Latest news with #Kalaimamaniaward
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Governor R.N. Ravi, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and other leaders condole Saroja Devi's death
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condoled the death of actor Saroja Devi, who passed away in Bengaluru on Monday. In a social media post, the Raj Bhavan quoted the Governor as saying: 'Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary actress Saroja Devi, whose luminous presence and expressive artistry transcended language and time, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Her timeless contributions shaped a golden era of film and continue to resonate across generations. My heartfelt condolences to her family and countless admirers. Om Shanti!' In his condolence message, Mr. Stalin recalled she had acted in about 200 films and her contributions to Indian cinema were honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Government of India's Lifetime Achievement Award, Tamil Nadu government's Kalaimamani award, among others. Her death was an irreparable loss, Mr. Stalin said. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami recalled Saroja Devi's association with party founder M.G. Ramachandran in the Tamil film industry. ADMK Workers' Rights Retrieval Committee coordinator O. Panneerselvam said the actor held former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in high esteem. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan, BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran, and Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan also extended their condolences.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
From nomadic life to international stage, Tamil Nadu puppeteer to perform in Moscow
A traditional puppeteer (Thol Paavai Koothu) artist, whose ancestors migrated from Maharashtra six generations ago and who lived an itinerant life until he was 19, is now set to perform in Russia at 'Bharat Utsav-Festival of India' to be held from July 5 to 13 at Manezhnaya square in Moscow. B. Muthuchandran, 50, from Thovalai in Kanniyakumari district has been performing puppetry shows for the past 31 years and has been selected as one of the four arts groups from Tamil Nadu to perform in the festival happening in Moscow. Notably, Mr. Muthuchandran and his brother B. Muthukumaran, 46, are the only ones representing southern Tamil Nadu for the event. 'Our family had no permanent address until I was 19,' Mr. Muthuchndran told The Hindu. 'We lived a nomadic life, one month we would set up our tent to perform the koothu in Tenkasi, the next in Tirunelveli and then in Udangudi. Our livelihood depended entirely on the amount collected during our shows.' After the passing of their father, Mr. Muthuchandran and his brother continued the family tradition, performing at temple festivals, and village events for their survival. A major breakthrough came when they began amalgamating traditional stories such as the Ramayana, Nalla Thangaal and Harichandra Puranam with relevant elements such as social awareness on plastic usage, helmet safety, women empowerment and contemporary humour. In recognition of his contribution to the folk art, Mr. Muthuchnadran was honored with the prestigious Kalaimamani award by the Tamil Nadu government in 2018. Thol Paavai literally means 'doll made with skin.' These puppets are crafted using goat skin, painted with vibrant colours and humorous expressions. The goat skin is carefully treated before sketching, and natural dyes made from cactus fruit, pipal tree buds and charcoal are used in the colouring process, which is economically suitable for them. Folklorist A.K. Perumal says the artists originally migrated from Maharashtra and still speak Marathi at home. 'Although only three to four families from Kanniyakumari continue to practice puppetry, artists like Muthuchandran have evolved the tradition by incorporating humour and relevant social themes into their story telling.' Following his performance in California in 2023, Mr. Muthuchandran emerged in the radar of the Tamil Nadu Department of Arts and Culture. Speaking to The Hindu, B. Hemanathan, Deputy Director (Art Education and Schemes), Department of Arts and Culture, said the rural and folk arts were identified through regional festivals such as Kumari Kalai Thiruvizha and Courtallam Saral Vizha across the State. The government was taking various measures to protect and promote the traditional art forms by organising various programmes throughout the year.
New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Folk singer-actor ‘Kollangudi' KaruppayI' dies at 99
SIVAGANGA: Noted folk singer and Tamil actress 'Kollangudi' Karuppayi, who predominantly played supporting roles in some odd films during the 1990s, died on Saturday due to age-related ailments in Sivaganga district. She was 99. She shot to fame in Tamil film 'Aan Paavam', wherein she portrayed the role of a grandmother to director and actor Pandiyarajan. Karuppayi in April 2018 had told TNIE that her husband died years ago and they had no children. She lived in Kollangudi village. Claiming she was not a professional learner, she said she started singing folk songs in agriculture fields and houses during her teenage years. 'It was a God gift.' Her talent was noticed by the radio industry after her husband's death. Spotting her talent in radio, both TV and film opportunities came her way, she said. She was a recipient of Kalaimamani award in 1993. Her relative Vasuki and her family took care of her.
