage plays. Manorama’s real name was Gopishantha. […]
Veteran Comedian, Goundamani, turns 86 today
Subramaniyan Karrupaiya is better known by his screen name, Goundamani. His reputation for quick-witted repartees earned him the name “Counter” Mani, which eventually became Goundamani. Born on 25 May 1939, he turns 86 today. Goundamani’s first screen appearance was in an uncredited role in Krishnan-Panju’s Nagesh 1964 starrer Server Sundaram. He also had uncredited roles […]