K. Bhagyaraj
K. Bhagyaraj | |
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![]() K. Bhagyaraj in April 2014 | |
Born | Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj 7 January 1953 |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1977–present |
Spouses | |
Children | 2 |
Parents |
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Relatives | Keerthi Shanthanu(daughter-in-law) |
Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj(born 7 January 1953) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, actor, composer, film producer and politician active mainly inTamilfilms. He has also written and directedHindifilms and TV serials. As an actor, he has worked in more than 75 films and has directed more than 25 films. He won aFilmfare Best Actor AwardforMundhanai Mudichu(1983). He receivedLifetime Achievement AwardinSIIMA(2014).[3]He is the editor of weekly magazineBhagyaand has also written several novels.
Personal life
[edit]Bhagyaraj was born inVellankoilnearGobichettipalayaminErode districtin aTeluguspeaking family in Tamil Nadu.[4]His parents were Krishnaswamy and Amaravathiamma. He married twice. His first marriage was with actress Praveena, in 1981. She died due to an aggravated case of jaundice in August 1983. His second marriage was with actressPoornima Jayaram,who was his co-star inDarling, Darling, Darling(1982),[5]on 7 February 1984. The couple has a daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj[6](who starred inParijatham(2006)[7]andPhotographer(2006)[8]) and a sonShanthnu Bhagyaraj.[9]
Film career
[edit]Early years (1977–1979)
[edit]Beginning his career as an assistant to directors G. Ramakrishnan andBharathiraja,Bhagyaraj became recognised for his scriptwriting talent.[10]He first appeared as a junior artist playing small supporting roles with screen-space of not more than three minutes in films such as16 Vayathinile(1977) and later appeared similarly inSigappu Rojakkal(1978). He was assistant director to Bharathiraja in two films –16 VayathinileandKizhakke Pogum Rail.Among his early work was writing the script for Bharathiraja's filmsKizhake Pogum Rail(1978) andTik Tik Tik(1981), and writing dialogues forSigappu Rojakkal.He made his directorial début withSuvarilladha Chiththirangalin 1979 and also his debut as the leading man inPuthiya Vaarpugal,directed by Bharathiraja. He received theTamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Dialogue WriterinPuthiya Vaarpugal(1979). He wrote dialogues and screenplay and acted inKanni Paruvathile(1979).
Rise to stardom (1980–1999)
[edit]He quickly established his own concern and started producing a string of distinctive films made mainly in the Tamil language. Bhagyaraj often cast himself in the lead roles of the films he scripted and directed, effectively carving out a niche for himself in the actor-auteur vein. His style of filmmaking is notable for its relatively elaborate, witty, and double entendre-laced script and socially-themed framework. His on-screen personae are typically characterised by their ironic sense of humour and intelligent bravado.[11]
He introduced actressUrvashiin the Tamil filmMundhanai Mudichu(1983) andKalpana(sister of Urvashi) made her debut with the 1985 filmChinna Veedu,directed by Bhagyaraj, a commercially successful film. He received theFilmfare Award for Best Actor – TamilinMundhanai Mudichu.He became nationally famous when he wrote the script forMundhanai Mudichuremade in Hindi asMasterjiwithRajesh Khannain the lead role, which was huge success at the box office.
He rarely acted in films not directed or written by him, with exceptions beingAnbulla Rajinikanth(1984) andNaan Sigappu Manithan(1985). He decided to direct the Hindi remake of Bharatiraja's 1984 directorial ventureOru Kaidhiyin Diarywith Rajesh Khanna in the lead in 1985, but later Khanna due to his date issues had to opt out and Bhagyaraj castAmitabh Bachchanin the Hindi remakeAakhree Raasta(1986). Bhagayraj decided to remake the classic old Kannada filmMallammana Pavada,starringRajkumarandB Saroja Deviinto a new Tamil filmEnga Chinna Rasain 1987, which became a huge blockbuster. In 1988, he wrote the script forIdhu Namma Aaluand decided to produce it, but chose not to direct it by himself, as he wanted to act-write-direct a film on a serious issue, which wasAararo Aaariraro.He received the Best Film Award forIdhu Namma Aaluin 1990, directed by Balakumar, whereas the other filmAararo Aaariraroalso was both critically acclaimed and successful at box office.
From 1991, he gradually started accepting more acting offers as a lead hero, where director-producer-scriptwriter would be three different people, rather than he himself writing-directing-acting in his films.Rudhra,Amma Vanthachu,GnanapazhamandSuyamvaramwere such successful films where he was involved only in the capacity of actor. He also started the weekly magazine "Bhagya" and he is the editor of that magazine. His successful directorial ventures written by him from 1991 on werePavunnu Pavunuthan,Sundara Kandam,RaasukuttiandVeetla Visheshanga.He cast his sonShanthanu Bhagyarajas the child artist inVaettiya Madichu Kattuin 1998 and the film dealt with the father-son relationship, this proved to be both a critical and financial disappointment capping an end to a string of continuous flops includingOru Oorla oru Rajakumari,GnanapazhamandMr. Bechara(1996).
His successful Tamil films written by him continued to be in demand for Hindi remakes in the 1990s and were huge hits in Hindi – withRaasukuttiremade asRaja Babu,Sundara Kandamremade asAndaz(1994) andAvasara Police 100remade intoGopi Kishan,which were successful. He also wrote the script for the Tamil filmThaikulame Thaikulame(1995), starringPandiarajan,whose actor-director was not himself in Hindi, remade asGharwali Baharwali.[12]
Last directions (2000–2010)
[edit]He took a break from acting as the lead hero in Tamil films after the release of the massive critical and commercial failureVaettiya Madichu Kattu.Instead, he directed the TV showsNeenga Nenaicha SaadhikkalangaandIdhu Oru Kadhayin Kadhai(for DD Podhigai), and appeared inApapadi Poduon Jaya TV in this period. His tele-serialRules Rangachariwas very famous on DD channel and it completed 390 episodes. He wrote and directed the 2003 filmChokka Thangam,starringVijayakanth.He launched his daughterSaranya BhagyarajwithParijatham,which he wrote and directed in 2006. He returned to acting withSomething Something... Unakkum EnakkumandRenduin a supporting role and withKasu Irukkanumas the lead hero in 2007. In 2010, he directed his adult sonShanthanu Bhagyarajin the romantic filmSiddhu +2.
Matured roles (2011–present)
[edit]At the end of the 2010s, he acted in supporting roles suchAppavi(2011) andVaagai Sooda Vaa(2011). He ventured into Malayalam film as supporting actor withMr. Marumakan(2012).
He was the leading judge for the showJunior Super Star(2016) andJunior Super Stars (season 2)(2017).[13][14]
He wrote books such asVaanga Cinemavai Pattri Pesalam,Neenga Nenaicha SaadikkalaamandUngal BhagyarajinKelvi Bhadhil(Five Parts).[15]
He appeared in action thriller films which went on to become commercial hits withKanithan(2016) andThupparivaalan(2017).[16][17]
In 2020, he later acted in the legal drama filmPonmagal Vandhal.[18]Bhagyaraj plays as grandfather withShanthanuin the adult comedy filmMurungakkai Chips.[19]In 2022, he starred inSuper Senior Heroes.[20]
Politics
[edit]MGR Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (MGR Popular Progressive Federation) was a political party in the Indian state ofTamil Nadulaunched by Bhagyaraj in February 1989. MGR MMK contested the 1991Keralaassembly elections. It had one candidate, who got 87 votes. The MGR MMK party failed in its initial stages.[21]Bhagyaraj later joinedAll India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.[22]
On April 5, 2006, Bhagyaraj joined the DMK in the presence of party president M Karunanidhi, and he criticised AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa.[23]Later, he left DMK and remained as a spectator in politics.[24]
Controversy
[edit]While speaking to the media at a press event for the filmKaruthukalai Pathivu Seiin 2019, Bhagyaraj remarked that women invite males to sexually assault them and provide them the room to do so. He went on to ask, why males are usually blamed for crimes while women encourage them, apparently in relation with the Pollachi rape case. His misogynistic remarks drew widespread condemnation and opposition from the public, and several women's organisations demanded that he be prosecuted for them.[25][26]The Tamil Nadu Commission for Women has summoned him to appear before it.[27]
Filmography
[edit]- Note: All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.
As director and screenwriter
[edit]This is a list of films that he directed and/or wrote. He also acted in many of his own directed films.
Year | Title | Credited as | Role | Notes | ||||
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Director | Producer | Writer | Actor | Music Director | ||||
1978 | Sigappu Rojakkal | ![]() |
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Waiter | Cameo appearance | |||
1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal | ![]() |
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Shanmugakani | Debut film as hero | |||
Kanni Paruvathile | ![]() |
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Cheenu | |||||
Suvarilladha Chiththirangal | ![]() |
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Alagappan | Debut film as director | |||
1980 | Bhama Rukmani | ![]() |
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Nandagopal | ||||
Oru Kai Oosai | ![]() |
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Ilamai Kolam | ![]() |
— | ||||||
1981 | Mouna Geethangal | ![]() |
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Kumar | |||
Indru Poi Naalai Vaa | ![]() |
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Pazhanisamy | ||||
Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru | ![]() |
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Raja | ||||
Andha 7 Naatkal | ![]() |
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Palakkad Madhavan | ||||
1982 | Thooral Ninnu Pochu | ![]() |
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Chellai Durai | |||
Poi Satchi | ![]() |
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Vairavan | ||||
Darling, Darling, Darling | ![]() |
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Raju | ||||
1983 | Mundhanai Mudichu | ![]() |
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Vaathiyar | Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil | ||
Saattai Illatha Pambaram | ![]() |
— | ||||||
1984 | Dhavani Kanavugal | ![]() |
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Subramani | ||
1985 | Oru Kaidhiyin Diary | ![]() |
— | |||||
Chinna Veedu | ![]() |
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Madanagopal | ||||
1986 | Aakhree Raasta | ![]() |
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— | Hindifilm; Remake of Tamil filmOru Kaidhiyin Diary | |||
Kanna Thorakkanum Saami | ![]() |
— | ||||||
1987 | Enga Chinna Rasa | ![]() |
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Chinnarasu | |||
1988 | Idhu Namma Aalu | ![]() |
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Gopal | Also singer for song "Pachaimalai Saamy" | ||
1989 | Aararo Aaariraro | ![]() |
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Babu | |
Ponnu Pakka Poren | ![]() |
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— | |||||
1990 | Avasara Police 100 | ![]() |
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Ramu, Veerasamy Naidu | Dual role | ||
1991 | Pavunnu Pavunuthan | ![]() |
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Chinnu | ||
Rudhra | ![]() |
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Madurai | |||||
1992 | Sundara Kandam | ![]() |
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Shanmugamani | ||
Rasukutty | ![]() |
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Rasukutty | ||||
1994 | Veetla Visheshanga | ![]() |
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Gopal | |||
1995 | Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari | ![]() |
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Venkatasubramaniam | |||
Thaikulame Thaikulame | ![]() |
— | ||||||
1996 | Mr. Bechara | ![]() |
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— | Hindi film; Remake of Tamil filmVeetla Visheshanga | |||
Gnanapazham | ![]() |
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Gnanasuryan | ||||
1998 | Vaettiya Madichu Kattu | ![]() |
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Jaiprakash | ||
2000 | Papa the Great | ![]() |
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— | Hindi film Remake of Tamil filmVaettiya Madichu Kattu | |||
Kabadi Kabadi | ![]() |
— | ||||||
2003 | Chokka Thangam | ![]() |
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— | 25th Film (Director) | |||
2006 | Parijatham | ![]() |
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Sampooranam | ||
2007 | Mudhal Mudhalai | ![]() |
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Screenplay and dialogue writer | ||||
2010 | Siddhu +2 | ![]() |
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Cameo appearance | ||
2011 | Maaveeran | ![]() |
— | Dialogue writer Tamil dubbed version of Telugu filmMagadheera | ||||
2015 | Thunai Mudhalvar | ![]() |
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Periyapaandi |
Actor
[edit]This is a list of films that K. Bhagyraj worked only as an actor.
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1977 | 16 Vayathinile | Also assistant director Cameo appearance | |
1978 | Kizhake Pogum Rail | Ponnandi | Also assistant director Cameo appearance |
1980 | Kumari Pennin Ullathile | ||
1984 | Oomai Janangal | ||
Anbulla Rajinikanth | Himself | Cameo | |
1985 | Naan Sigappu Manithan | CID Chinna Salem Singaram | |
1987 | Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu | Babu | Cameo appearance |
1989 | En Rathathin Rathame | Natesan | |
1992 | Amma Vandhachu | Nandakumar | |
2003 | Avuna | Telugufilm Cameo appearance[28] | |
2004 | Mee Intikoste Em Istaaru Maa Intkoste Em Testaaru | Telugu film[29] | |
2006 | Something Something Unakkum Enakkum | Krishnan | |
Rendu | CBI Officer | ||
2007 | Kasu Irukkanum | G. R. | |
2008 | Maanavan Ninaithal | Raj | |
2009 | Ninaithale Inikkum | Pazhaniyappan | |
2010 | Uthamaputhiran | Raghuram (Washington Vetrivel) | |
2011 | Appavi | Ramasamy | |
Vaagai Sooda Vaa | Annamalai | ||
2012 | Mem Vayasuku Vacham | Subramanyam | Telugu film[30] |
Mr. Marumakan | Balasubrahmanyam | Malayalamfilm | |
2013 | Oruvar Meethu Iruvar Sainthu | ||
2014 | Ninaithathu Yaaro | Himself | Cameo appearance |
2015 | Moone Moonu Varthai | Himself | |
2016 | Kanithan | Gowtham's neighbor | |
Vaaimai | Cameo appearance | ||
2017 | Mupparimanam | Himself | Cameo appearance |
Ayyanar Veethi | Subramania Sastry | ||
Veruli | Cameo appearance | ||
Ivan Yarendru Therikiratha | Love Guru | ||
Thupparivaalan | Muthu | ||
Brahma.com | Gurukkal | ||
2018 | Kilambitaangayaa Kilambitaangayaa | Cop | |
Aaruthra | Avudaiappan | ||
Koothan | |||
2019 | Sita | Anand Mohan | Telugu film |
2020 | Ponmagal Vandhal | 'Petition' Pethuraj | |
2021 | Murungakkai Chips | Arjun's grandfather | |
2022 | Super Senior Heroes | Ganeshan | Direct television release in Sun TV |
2023 | Dada | Manikandan's father | |
Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam | Kaluvan | ||
3.6.9 | Father Benet Castro | ||
Moondram Manithan | Police investigator | ||
Sarakku | Lawyer Parasuraman | Cameo appearance | |
2024 | PT Sir | Judge | Cameo appearance |
Playback singer
[edit]Year | Film | Song | Composer | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1988 | Idhu Namma Aalu | "Pachamala Saami" | K. Bhagyaraj | |
1989 | Ponnu Paaka Poren | "Yerapooti" | K. Bhagyaraj | |
1989 | Aararo Aariraro | "Ellarumae Loosungathan" | K. Bhagyaraj |
Television
[edit]- Serials
Year | Title | Role | Channel | Language | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Chithi 2 | Himself | Sun TV | Tamil | Cameo Appearance |
Raja Rani | Star Vijay | ||||
Senthoora Poove | |||||
2022 | Vidhya No.1 | Judge Subramani Vathiyar | Zee Tamil |
- Shows
Year | Title | Role | Channel | Language | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Ninaithale Inikkum | Guest | Vendhar TV | Tamil | |
2015 | Koffee With DD | Vijay TV | Along withPoornimaandPandiarajan | ||
2016 | Junior Super Star | Judge | Zee Tamil | Tamil | |
2017 | Junior Super Star 2 | ||||
2019 | Comedy Stars Season 2 | Guest | Asianet | Malayalam | Along withPoornima |
2020 | Kodeeswari | Contestant | Colors Tamil | Tamil | |
2022 | Super Queen | Guest | Zee Tamil |
References
[edit]- ^"Here's how Poornima and Bhagyaraj celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary".The Times of India.8 February 2021.Retrieved5 August2021.
- ^"Heroines who fell for their directors".The Times of India.Retrieved5 August2021.
- ^"SIIMA Awards 2014 Tamil winners list".The Times of India.
- ^Shridaran, J. R. (16 January 2017)."Making Telugu film is Bhagyaraj's dream".The Hindu.Archived fromthe originalon 26 November 2023.Retrieved9 May2024.
Mr. Bhagyaraj, much to the surprise of all, said that his forefathers belonged to Andhra Pradesh and they migrated to Tamil Nadu long back
- ^"K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat".Telugucinema.com.12 June 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 30 December 2010.Retrieved17 November2012.
- ^"Nayanthara to Khushbu Sundar: Top Kollywood heroines who fell in love with their directors".13 May 2020. Archived fromthe originalon 14 November 2022.Retrieved6 January2022.
- ^"Parijatham review – A whiff of fresh air – scented Parijatham!!".
- ^"Photographer".Sify.Archived fromthe originalon 6 January 2022.
- ^"Tamil director K Bhagyaraj, son Shantanu in rom-com".
- ^"Stars: Star Interviews: K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat".Archived fromthe originalon 30 December 2010.Retrieved1 November2015.
- ^"Exclusive biography of #Bhagyaraj and on his life".
- ^"News Archives".The Hindu.26 December 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 24 June 2011.Retrieved1 November2015.
- ^"Zee Tamil Junior Super Star 2016 Grand Finale Winner".17 December 2016.
- ^"Watch Junior Super Stars Season 2 Kids Show Online on ZEE5".
- ^"Kids Stories | Panchatantra Stories for Kids | Podupu Kathalu - Eenadu".
- ^Rangan, Baradwaj (27 February 2016)."Kanithan: For the most part, a punchy thriller".The Hindu.
- ^Menon, Vishal (14 September 2017)."'Thupparivaalan' review: The adventure of an eccentric bachelor ".The Hindu.
- ^"'Ponmagal Vandhal' review: This courtroom drama about big issues has big issues ".
- ^"Murungakkai Chips review. Murungakkai Chips Tamil movie review, story, rating".
- ^"Bhagyaraj-starrer 'Super Senior Heroes' hints at redefining Superhero genre".The Times of India.
- ^"Theatrics to politics: Tamil Nadu's story of a few hits and many misses".The Hindu Businessline.Retrieved9 January2019.
- ^"Actor-Director Bhagyaraj joins DMK".5 April 2006.
- ^"Bhagyaraj may return to AIADMK".The New Indian Express.Retrieved20 April2022.
- ^Kan, Arsath (29 November 2020)."அதிமுகவில் மீண்டும் இணைகிறாரா பாக்யராஜ்... பிரச்சாரத்துக்காக படை திரட்டப்படும் நட்சத்திர பட்டாளம்.!".tamil.oneindia.com(in Tamil).Retrieved20 April2022.
- ^"Panel summons K Bhagyaraj for misogynistic comment".Deccan Chronicle.1 December 2019.Retrieved20 April2022.
- ^TK, Smitha (26 November 2019)."Women Let It (Rape) Happen, Don't Blame Only Men: Dir Bhagyaraj".TheQuint.Retrieved20 April2022.
- ^Staff Reporter (30 November 2019)."TN State Commission for Women summons director Bhagyaraj over remarks on Pollachi rape case".The Hindu.ISSN0971-751X.Retrieved20 April2022.
- ^Poornima (28 June 2003)."Bhagyaraj's Telugu debut".Rediff.com.Archivedfrom the original on 30 September 2019.Retrieved30 September2019.
- ^"Telugu cinema Review - Mee Intikoste Em Istaavu Maa Intkoste Em Testaavu - Aditya Om, Sangeeta".
- ^"Review: Mem Vayasuku Vacham – Routine Love Story".23 June 2012.
External links
[edit]- Tamil film directors
- Tamil screenwriters
- 20th-century Indian male actors
- 1953 births
- Living people
- Filmfare Awards South winners
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners
- 20th-century Indian people
- 21st-century Indian people
- People from Gobichettipalayam
- 21st-century Indian male actors
- Tamil male actors
- Screenwriters from Tamil Nadu
- People from Erode district
- South Indian International Movie Awards winners
- Tamil television writers