Pandiarajan

Pandiarajan was born to Sulochana in Saidapet, Chennai in a lower-middle-class family. He has two sisters, Maheshwari and Geetha.

In 1986, he married Vasuki, daughter of the director, producer, and poet Avinasi Mani. They have three sons, Prithvi Rajan, Pallava Rajan and Prem Rajan.[4]

During his early career, Pandiarajan aspired to become an actor but faced challenges due to his height and appearance. As a result, he decided to start his journey in the film industry as an assistant director. His interest in music led him to earn a diploma as “Isai Selvam” in 1977 from Thamizisai College. While working as an office assistant for writer Thooyavan, he crossed paths with director K. Bhagyaraj and eventually became his associate director. [5] His journey led him in three of his film, Andha 7 Naatkal (1981), Thooral Ninnu Pochu (1982) and Darling, Darling, Darling (1982). [6] His first venture as a director and lead actor Aan Paavam (1985) was a massive success at the box office.[7]

He has co-starred with Sivaji Ganesan in Thaaiku Oru Thaalaattu (1986) and Muthukkal Moondru (1987). Actors Seetha, S. J. Suryah, Mayilsamy, Kollangudi Karuppayee and Bengali actress Debashree Roy were introduced by him to Tamil cinema and so was Srikanth Deva as music director.[8]

Pandiarajan is also an accomplished and has directed several hit films including Subramaniya Swamy (1994), Gopala Gopala (1996), Doubles (2000), and Kai Vandha Kalai (2006).

He played leading roles like Thaikulame Thaikulame (1995), Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996) and Purushan Pondatti (1996) were later positive hits.

He acted in the TV serial Mama Maaple on Sun TV.[9]

He directed his first short film, Magan in 2004. It was selected for screening at the International Children Film Festival held in Hyderabad. The film dealt with the issues of child labour. In 2006, he directed another short film, Iru Thuligal, on polio awareness. Two years later, in 2009, he made one more film on organ donation. Titled Azhagu, acclaimed cinematographer Ravi Varman produced the film and also cranked the camera.[10] His short film in English, Help, was nominated at the ArtDeco Film Festival 2011, at São Paulo in Brazil.[11]

• Pandiarajan at IMDb