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Thengai Srinivasan

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Thengai Srinivasan Mudaliar
Born
Srinivasan Mudaliar

(1937-10-21)21 October 1937
Tamil Nadu, Srivaikuntam in Tuticorin District, India
Died9 November 1987(1987-11-09) (aged 50)
Karnataka, India
Occupation(s)Actor, Comedian
Years active1965–1987
SpouseLakshmi (till his death)
Children3
RelativesYogi (grandson)
Shrutika (granddaughter)

Thengai Srinivasan Mudaliar (21 October 1937 – 9 November 1987) was an Indian actor who appeared in Tamil-language films and plays from the 1960s to the 1980s. He was given the prefix Thengai (coconut) after his role as a coconut-seller in the play Kal Manam. Although originally a comedian, he also performed in other genres and enacted several lead and antagonistic roles.[1]

Early life

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Srinivasan Mudaliar was born to Rajavel Mudaliar (Chennai) and Subammal (Srivaikuntam in Tuticorin district) on 21 October 1937.[1][2] He had two sisters. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Chennai. Srinivasan's father was an artist who staged several plays and it was his influence which stimulated Srinivasan's interest in an acting career.[1][3]

After school, Srinivasan joined the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and later started his theatrical career in the Railway Dramatic Club.[3][2] Srinivasan's first stage appearance was in his father's drama Galatta Kalyanam.[1] Srinivasan was also part of the troupe of K. Kannan and portrayed a coconut vendor in one of his plays Kal Manam. Comedian K. A. Thangavelu upon watching the play, announced he should be called Thengai (coconut) Srinivasan thereafter.[3][4][5]

Career

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Srinivasan's first feature film was the mystery thriller Oru Viral in 1965.[6] The film, which saw him playing a detective, was a financial success.[6] Srinivasan was, however, supposed to make his feature film debut in Iravum Pagalum (1965) that marked the acting debut of Jaishankar, but was dropped after distributors raised concerns about two newcomers being featured in the lead roles. He and Jaishankar nonetheless would become close friends later and Srinivasan was featured in almost 80 per cent of Jaishankar's early films.[2]

For the most part, Srinivasan enacted the role of a comedian or a sidekick. Notable roles in his subsequent career include that of a fake Swami and that of an idealistic industrialist in the cult comedy films Kasethan Kadavulada and Thillu Mullu, respectively.[2][3] In 2013, Forbes India included his performance in Thillu Mullu, along with that of Rajinikanth in the same film, in its list of the "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema".[7] Srinivasan also played antagonistic roles; one of which was that of a blackmailing photographer in S. P. Muthuraman's Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu.[2]

He played the lead in Vaali's play Sri Krishna Vijayam, which was later made into a feature film named Kaliyuga Kannan. The makers originally intended to cast Sivaji Ganesan in the role, but Ganesan, being impressed by Srinivasan's performance in the play, suggested that Srinivasan should be retained for the film version. Kaliyuga Kannan went on to become a high commercial success and is considered one of Srinivasan's most notable films.[2] Other films featuring Srinivasan in the lead role were Nandri Karangal, Sri Ramajayam, Porter Ponnusami and Adukku Malli, which was a box office success.[8] In 1987, Srinivasan produced the film Krishnan Vandhaan with Sivaji Ganesan in the lead. The film did not fare well and got him into deep financial trouble.[2]

Death

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When Srinivasan went to Bangalore, Karnataka to attend the rituals following his aunt's death, he suffered a brain haemorrhage.[2] Despite intensive treatment, he died on 9 November 1987.[1][9] His body was brought to his house at Ramasamy Street in Gopalapuram, Chennai. His death was marked by tributes from film fans and industry insiders alike.[1][2]

Personal life

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Srinivasan was married to Lakshmi. The couple have two daughters – Geethalakshmi and Rajeshwari – and a son, Shivshankar.[2] Geethalakshmi's son Yogi has acted in films such as Azhagiya Asura (2006) and Sivi (2007),[10] and Shivshankar's daughter Shrutika also appeared in a few Tamil films during the 2000s.[11] Shivshankar's son Adithya Shivpink is also an actor, having starred in films featuring Rajinikanth since 2018.[12][13]

Filmography

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This is a partial filmography.

1960s

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Year Film Role Notes
1965 Oru Viral CID officer [1]
1966 Vallavan Oruvan
1967 Kadhalithal Podhuma
Raja Veetu Pillai Singaram
Sabash Thambi
Ethirigal Jakkirathai
1968 Ethir Neechal
Muthu Chippi
Oli Vilakku
Moondrezhuthu
Kannan En Kadhalan
1969 Naangu Killadigal
Nirai Kudam
Akka Thangai
Kanne Pappa
Kuzhandai Ullam
Sivandha Mann
Aindhu Laksham
Nam Naadu Kuppuswamy

1970s

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Year Film Role Notes
1970 Maanavan Mayandi
En Annan
Paadhukaappu
Engal Thangam
Namma Veetu Deivam
Penn Deivam
Engirundho Vandhaal
Enga Mama
Anadhai Anandhan
CID Shankar
1971 Meendum Vazhven
Rickshawkaran
Annai Velankanni
Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa Dr. Swaminathan
Sumathi En Sundari
Justice Viswanathan
Then Kinnam
Neerum Neruppum
Arunodhayam
1972 Kasethan Kadavulada Appaswamy [3]
Naan Yen Pirandhen
Velli Vizha
Mappillai Azhaippu
Jakkamma
Karunthel Kannayiram
Pillaiyo Pillai
Kadhalikka Vanga
Nalla Neram
Pillaiyo Pillai
Dheivam
1973 Baghdad Perazhagi
Vakkuruthi
Pattikaattu Ponnaiya
Alaigal
Komatha En Kulamatha
Kasi Yathirai
Thedi Vandha Lakshmi
Ulagam Sutrum Valiban
Maru Piravi
Deivakulanthaigal
School Master
Pookkari
Kattila Thottila
Ponvandu
Amman Arul
Manipayal
1974 Kaliyuga Kannan Sambu Iyer [14]
Kai Niraya Kaasu
Prayaschitham
Athaiya Mamiya
Thaai Piranthal
Roshakari
Doctoramma
Naan Avanillai
Engamma Sapatham
Panathukkaga
Vairam
Sirithu Vazha Vendum
Netru Indru Naalai
Ungal Viruppam
Avalum Penn Thaane
Ippadiyum Oru Penn
1975 Pallandu Vazhga
Idhayakkani
Pattikkaattu Raja 'Meyvakku' Meganathan
Ninaithadhai Mudippavan
Thangathile Vairam
Thiruvarul
Enga Pattan Sothu
Andharangam
Uravukku Kai Koduppom
Karotti Kannan
Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu
Aayirathil Oruthi Kabalishwaran
1976 Annakili
Lalitha
Mayor Meenakshi
Akka
Uzhaikkum Karangal
Dasavatharam
Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu
Kumara Vijayam
Nee Oru Maharani
Kaalangalil Aval Vasantham
Muthana Muthallavo
Mayor Meenakshi
Bhadrakali
Needhikku Thalaivanangu
1977 Aattukara Alamelu
Aasai Manaivi
Uyarndhavargal
Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga
Meenava Nanban
Chakravarthy
Murugan Adimai
Avar Enakke Sontham
Navarathinam
Aadu Puli Attam
Palabishegham
1978 Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan
Vaazha Ninaiththaal Vaazhalaam
Shri Kanchi Kamakshi Devotee
Thyagam
General Chakravarthi
Varuvan Vadivelan
Oru Nadigai Natakam Parkiral
Vaazhkai Alaigal
Andaman Kadhali
Sadhurangam
Ullathil Kuzhanthaiyadi
Rudhra Thaandavam
Thanga Rangan
Vattathukkul Chaduram
Pilot Premnath
Sakka Podu Podu Raja
Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye
Justice Gopinath Bhadrachalam [15]
Sonnadhu Nee Thanaa
Priya
Kaatrinile Varum Geetham
1979 Annai Oru Aalayam
Dharma Yuddham Robert [16]
Anbae Sangeetha
Thaayillamal Naan Illai
Kavari Maan Vasu
Kalyanaraman Kittu
Porter Ponnusami
Thirisoolam
Nallathoru Kudumbam
Naan Vazhavaippen
Pattakkathi Bhairavan
Imayam
Vetrikku Oruvan
Gnana Kuzhandhai
Sri Ramajayam
Aarilirindhu Aruvathu Varai
Neela Malargal Kathavarayan Pillai

1980s

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Year Film Role Notes
1980 Billa J.J [17]
1980 Anbukku Naan Adimai
1980 Soolam
1980 Rishi Moolam
1980 Ratha Paasam
1980 Vishwaroopam
1980 Dharma Raja
1980 Jamboo
1980 Yamanukku Yaman Chitragupta [18]
1980 Devi Dharisanam
1980 Avan Aval Adhu
1980 Maria My Darling
1980 Varumayin Niram Sivappu Rangan
1981 Thee
1981 Meendum Kokila Nattuvanar
1981 Ram Lakshman
1981 Ellam Inba Mayyam
1981 Bala Nagamma
1981 Savaal
1981 Kadal Meengal
1981 Garjanai
1981 Kalthoon
1981 Kazhugu
1981 Thillu Mullu Sri Ramachandramurthy [19]
1981 Tik Tik Tik Lakshmi Narayanan [20]
1981 Ellam Inba Mayyam
1982 Auto Raja
1982 Azhagiya Kanne
1982 Ranga
1982 Kanne Radha
1982 Oorukku Oru Pillai
1982 Puthukavithai
1982 Nandri, Meendum Varuga
1982 Adhisayappiravigal
1982 Oorum Uravum
1982 Vasandhathil Or Naal
1982 Mul Illatha Roja
1982 Paritchaikku Neramaachu
1982 Thaai Mookaambikai
1982 Sakalakala Vallavan Sundaram
1982 Rani Theni Thulasilingum
1982 Nenjangal
1982 Moondru Mugam Ramanathan [21]
1983 Saranalayam
1983 Thai Veedu
1983 Miruthanga Chakravarthi
1983 Indru Nee Nalai Naan
1983 Sivappu Sooriyan
1983 Apoorva Sahodarigal
1983 Thanga Magan
1984 Nooravathu Naal
1984 Nalla Naal
1984 Thiruppam
1984 Komberi Mookan
1984 Chiranjeevi
1984 Alaya Deepam
1984 Vaazhkai
1984 Kai Kodukkum Kai
1984 Osai
1984 Neengal Kettavai
1984 Ezhuthatha Sattangal
1984 Ninaivugal
1984 Kuva Kuva Vaathugal
1984 Sarithira Nayagan
1985 Chain Jayapal
1985 Kaakki Sattai
1985 Arthamulla Aasaigal
1985 Udaya Geetham
1985 Deivapiravi
1985 Aduthathu Albert
1985 Thendrale Ennai Thodu
1985 Andha Oru Nimidam
1985 Unnai Thedi Varuven
1985 Anthasthu
1985 Sri Raghavendrar
1985 Padikkadavan
1985 Pillai Nila
1985 Chain Jayapal
1986 Yaaro Ezhuthiya Kavithai
1986 Naan Adimai Illai
1986 Viduthalai
1986 Mandhira Punnagai
1986 Oomai Vizhigal
1986 Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal
1986 Kulirkaala Megangal
1986 Kodai Mazhai
1986 Anandha Kanneer
1986 Dharma Devathai
1986 Maaveeran Drama head Guest Appearance
1987 Paruva Ragam
1987 Rettai Vaal Kuruvi
1987 Muthukkal Moondru
1987 Krishnan Vandhaan

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Majordasan. "Potpourri of titbits about Tamil cinema – Thengai Srinivasan". Kalyanamalai. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Raman, Mohan V. (20 October 2012). "He walked tall in tinsel town". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d e Guy, Randor (20 June 2015). "Blast From The Past: Kaasethan Kadavulada (1972)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 November 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  4. ^ Ganesan-Ram, Sharmila (30 August 2009). "Angry, Crazy, Gemini and Cho". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 1 April 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  5. ^ "தேங்காய்க்கு பிடித்தது அப்பளம்!". Kalki (in Tamil). 21 June 1981. pp. 19–20. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  6. ^ a b Guy, Randor (15 September 2012). "Oru Viral 1965". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  7. ^ "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema". Forbes India. 27 April 2013. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  8. ^ Pillai, Sreedhar (7 September 2010). "Piranha bares its fangs". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 May 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  9. ^ "'Thengai' Srinivasan dead". The Indian Express. PTI. 10 November 1987. p. 9.
  10. ^ "Eerie thrills". The Hindu. 20 September 2007. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  11. ^ "Sruthika". Sify. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  12. ^ Jagannathan, Sahithya (15 September 2018). "No filter: With no star backing, actor Adithya has arrived". DT Next. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  13. ^ Adithya Shivpink [@Shivpink] (3 September 2019). "Yes , it's on the birth certificate as my surname... a combination of my dad (shivashanker) and mom (pinky) 😁" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  14. ^ Krishnamachari, Suganthy (12 June 2009). "Livewire of the stage". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  15. ^ Ramachandran 2014, pp. 86–87.
  16. ^ Ramachandran 2014, p. 95.
  17. ^ "When Rajni was Billa". Rediff.com. 7 December 2007. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  18. ^ Piousji (17 June 1979). "Khaas Baat". Sunday. Vol. 17. p. 51.
  19. ^ Ramachandran 2014, p. 106.
  20. ^ Howarth, Troy (31 May 2019). So Deadly, So Perverse: Giallo-Style Films From Around the World, Vol. 3. Midnight Marquee & BearManor Media. pp. 199–200.
  21. ^ Devnath, DPK (23 September 2018). "ரஜினி டூ சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் – மூன்று முகம் – திரை விமர்சனம்". Ezhuthaani. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.

Bibliography

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