Latest news with #Ramanuja
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
This Indian Actor Entered Guinness Record For 45 Roles In One Film. And It's Not Kamal Haasan
1/5 In the world of cinema, it is not uncommon for an actor to portray multiple characters within a single film. In Tamil cinema, legendary actor Kamal Haasan previously held the record for the most characters played in one movie, astonishing audiences with 10 distinct roles in Dasavathaaram (2008). Previously, he portrayed four different characters in Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990). His performances in both films received widespread critical acclaim. In Dasavathaaram, Kamal Haasan's versatility was on full display as he portrayed a wide range of personas, including 12th-century philosopher Ramanuja, a RAW agent named Balram Naidu, a Punjabi singer named Avatar Singh, the villainous Christian Fletcher, and even then-US President George Bush. However, this remarkable feat has since been surpassed. Malayalam actor Johnson George now holds the Guinness World Record for the most characters played by an individual in a single film, with an astonishing 45 roles in Aaranu Njan (2018).
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
When Gods stepped up for Ramanuja
Adisesha was sent to earth as Ramanuja to spread divinity, demystify God to the ordinary people and make them realise that they could also experience God. Azhwars were expected to do the above, but consumed by bhakti, they did not mix with the average devotee, nor did they give lectures and treatises. Instead, they went into an ecstasy of composing verses and experiencing the Lord through the same. Ramanuja, on the other hand, was more pragmatic in making people understand divinity. He also ensured that everyone understood that God was not the purview of a select few but belonged to all: rich and poor, the educated and the unlearned, the high born and the one on the other end of the spectrum, said Damal Ramakrishnan. He endeared himself to not only his gurus and sishyas, but also to the archa murtis that three of them walked up to welcome him, at different kshetras. When an araiyar succeeded in bringing Ramanuja to Srirangam from Kancheepuram, a huge welcome party gathered there, including Viswaksena, sent there by Ranganatha. When Ramanuja prostrated on the sand, Periya Perumal (Moolavar) asked Namperumal, the utsava murti, to 'walk up' from the mandap and welcome Ramanuja, which was done. After asking him to set right the administrative issues, Ranganatha also empowered Ramanuja with a power of attorney, so to speak, for granting moksha to devotees. The second deity to walk up to Ramanuja is Andal, who did so, upon hearing that the son of Sriperumbudur had paid her promised offering of 100 tada akkaravadisal and 100 tada of butter to Kallazhagar. She took 100 steps to welcome him when he came to Srivilliputtur temple. The third incident took place in Delhi, where Ramanuja journeyed at 90 years of age in order to retrieve the idol from Melkote temple, held by the Sultan's daughter. When Ramanuja said, 'Chella Pillaiye, vaarum,' the idol is said to have walked towards the saint, much to the amazement of the Sultan, who permitted him to leave with the same.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Ramanuja, Andal's big brother
Hailed as Bashyakarar, Emperumanar and Yatirajar, Ramanuja, the great preceptor, was an epitome of selflessness, without a fibre of discrimination in him, he is often compared to Lord Rama for his character, said Damal S. Ramakrishnan. Blessed with both great gurus and fantastic disciples, Ramanuja is an exemplar of how one should lead a dharmic life in Kali Yuga. His basic guidance for daily living is simple and easy to follow: every morning one should turn southwards, close one's eyes and pray to Sri Ranganatha, chanting 'Ranga, Ranga'. One should turn northwards and internalising Venkatadri, pray to Him. Turning eastwards, and bringing up the image of Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal in one's mind, one should pray to Him; Aligning to the West, one should think of Chella Pillai in Melkote and pray to Him. Hailed as the essence of the four Vedas, Ramanuja, who was born in the Tamil month of Chittirai, in Sriperumbudur, is also celebrated as the 'brother' of Andal, the only female Azhwar. How did this come about? Following her pavai nonbu, Andal was awaiting her wedding to Ranganatha, but it did not take place at once. As is common with most of us, when we want something very badly, we pray to more than one God, fervently. Andal too prayed to Kallazhagar and He, playfully asked her, 'What will you give me if I make your wish come true?'. Without a moment's hesitation, she promised Kallazhagar 100 tada (ancient measure) akkaravadisal and 100 tadas of butter. Before she could act on her vow, Ranganatha appears, to marry her, thanks to Kallazhagar. The vow remained unfulfilled, until Ramanuja, who hears of it, says he will execute her vow, being her brother and travels to Tirumaliruncholai and fulfills her promise to Kallazhagar.
