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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A touch of drama to Madras
On the topic of Tamil theatre in Chennai, K. Thambi Parthasarathy is a voice to be reckoned with. He has been on its front line from the late 1960s, as performer and observer of trends. Seventy five years old, he has taken the foot off the pedal in recent years, but only slightly. The outings to the centre stage have dwindled. But he regularly faces the centre stage, being a presence in the audience at plays staged at the Sabhas of South Chennai, particularly those in Mylapore and Mandaveli, the latter his home turf. Over the decades, Thambi has seen acting heavyweights up close, their acting skills being shaped and crystallised by the stage and exported to the silver screen and the tellie. A typical example is that of Raja Venkatraman becoming actor Srikanth. Thambi himself has had dalliances with these electronic mediums, but never let them supplant his love for the stage. During much of his active theatre career, Thambi held a government job, being on the rolls of the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). The stage is easier on the practitioner in terms of time. Convenient late-evening hours can be scooped out of the week for rehearsals. The weekend can be arm-twisted without any resistance into accommodating performances. In case that gives the impression that Thambi viewed theatre as something to be pursued on the sidelines, take this. He took home the Best Actor award by the Mylapore Academy in 1991. Long-time Tamil theatre aficionados would remember his standout performance in Komal Swaminathan's Thanneer Thanneer; as also the one as Azhvarkadiyar in Ponniyin Selvan, directed for the stage by Prakash Kutty. Not a surprise when you consider that his passion for theatre was born early and home-brewed. Thambi's father S. Kannan (a chartered accountant who had been engaged in the freedom struggle) co-founded Entertainers Group with his friends, Director Chellappa and Bala Subramaniam. A young Thambi started wearing greasepaint for the stage, encouraged by Director Chellappa, who helmed seven of Entertainers Group's stage productions. Thambi would emulate his father in as much he would keep his day job and passion for theatre in tightly-sealed compartments, ensuring justice is done to both. Rehearsals were almost always held at Thambi's Mandaveli home. For every play, the cast committed themselves to a minimum of 30 days' practice before facing the audience. The 1,500 house had a thatched-roof first floor, a space that became their cocoon of creativity and growth. Among memories not blurred by time is that of K. R. Vijaya's diligent commitment to rehearsals — yes, she was part of Entertainers Group before attaining celluloid fame. 'She would come for rehearsals every single day,' recalls Thambi. 'Though practice would start at six in the evening, she would arrive much earlier for some social banter with my mother and grandmother.' Rehearsals were never hurried run-throughs. The director and writer would take meaningful pauses and fine-tune scenes, recreating the play right till the time the stage is just a nervous step away. Sessions ran from 6–6:30 p.m. to 9–9:30 p.m., getting extended as the premiere loomed large. Since all members had day jobs, evenings were their only window for practice. Entertainers Group seemed to have consciously applied filters that narrowed down the focus to comedy. A signature production was Love in Madurai, written by K.K. Raman, a comedy-spinner par excellence with an expansive sphere of influence, one that touched stalwarts such as Crazy Mohan. Thambi takes a well-considered and balanced view of comedy. While acknowledging its place, he was clear about enforcing its limits. He points out: 'Comedy should come along with the story,' he says. 'Nowadays the aim is only at comedy. People say they come here only for relaxation.' He champions serious theatre, as borne out by his admiration for Fathima Babu's Un Kannil Neer Vazhindhal, which packed a punch without punchlines. When Parthasarathy later worked with other drama troupes, rehearsals shifted to new spaces. V. S. Raghavan's plays were practised at his Raja Annamalai home; the Prasanna troupe met at director Prasanna's Royapettah residence or at Venkateshwara School in Abhiramapuram; and Komal Swaminathan's plays were often kneaded together at a Kalyana mandapam in T. Nagar. Having a theatre career spanning decades and nearly half-a-dozen troupes and a wide variety of plays (including Major Sundarrajan's historical plays), one is bound to be at the coalface of changes overtaking the medium. He has seen the stage change in how it looked and sounded. He has heard plays move from live music to gramophone and then to pre-recorded tape and now to higher technology, where much is wired invisibly to the cloud. 'We brought in pre-recorded songs during dramas,' he says, recalling how he and his friend Suresh made that small tweak, one that helped change the backstage game. In those days, production costs were modest, but so were the returns. 'We never earned a profit,' Parthasarathy admitted. 'We even funded the plays ourselves. It was never about the money; it was about contributing to the art form.' The highlights Plays by Entertainers Group include Aravanudhan Aasai; Kavilum Thaalamum; Love in Madurai; Top Secret; Dhideer Manaivi; Suya Dharisanam; and Karaiyai Thodatha Alaigal Thambi Parthasarathy has acted in over 60 television serials. Notable serials include Kasalavu Nesam (directed by K. Balachander); Raghu Vamsam; Premi and Veetukku Veedu Looti. Lessons and associations Thambi Parathasarathy has earned friends and well-wishers across the performance arts, and has also got to hone his craft with lessons learnt from the stalwarts, including actor Nagesh. He has seen Nagesh essay roles on the stage and has also had the pleasure of discussing with him, the nuances of stage acting. Thambi had a long theatrical association with actor Srikanth, who personified an abiding love for the stage. Srikanth would not sever the umbilical cord he had with the stage even after celluloid success; he formed Sri Theatre.
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rajinikanth mourns death of close friend Rajesh: ‘Causes me great heartache'
Tamil star Rajinikanth is deeply saddened by the sudden death of his close friend, veteran actor Rajesh, aka Rajesh Williams, on Thursday. He penned a note on X (formerly Twitter), writing about how the news has left him heartbroken. (Also Read: Veteran actor Rajesh dies in Chennai at 75, Radhika Sarathkumar sends condolences) Rajinikanth sent condolences to Rajesh's family on Thursday and wrote of how much he'll miss his friend on X. He wrote in Tamil, 'The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, shocked me and caused me great heartache. A wonderful man, may his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.' Fans in the comments remembered Rajesh's fondness for Rajinikanth, posting pictures of when they spent time together. Many comments also expressed shock at the sudden death. On Thursday morning, Rajesh complained of low blood pressure and died on the way to the hospital. His nephew confirmed the same to DT Next. He is survived by daughter Divya and son Deepak. His wife, Joan Sylvia Vanathirayar, died in 2012. Rajesh's body will be brought back to his residence in Ramapuram, Chennai. His funeral will take place after his daughter's return from the US. Rajesh was a high school teacher before he ventured into acting, playing lead and supporting roles in hundreds of Tamil and Malayalam films and TV shows. He also starred in K Balachander's Achamillai Achamillai, after being introduced by him in Achamillai Achamillai, in a small role. Some of Rajesh's popular films include Thanneer Thanneer, Andha 7 Naatkal and Payanangal Mudivadhillai and TV shows like Alagai, Roja and Poove Unakkaga. He was most recently seen in Sriram Raghavan's Merry Christmas with Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif. Rajesh also ventured into hotels and real estate business, he is considered one of the top builders in Chennai.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actor Rajesh Death News: Karthigai Deepam actor Rajesh passes away at 75
Veteran actor Rajesh, known for his distinguished performances in both cinema and television, passed away early this morning at the age of 75. The veteran star reportedly experienced severe breathing difficulties and was being rushed to a hospital in Chennai when he tragically passed away en route. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Born as Rajesh Williams on December 20, 1949, in Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, Rajesh initially began his professional life as a schoolteacher before venturing into the world of cinema. His first film role was a minor part in the 1974 K. Balachander classic Aval Oru Thodarkathai. He rose to fame with his breakthrough performance in Kanni Paruvathile (1979) and went on to star in over 150 films spanning multiple decades. Some of his most acclaimed works include Thanneer Thanneer, Andha 7 Naatkal, Sathya, Mahanadi, and Kamal Haasan's Virumaandi. Known for his expressive performances and commanding screen presence, Rajesh carved a niche for himself as a versatile character actor. In recent years, he made a successful transition to television and became a household name among younger audiences for his role as Dharmalingam in the popular Tamil serial . The Tamil film fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its stalwarts. Superstar Rajinikanth, a long-time friend of Rajesh, took to social media to express his heartfelt condolences, stating, 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Rajesh. His contributions to Tamil cinema are unforgettable.' Rajesh's final film appearance was in the Hindi thriller Merry Christmas, starring and Katrina Kaif, marking a fitting conclusion to a career that transcended languages and generations. He is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans who will remember him as a pillar of Tamil cinema and television.
India Today
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Rajinikanth deeply saddened as his close friend and actor Rajesh dies at 75
Actor Rajinikanth was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of his close friend and veteran actor Rajesh. According to sources, Rajesh complained of low blood pressure and was being taken to the hospital in Chennai on Thursday. His family confirmed that the actor died on his way to the Thursday, Rajinikanth on his official X page wrote in Tamil, "The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, shocked me and caused me great heartache. A wonderful man, may his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."advertisementHere's his post: Rajesh acted in over 100 Tamil films and was known for his intense performances. He was introduced by late filmmaker K Balachander in 'Aval Oru Thodarkadhai'. Some of his famous films include 'Thanneer Thanneer', 'Andha 7 Naatkal' and 'Payanangal Mudivadhillai', among from playing supporting roles, he also played lead roles in Tamil films. 'Kanni Paruvathile' was his first film as a is survived by his son and Watch
