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 […]
“Puthiya Vaarpugal” (1979) Film Review
Those who have been reading the series of articles on Illaiyaraja on Sigaram – Exploring the Enigma called Illaiyaraja – would be aware that Bharathiraja’s 1979 film, Puthiya Vaarpugal is still regarded as a landmark film. It marked Bharathiraja’s fifth film and his fourth Tamil film. It also marked his debut as a producer with […]
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 […]
Sri Divya turns 32 today.
Actress Sri Divya was born on 01 April 1993 to Telugu-speaking parents in present day Telangana. Although her first Tamil signing was Nagarpuram, delays to that film meant that her first released Tamil film was Ponram’s Varuthapadatha Vaalibar Sangam opposite Sivakarthikeyan. A year later she starred opposite Vishnu Vishal in Suseenthiran’s Jeeva and opposite Vikram […]
Karthi turns 48 today
Karthi is the son of veteran actor Sivakumar and the younger brother of actor Suriya. After graduating as an engineer in Chennai, Karthi found employment locally but was not satisfied, and then accepted a scholarship for higher studies at Binghamton University in New York. On returning to India, Karthi began his film career as an […]
“Nesipaya” Film Review
I have, for many years, refused to read any film review until after I have seen the film. All too often, the review has many spoilers, or it creates a false impression even before one sees the first frame. Unfortunately, I knew from social media interaction that Nesipaya was slated by critics and that it […]
Exploring the Enigma Called Illaiyaraja – Episode 8
With all the access to information about music composers and the music industry in general audiences currently have, it is easy to forget the contributions and achievements of yesteryear music composers. Illaiyaraja falls into this category. In his four years as a music composer, he introduced three new lyricist in Vairamuthu, M.G. Vallaban and his […]
TOP 20 Tamil Songs for Week Ending 23 May 2025
This Week Title Film/Album Singer/s Lyric Music Last Week 1 Idhayaa Idhayam Murali Thaman S & Vishal Mishra Vivek Thaman S 5 2 Dillubaru Aaja Diesel Silambarasan, TR & Shweta Mohan with Krishang, Rithan & Nasreen Rokesh & GKB Dhibu NInan Thomas 1 3 Uyir Pathikaama Vaa Vaathiyaar Vijaynarain, Adita Ravindran & Santhosh Narayanan Vivek […]
Abbas turns 50 today.
Mirza Abbas Ali – known to Tamil audiences simply as Abbas – was born on 21 May 1979 to a Tamil-speaking Muslim family in Kolkata. After numerous modelling assignments, he audtioned for the role in Kathir’s lavish venture, Kaadhal Dhesam where his co-stars were Vineeth and Tabu. The film was a huge success. His second […]