VK Ramasamy: The Tamil Star Who Married His Fellow Actor's Ex-Wife, Adopted Her Sons

News18

3 days ago

In the annals of Tamil cinema, VK Ramasamy, known affectionately as VKR, was a figure whose contributions spanned five generations, marking an era that stretched from the black-and-white days of Tamil film to the dawn of the 21st century. Revered as both a comedian and a versatile character actor, his presence was ubiquitous in the industry, as he shared the screen with icons ranging from MGR to Simbu. But beneath his illustrious cinematic career lies a lesser-known, deeply personal story of sacrifice, love, and familial responsibility that reveals the true heart of the man behind the actor. (News18 Tamil)
Born in Virudhunagar, VK Ramasamy, originally named Kandan Ramasamy, was not just an actor but also a passionate freedom fighter. Influenced by the ideals of the legendary Kamaraj, his involvement in the independence movement began at a young age. Alongside his patriotic fervour, Ramasamy harboured an intense desire to pursue a career in cinema - a desire that he nurtured from the age of 7, when he began acting in plays. (News18 Tamil)
His early years on stage were marked by impressive performances, with one of his notable roles being that of Banker Shanmugam Pillai in the play 'Thiyaga Ullam' at just 15 years old. The play's success caught the attention of EV Meiyappa Chettiar, a prominent producer, who adapted it into the film 'Naam Iruvar' six years later. In this film, Ramasamy reprised his role as the elderly Shanmugam Pillai, at the age of 21. Thus began his film career, one that would span over five decades, with roles that transcended age, social class, and character. (News18 Tamil)
VK Ramasamy's career trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. Over 55 years, he worked alongside every major star in Tamil cinema, from MGR and Sivaji Ganesan to Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Simbu. His acting versatility was unmatched, whether playing comedic roles, serious character parts, or villains, Ramasamy proved his mettle across every genre. A testament to his enduring legacy in the film industry is his unique ability to adapt and evolve with the changing times of cinema. Despite his stellar career, Ramasamy always stayed grounded, maintaining close friendships with his co-stars and colleagues. Notably, he shared a deep bond with both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, with whom he remained close throughout his career. His relationship with Sivaji Ganesan, too, was one of mutual respect and camaraderie, with the latter often acting under Ramasamy's direction during their theatre days. (News18 Tamil)
However, Ramasamy's life was not without its struggles. Along with his love for cinema, he was known to have indulged in vices such as alcoholism and horse racing. Yet, despite these habits, Ramasamy's love for the craft of acting remained steadfast. He even took his passion for cinema a step further by producing films, often investing his earnings back into the industry he cherished so much. It was during this time that a significant chapter of his personal life unfolded, one that would forever define his character off-screen. (News18 Tamil)
Ramasamy's first marriage to Suryakumari produced two sons, Raghunath and Rajendran. Raghunath would go on to become a filmmaker, directing movies such as 'Neengam Hero Than'. But the real turning point in Ramasamy's personal journey came with his second marriage to Ramaniammal, the ex-wife of actor MR Radha. At the time, Ramaniammal was struggling to raise her two sons, Raghu and Ravi, following a tumultuous separation from Radha. Ramasamy, moved by her circumstances and the plight of her children, not only took Ramaniammal as his wife but also declared her two sons as his own. (News18 Tamil)
VK Ramasamy's love for Ramaniammal extended far beyond their marriage. He embraced her children, Raghu and Ravi, as his own, adopting them and raising them with the same care and affection he gave to his biological sons. Raghu, in a recent interview, revealed that it was Ramasamy who inspired his own dream of working in cinema. He went on to direct films like 'Wigneswar' and 'Kattapanjayathu', crediting his stepfather for his career in the film industry. (News18 Tamil)
What made Ramasamy's actions even more remarkable was his unwavering commitment to his adopted family. Despite his busy career and personal challenges, he ensured that Raghu and Ravi were given the opportunities and guidance they needed. This act of love and sacrifice serves as a powerful testament to Ramasamy's character, one that went beyond the screen to make a lasting impact on the lives of those he held dear. (News18 Tamil)
Ramasamy's health began to deteriorate in his later years, suffering from complications due to diabetes and heart disease. Despite his failing health, he continued to work, with his final appearance being in the 2021 film 'Kaathal Vaaavathillai', starring Simbu. He passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy not only as a consummate actor but also as a compassionate, selfless individual who made a lasting impression on those around him. In a world often consumed by fame and fortune, VK Ramasamy's story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who love unconditionally. (News18 Tamil)