Raghuvaran
Raghuvaran | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Raghuvaran Velayuthan Nair 11 December 1958 |
| Died | 19 March 2008 (aged 49) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1982-2008 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Rishi Varan (b.2000) |
| Parent(s) | Velayudhan Nair Kasthuri |
Raghuvaran Velayuthan Nair (11 December 1958 – 19 March 2008) was an Indian actor who predominantly acted in films made in South India. He has acted in more than 200 Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. According to the Hindustan Times, "The actor had carved a niche for himself with his special style and voice modulation."[1]
He played the protagonist of a Tamil soap opera, Oru Manithanin Kathai, about a well-to-do man who becomes an alcoholic. He received critical acclaim for his role as Father Alphonso in the Malayalam movie Daivathinte Vikruthikal, directed by Lenin Rajendran and based on M. Mukundan's novel of the same name.
Raghuvaran's six-song music album, composed and sung by him, were officially released by actor Rajinikanth and the album was received by actress Rohini and Raghuvaran's son Rishi Varan.[2]
Personal life
He was born as the eldest among four children in 1958[1] at Kollengode in Palakkad district in Kerala. He was the grandson of Mr. N. Radhakrishnan Nair and son of Chunkamannathu N. R. Velayudhan Nair and Kasthuri Chakkungal.[3] When his father moved his hotel business from Mathur to Coimbatore, the family shifted to Coimbatore. He had his primary education from Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore. He also learned piano from Trinity College London.[3]
He discontinued his Bachelor of Arts in history from Coimbatore (Government Arts College) to pursue a career in acting.[4] He landed a minor role in the Kannada film Swapna Thingalgal. He began acting in minor roles in Telugu and Kannada films.
From 1979 to 1983, he was part of an acting drama troupe in Chennai, Chennai Kings, which also included the Tamil actor, Nassar. He was spotted and cast as the lead actor in Ezhavathu Manithan, which was his biggest role to date.
He married Rohini in 1996 and their son Rishi Varan was born in 2000. The couple later separated and divorced in 2004.[1]
Career
Following his beginnings on the stage, and a diploma in acting from M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute in Chennai, Raghuvaran approached many Kollywood studios aiming for performance oriented roles and finally got selected as hero. The offbeat film named Ezhavathu Manithan (Seventh Man),[5] directed by Hariharan won many awards, but not many offers for him. A few more films followed with him as hero, like Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu and Nee Thodumbothu released, but did not become successes. The villain role in Silk Silk Silk was noticed and the film's success opened the gate of offers for him. The villain act continued in films like Kutravaaligal, Mr. Bharath, Poovizhi Vasalile, Manthira Punnagai and Oorkavalan. He appeared as hero as well as supporting actor in between releases as well. The major ones are Mudivalla Arambam and Samsaram Adhu Minsaram.
In a leading role
In the mid 1980s, Raghuvaran did many films as hero and most of them did good business as well. The films Michael Raj, Megam Karuththirukku, Koottu Puzhukkal and Kavithai Paada Neramillai helped to stabilize his career. The lawyer in Kaliyugam, the police officer in Thaimel Aanai, the rowdy with a golden heart in Kai Naattu, the honest Medical student turned Goonda in Kuttravali and the common man in En Vazhi Thani Vazhi helped Raghuvaran's market value as hero to reach greater heights. But his desire to try all types of roles, like supporting actor as well as villain simultaneously halted the progress as hero, even though he played hero roles in Vyooham, Kavacham and Anjali later. His supporting roles in Annanagar Mudhal Theru and Siva were well received too.[6]
Experimentation
Raghuvaran was pitted against Dilip Kumar in his Bollywood debut Izzatdaar and his popularity further soared at the national level with Ram Gopal Varma's gangster flick Shiva, where he played the dreaded gangster Bhawani. Other Bollywood films include Rakshak opposite Sunil Shetty (1996), Lal Baadshah opposite Amitabh Bachchan (1999), Hitler opposite Mithun Chakraborty (1998) and Grahan along with Jackie Shroff, where he replaced a busy Nana Patekar in 2001.
In a career span lasting for more than 26 years, Raghuvaran performed each role with his trademark mannerisms, often stealing the thunder from more established stars and even heroes. His magnetic baritone voice was an advantage and he modulated it to suit his variety of roles. He also set his own style of mannerisms and brought a distinct dialogue delivery and even changed his gait in many films. All this dedication won him more fans and helped his popularity soar ever higher.
He has received several state and Filmfare Awards for his performances in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. He began his career as a supporting actor in a number of films in Tamil including Mani Rathnam's Anjali as the father of an autistic child. He later played villains in Baasha as Mark Anthony, Mudhalvan as Aranganathan (corrupt Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu), Shiva and Muthu as Ilaimaran. He later returned to supporting roles – sometimes as a father or as a mentor in films such as Alai, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Thirumalai and Bala.[7]
Death
Raghuvaran died on 19 March 2008.[1] The cause of death was due to organ failure because of excessive alcohol consumption.[8] His death occurred during the filming stages of several films, including Kanthaswamy (2009), wherein Raghuvaran's portions were reshot with Ashish Vidyarthi, which resulted in the film's delayed release. His posthumous film, Aatadista, released shortly after his death.
Filmography
Tamil films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Ezhavathu Manithan | Anand | |
| Marumagale Vazhga | Dr. Saravanan | ||
| 1983 | Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu | ||
| Vasanthame Varuga | Suriyanarayanan | ||
| Silk Silk Silk | Ashok Kumar | ||
| 1984 | Nee Thodumbothu | ||
| Mudivalla Arambam | |||
| 1985 | Kutravaaligal | ||
| Engirunthalum Vazhga | |||
| 1986 | Mr. Bharath | Michael | |
| Samsaram Adhu Minsaram | Chidamabaram | ||
| Meendum Pallavi | |||
| Manthira Punnagai | Daniel Miranda | ||
| 1987 | Poovizhi Vasalile | Anand | |
| Makkal En Pakkam | Ramesh | ||
| Michael Raj | |||
| Megam Karuththirukku | |||
| Koottu Puzhukkal | Surya | ||
| Kavithai Paada Neramillai | |||
| Oorkavalan | Rajadurai | ||
| Manithan | Kumaravelu | ||
| Ivargal Varungala Thoongal | Raja | ||
| Arul Tharum Ayyappan | |||
| 1988 | En Bommukutty Ammavukku | Alex | |
| Kaliyugam | |||
| Thaimel Aanai | Vinod | ||
| Kai Naattu | |||
| Kuttravali | |||
| Koil Mani Osai | |||
| Irandil Ondru | |||
| En Vazhi Thani Vazhi | Advocate Raja | ||
| Annanagar Mudhal Theru | Janardhanan | ||
| 1989 | Siva | John | |
| Rettai Kuzhal Thuppaki | |||
| Raja Chinna Roja | Bhaskar | ||
| Idhu Unga Kudumbam | |||
| 1990 | Puriyaadha Pudhir | Chakravarthi | |
| Anjali | Shekar | ||
| Thiyagu | Thiyagu | ||
| Pagalil Pournami | Hindu saint | ||
| 1991 | Pudhiya Raagam | Raghuraman | |
| 1992 | Uyarnthavan | ||
| 1993 | Konjum Kili | ||
| Dhool Parakuthu | |||
| 1994 | Paasamalargal | ||
| Kadhalan | Mallikarjuna | ||
| Veera Padhakkam | Vadivelu | ||
| 1995 | Baashha | Mark Antony | |
| Manathile Oru Paattu | James | Cameo appearance | |
| Witness | Ramesh | ||
| Kolangal | Bairavan | ||
| Muthu | Rajasekhar | ||
| Maa Manithan | Sigamani | ||
| Thotta Chinungi | Gopal | ||
| 1996 | Selva | Varatharajan | |
| Take It Easy Urvashi | Jaya | ||
| 1997 | Arunachalam | Vishwanath | |
| Love Today | Chandrasekar | ||
| Ullaasam | G. K. | ||
| Abhimanyu | Maasilamani | ||
| Nerukku Ner | Raghu | ||
| Aahaa..! | Raghuraman | ||
| Ratchagan | Gnaneswar | ||
| 1998 | Thulli Thirintha Kaalam | Chidambaram | |
| Iniyavale | Ramanathan | ||
| Poonthottam | Panneerselvam | ||
| Nilaave Vaa | Siva | ||
| 1999 | Suriya Paarvai | Jayanth | |
| En Swasa Kaatre | Pandian | ||
| Endrendrum Kadhal | Shekar | ||
| Oruvan | Krishna Prasad | ||
| Amarkalam | Tulasi Das | ||
| Pooparika Varugirom | Ranganathan | ||
| Mudhalvan | Aranganathan | ||
| Iraniyan | Aande | ||
| 2000 | Kannukkul Nilavu | Dr. Rajasekhar | |
| Good Luck | Chandra Mohan | ||
| Sudhandhiram | Raghu | ||
| Mugavaree | Shiva | ||
| Vallarasu | DGP Jaganathan | ||
| Kandukondain Kandukondain | Sowmya's Boss | ||
| Parthen Rasithen | Panneer | ||
| Uyirile Kalanthathu | Raghuraman | ||
| 2001 | Dosth | Raghu | |
| Narasimha | Raana | ||
| Star | Dhanushkodi | ||
| Majunu | Gajapathy | ||
| 2002 | Red | Sethupathy | |
| Dhaya | Major Rudhraiya | ||
| Roja Kootam | Ilango's father | ||
| Run | Shiva's brother-in-law | ||
| University | Tamilselvan | ||
| I Love You Da | Rajkishore | ||
| Bala | Jeyamani | ||
| Kadhal Virus | Kavitha's father | ||
| 2003 | Alaudin | Gangadhar | |
| Alai | Aathi's father | ||
| Anjaneya | Venketeswaran | ||
| Thirumalai | Artist | ||
| Anbe Un Vasam | V. Rathinavel Pandian | ||
| Kaiyodu Kai | Manickavasagam | ||
| 2004 | Jana | Jana's father | |
| Arasatchi | Ashok Mehta | ||
| Jananam | Udhaya Moorthy | ||
| 2005 | Sachein | Gowtham | |
| 2006 | Sivappathigaram | Elango | |
| 2007 | Deepavali | Dr. Devasaghayam | Cameo appearance |
| Nalladhor Veenai | |||
| Sivaji | Chezhian | ||
| Marudhamalai | Suryanarayanan | ||
| 2008 | Bheema | Periyavar | |
| Ashoka | |||
| Thodakkam | Vanchinathan | ||
| Sila Nerangalil | Krishnan | ||
| Yaaradi Nee Mohini | Vasu's father | Posthumous film | |
| Ellam Avan Seyal | Jagadeeswaran | Posthumous film | |
| 2009 | Adada Enna Azhagu | Himself | Posthumous film; cameo appearance |
| 2012 | Ullam | Posthumous film; delayed release |
Telugu films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Pasivadi Pranam | Venu | |
| Nyayaniki Sankellu | Dhanraj | ||
| Jebu Donga[9] | Teja | ||
| 1988 | Kanchana Seeta | ||
| Nyayaniki Siksha | Prajapathi Rao | ||
| 1989 | Rudranetra | Black Cobra | |
| Lankeshwarudu | |||
| Shiva | Bhavani | ||
| 1991 | Chaitanya | Raana | |
| 1992 | Lathi | Avinash | |
| Prema Drohi | Drohi | ||
| Asadhyulu | Dr. Pratap | ||
| 1995 | Mounam | Mr. X | |
| 1996 | Anaganaga Oka Roju | Raghu | |
| 1998 | Aahaa..! | Raghuram | |
| Suswagatham | Dr. Chandra Shekar | ||
| 1999 | Anaganaga Oka Ammai | Bhavani Prasad | |
| 2000 | Pelli Sambandham | ||
| Azad | Deva | ||
| 2002 | Seema Simham | Visweswara Rao | |
| Bobby | K. R. | ||
| 2003 | Naaga | Naaga's father | |
| Johnny | Ravishankar Damle | ||
| 2004 | Naani | Scientist | |
| Mass | Satya | ||
| 2006 | Valliddari Vayasu Padahare | Shekhar | |
| 2007 | Evadaithe Nakenti | Bal Gangadhar | |
| 2008 | Aatadista | Raghunath | Posthumous film |
| Pellikani Prasad | Posthumous film | ||
| 2009 | Bank | Raghuvaran | Posthumous film |
Malayalam films
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Kakka | |
| 1983 | Rugma | |
| 1989 | Dhanushkodi | |
| 1990 | Vyooham | Tony Leous |
| 1991 | Daivathinte Vikrithikal | Alphonso |
| Kizhakkan Pathrose | Anthony | |
| 1992 | Kavacham | Ravi |
| Soorya Manasam | Shivan | |
| 1993 | Addeham Enna Iddeham | Perera |
| 1995 | Peter Scott | Leo Fernandes |
| Maanthrikam | Abdul Rahiman |
Kannada films
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Circle Inspector | |
| 1997 | Kalavida | |
| 1998 | Jai Hind | |
| Government | ||
| Sorry | ||
| 1999 | Prathyartha | Rakesh |
| 2001 | Asura | Tulasi |
| 2004 | Durgi | Jaydev |
Hindi films
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Izzatdaar | Indrajeet Sabharwal |
| Shiva | Bhavani | |
| 1996 | Rakshak | Raghu |
| 1998 | Hitler | Ankush Raj |
| 1999 | Lal Baadshah | Vikram Singh |
| 2001 | Grahan | Raghu Sinha |
Singer
| Year | Film | Song | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Thodakkam | "Edhuthan Mudiyadhu" |
Awards
- Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain for Mudhalvan (1999)
References
- ^ a b c d "Actor Raghuvaran passes away- Hindustan Times". Archived from the original on 12 December 2008.
- ^ "Did you know Raghuvaran was a musician? Rajinikanth launches late actor's music album". The News Minute. 3 February 2018. Archived from the original on 30 January 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^ a b "CINIDIARY - A Complete Online Malayalam Cinema News Portal". cinidiary.com. Archived from the original on 26 May 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
- ^ "- YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 9 May 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
- ^ "Gulf Times article". Archived from the original on 24 March 2008.
- ^ "Raghuvaran: a classy villain". 30 March 2008. Archived from the original on 15 March 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
- ^ "Farewell, Raghuvaran!". 24 March 2008. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
- ^ "Tamil Cinema News | Tamil Movie Reviews | Tamil Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Tamil". Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ^ "Jebu Donga (1987)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
External links
- Raghuvaran at IMDb
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
- 1958 births
- 2008 deaths
- Male actors from Palakkad
- Male actors in Kannada cinema
- Indian male film actors
- Male actors in Malayalam cinema
- Male actors in Tamil cinema
- M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute alumni
- People from Palakkad district
- Alumni of Trinity College of Music
- Male actors in Telugu cinema
- 21st-century Indian male actors
- 20th-century Indian male actors
- Male actors in Hindi cinema