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India.com
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet star kid who used to work in a factory, began career with flops, is now pan-India star; He is..., father is...
Popular South actor Suriya has delivered numerous hit films throughout his career. He has showcased his powerful acting in movies like Vikram Vedha, Jai Bhim, Singam, and Rakta Charitra . This superstar of the Tamil film industry has won millions of hearts with his remarkable performances. He celebrates his birthday on July 23. On this special occasion, let's take a look at some lesser-known stories about him that you probably haven't heard before. Who is actor Suriya? Suriya was born on 23rd July 1975 to veteran Tamil actor Sivakumar and his wife, Lakshmi. He studied at Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan School and St. Bede's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, and later earned a degree from Loyola College, Chennai. Before making his debut in Tamil cinema, Suriya worked at a clothing factory for a brief period. His brother, Karthik Sivakumar (popularly known as Karthi), is also a well-known actor in the Tamil film industry. Suriya's father Sivakumar is one of the great actors of Indian cinema. He has done a wide range of roles in Tamil. Suriya also has a sister Brindha, who is a singer and voice over artist. Although the Tamil film industry and his fans know him as Suriya, that isn't his real name. The handsome actor's real name is Saravanan Sivakumar. The name 'Suriya' was given to him by director Mani Ratnam to avoid confusion with another actor named Saravanan. Interestingly, Mani Ratnam is also known for frequently naming the lead characters in his films 'Suriya.' How did Suriya and Jyothika meet? In 2006, Suriya married Tamil actress Jyothika. It is said that the two were initially very good friends. Over time, their friendship blossomed into love, eventually leading to marriage. They appeared together in several films, including Kaakha Kaakha, Perazhagan, and Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, among others. The couple has two children, a daughter named Diya and a son named Dev. After their marriage, Jyothika took a break from acting but made a successful comeback with the 2015 film 36 Vayadhinile . Suriya's acting journey, from flops to hits Suriya made his debut in Tamil cinema with the 1997 film Nerrukku Ner , directed by Vasanth and produced by Mani Ratnam. However, his first four years in the industry were not very successful. His big break came in 2001 with the drama film Nandha , in which he played the role of an ex-convict. The film was a commercial success and received critical acclaim. Suriya also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Nandha. In 2003, Suriya played the role of a police officer in Kaakha Kaakha , which received a highly positive response. Following films like Pithamagan , Perazhagan , Aaytha Ezhuthu, Ghajini, and Sillunu Oru Kaadhal , he established himself as one of the top superstars of South Indian cinema. This talented actor has won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award three times in his career. In addition to acting, Suriya has also explored film production and playback singing. Suriya and Jyothika's net worth Suriya's net worth is estimated to be around Rs 240 crore, according to a report by the Financial Express, and he lives a luxurious lifestyle. His wife and actress Jyothika, jointly owns assets worth Rs 537 crore, as per the report.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Suriya turns 50: When Jyotika interviewed the actor for ‘The Hindu' in 2004
Tamil superstar Suriya, who is celebrating his 50th birthday on Wednesday (July 23), and his wife, actor-producer Jyotika, have for long reigned as Tamil cinema's most-adored celebrity couple. The actors, who first met on sets of 1999's Poovellam Kettuppar, fell in love while working on Gautham Menon's acclaimed cop drama Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and married each other in 2006. On Suriya's 50th birthday on July 23, 2025, The Hindu brings to you an exclusive blast from the past — from more than 20 years ago — when Jyotika interviewed Suriya about working with each other, the qualities they like in each other and, of course, why gossipmongers would not let them be. This article appeared exclusively on The Hindu on May 11, 2004. S.R. Ashok Kumar recorded the celebrity chat. Jyotika chats with Suriya: Should gossip disturb our peace?' Jyotika: When you started out as an actor, you were noticeably low on confidence. But it took only a few films for you to acquire the panache of a seasoned actor. Can you put your finger on 'that one film' which marked the transition from a tentative to a self-assured performer? Suriya: Nandhaa (2001). The film made me realise you can be on the right track, only if you keep yourself away from the beaten track. In offbeat roles, there is tremendous scope for acting. Director Bala has also played a great role in my transformation. As friend and guide, he has effected salutary changes in my 'real' life as well. In Pictures: Celebrating actor Suriya on his 50th birthday 1 / 3 Jyotika: Can we do a flashback and see Suriya the school boy? Suriya: (With a resigned well-if-you-want-to smile) In school, I preferred the shadows to the limelight. Even during school festivals and events, I would prefer to work behind the scenes. I used to be reserved, sometimes to the point of being considered a recluse (laughs). When I reached college, I started to open up. Even so, I was far from being the cool dude. I would wear only chappals, drawing taunts from my friends. If I wore shoes, my friends would ask me if it was my birthday (laughs). Then slowly I came out of my cocoon. I was part of the NSS and the college union as well. I would help organise functions. Jyotika: As you had a liking for offbeat roles, I am sure you would've grabbed the offer to act in AVM's Perazhagan . Suriya: You said it! Pithamagan (2003)was an eye-opener. It showed me that the grotesque can be attractive. As Perazhagan has enabled me to portray an offbeat character, it is a film after my heart. When I saw the original Malayalam version, I told myself that I could improvise on what Dilip had done. Perazhagan will be special to me for another reason as well – I play a double role for the first time. The 'camouflage' has been so complete that after watching the film, many found it difficult to convince themselves that it was Suriya who had played the hunchback. Well, you have also played a double role in the film. And one of the characters you essay is offbeat as well. Your thoughts on the film? (smiles) Jyotika: The film is after my heart too. And for the same reasons. I play a double role. One of them is that of a blind girl. Both the roles have a lot of depth. Having done this film, I feel more of an actress than I ever did. When you see that most films are hero-dominated, I can only thank my stars for landing this one. Hey, do you remember that when it was officially announced that I would be pairing up with you in the film, the gossip mills were grinding overtime? There were unpleasant accusations that you were recommending me to play the heroine. Suriya: Ah! Let tongues wag! Why should we let gossip disturb our peace? The whole world knows that you were chosen as the heroine for Poovellam Kettupar much before the hero was named. Actually Abbas was to have played the hero, but, as it worked out, the mantle fell on me. As for Uyirile Kalanthathu (2000), the producer came to the location and requested you to act as heroine. With Perazhagan too, you were the producer's choice. So impressed was Guhan with your performance in Priyamana Thozhi (2003) that he would have nobody else playing the blind girl. Jyotika: You have acted with 'n' number of heroines. So, you must be in a position to judge my performance as a heroine… Suriya: (With a well-this-is-an-unenviable-task look) It is the lengthy shot that separates good actors from the mediocre. Only a good actor or actress can pull off a lengthy shot successfully. I have noticed you do so many a time. Another quality that singles you out is your commitment. During the making of Poovellam Kettupar (1999), you burnt the midnight oil and memorised the dialogue as if you had to sit for an examination the next morning. That you take meticulous care in the selection of costumes and make-up highlights your professionalism. You are the first choice of many directors and actors because you are willing to contribute to a film more than you have to. They find your suggestions and comments invaluable. Here is my verdict: you are the best in the industry now! Jyotika: (With a you-have-made-my-day-week-month smile) Thanks a million! What do you like in me as a person? Suriya: You have many great qualities, but your sense of humour beats everything else by a mile. Your ability to keep the laugh lines flowing is a big help at the sets. I have never seen you shouting at anybody. You respect the other person's space as much as you value yours. You keep miles away from wearing a bad costume or acting in a scene that is not decent. For these reasons, I count you as someone special.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
In Pictures: Celebrating actor Suriya on his 50th birthday
'Anbaana' fans of Suriya are all set to take the internet by storm as the Tamil superstar celebrates his 50 th birthday on Wednesday (July 23). Widely regarded as an exceptional performer with a penchant for experimenting with his scripts, Suriya has cemented his position as one of the most adored stars of Tamil cinema. Born as Saravanan, to veteran actor Sivakumar and his wife Lakshmi, he made his silver screen debut in 1997 with Vasanth's Nerrukku Ner, The film's producer, Mani Ratnam, suggested his stage name 'Suriya' to avoid being confused with another actor. After starring in romance dramas such as Poovellam Kettuppar and Uyirile Kalanthathu, the star ventured into the action genre with director Bala's acclaimed film Nandhaa. However, it was Gautham Menon's 2003 hit Kaakha Kaakha that brought out the action avatar in him, propelling him into a much sought-after mainstream actor. Throughout the 2000s, Suriya juggled commercial mass cinema — films like Ghajini, which elevated him into a star, and Sillunu Oru Kaadhal — and off-beat roles — like Pithamagan and Perazhagan. After back-to-back hits with Vaaranam Aayiram and Ayan, Suriya famously reunited with his Vel director Hari to offer Singam, a blockbuster that would go on to define Indian mass masala cinema of the 2010s. Recently, Suriya has enthralled Tamil audiences with his stellar turns in Soorarai Pottru, Jai Bhim, Vikram, and Retro. Celebrating the 50 th birthday of a superstar who gives his all to every role, we bring to you images of the actor from The Hindu archives. Suriya with his father Sivakumar. Suriya in July 2002 Suriya and Jyotika in a still from 'Uyirilae Kalandhadhu' Actress Jothika and actor Suriya during 'Take two' chat session, at AVM studios in Chennai on May 03, 2004. Suriya, Vijay and Ramesh Kanna in a still from 'Friends' Suriya and Jyotika during the promotions of 'Perazhagan' in 2004 Suriya and Trisha in a still from 2002's 'Mounam Pesiyadhe' Tamil film actor Surya posing for a photograph session at his residence in Chennai, on May 21, 2004. Actors Suriya and Kamal Hassan in Chennai, 01-05-2004 Suriya, Sangeetha and Vikram in a still from 'Pithamagan' Actor Suriya in 2006 Actor Suriya and director Gautham Menon at E-Mail chat in Chennai, July 25, 2003. Actor Surya in the Tamil film "Kaakha Kaakha". Actor Surya at the inaugural of the Tamil film "Sachin" in Chennai on December 8, 2004. The film has Vijay in the lead role with Jhoan as director and is produced by Kalaipuli Photo: K.V. Srinivasan STILL: TAMIL MOVIE: Surya and Jyotika in "Perazhagan" Actors Suriya, Manobala (left) and Karunas (right) in the Tamil film 'Pithamagan'. Surya in a still from 'Maayavi' Actor Surya and actor Karthi at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the movie `Sivaji' held in Chennai on January 11, 2008. Actor Surya (ext right) with actor Ajith and his wife actress Shalini at the marriage of his (Surya) sister, Brindha, in Chennai on November 13, 2005. Suriya and Jyotika at the audio launch of 'Pasanga 2' in Chennai, on September 17, 2015. Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger with actor Suriya at a gym in Chennai on September 16, 2014. Suryia (right) and Mahesh Bhupathi in action at the Aircel Chennai Open 2010 tennis championship in Chennai on January 04, 2010. Actors Suriya and Karthi during a promotion for "Dope" clothing range in Coimbatore on November 19, 2009. Actors Suriya and Karthi during a promotion for 'Dope' clothing range in Coimbatore on November 19, 2009. Photo: K. Ananthan
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Suriya goes shirtless, Jyotika soaks in the view in video from their vacation; fans think it's Uyirin Uyirae-coded
Actor couple Suriya and Jyotika recently vacationed in Seychelles, East Africa. Jyotika took to her Instagram to share a video filled with adorable selfies and clips of them doing touristy things. Fans couldn't get enough of it, filling her comments section with love. (Also Read: Karthi says he's lucky to have an older brother like Suriya; to receive love from industry due to him) Suriya and Jyotika vacationed in Seychelles recently and shared a glimpse of it on social media. Jyotika posted a Reel on her Instagram set to the song Coco Beach Cafe by Armik. She captioned it, 'Another day for you and me in paradise (heart emoji) Thank u Abhishek and Lyn for this beautiful memory at Seychelles.' The video starts off with Suriya and Jyotika taking a selfie video by the beach before it shows the resort they're staying at. The couple also bird watch, take a helicopter ride, dig into fresh seafood, and even visit a turtle sanctuary. Jyotika also posted pictures of her soaking in the view and a video of Suriya walking shirtless by the beach. Fans think it's Uyirin Uyirae-coded Fans couldn't help but remember Suriya and Jyotika's romantic number Uyirin Uyire from Gautham Vasudev Menon's 2003 film Kaakha Kaakha. One fan commented, 'Wouldn't 'Uyire uyire uyirin uyire' suits more for this reel?' A fan thought, 'Alexa play Ennai konjam maaty,' referring to another song from the film. One fan brought up a song from their 1999 Vasanth film Poovellam Kettuppar, writing, 'Hey siri play "Oh senorita" from Poovellam Ketu Paar,' and another wrote, 'Senorita vibes in 2025.' Another fan agreed, 'Poovellam ketupaaru but make it 2025.' Recent work Suriya was last seen in Karthik Subbaraj's Retro, in which he played Paarivel Kannan, aka Paari, a man who almost loses everything due to his anger issues. Jyotika last starred in the Netflix web series, Dabba Cartel. Suriya will soon star in Karuppu, directed by RJ Balaji, and a yet-to-be-titled film by Venky Atluri. Jyotika will soon be seen in a film for Prime Video by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Suriya says people call him ‘overacting actor': I can't be Karthi, can't be Meiyazhagan
Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj and starring Suriya, was released in theatres on May 1. As part of the film's promotions, the director and actor shot a 'rectangle table discussion' with music composer Santosh Narayanan. While talking about his work, Suriya candidly said to Karthik that he doesn't think he's a 'great actor' and that he can't deliver performances like his brother, Karthi. (Also Read: 'I stopped looking at reviews as they're no longer authentic': Retro director Karthik Subbaraj) During the discussion, Karthik and Santosh discussed how Suriya's career changed when he starred almost back-to-back in films like Kaakha Kaakha, Ghajini, and Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. The actor admitted that he got lucky, with directors trusting him to carry these projects. When Karthik brought up that Suriya tends not to take any scene for granted, no matter how small, he got candid and credited director Bala. Stating that he only aims to give his 'genuine best' even though he's not a 'great actor', Suriya said, 'I am not a great actor, Karthik. Some people will call me an overacting actor…so many people will have that opinion. But, I stick to what I learnt from Bala sir. I'm trying my best, not every time it happens. I try my genuine best. Now, take a film like Meiyazhagan. I can't be Karthi, I can't be Meiyazhagan.' For the unversed, Suriya worked with director Bala in the 2001 film Nandhaa. Suriya and his wife, Jyotika, produced the 2024 film Meiyazhagan, starring Karthi and Arvind Swami. The film received critical praise, particularly for its performances. In 2024, Suriya starred in Siva's Kanguva, which did not receive favourable reviews and underperformed at the box office. So, expectations were high on Karthik's Retro, but the film received mixed reviews and collected ₹60 crore worldwide in three days, according to Sacnilk. Suriya will soon be seen in yet-to-be-titled films helmed by RJ Balaji and Venky Atluri.
