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Vijayakanth, who's affectionately called 'Puratchi Kalaignar' and 'Captain' by his fans and well-wishers, had to face so many challenges and unfriendly situations before he could achieve the fame and popularity he's enjoying to-day in Tamil filmfield. He, whose original name was Vijayaraj, was born on 25th August, at Madurai, Tamilnadu, his parents being Azhagarsamy-Andal. When he was one year old his mother Andal passed away. His parents had three more children. To bring up the one year old baby Vijayakanth and because of the pressure exerted upon Vijayakanth's father by all the family members, the latter (Father of Vijayakanth) married one Rukmani as his second wife. This couple gave birth to 7 children. All these members now live together happily in a joint family. From 1st std. to 5th std. Vijayakanth studied at a particular school. He finished his 6th std. at M.C.High School. He pursued his 7th and 8th std. at Devakottai school. He did his 9th std. at a different school. 10th and 11th std. were studied by him at St. Mary's school. During that period, Vijayakanth was looking after his father's rice-mill business. So he couldn't pursue his studies beyond 11th std. Vijayakanth had some close friends then. One notable friend among them was A.Se. Ibrahim Rawther (who's even now with Vijayakanth as if his own-brother and has also earned the distinction of being one of the leading film producers in cinefield). All these friends in those days used to gather together near Sena's Films, a films distribution company, at Madurai. Marsook, the proprietor-distributor of Sena's Films, used to keenly observe the activities of Vijayakanth. One day he asked Vijayakanth whether the latter was interested in acting in films. Out of pressure from his friends, Vijayakanth agreed to act in films. Subsequently he (Vijayakanth) was booked for acting in the film "Yen Kelvikku Yenna Pathil?". Yet, after some time, he was dropped from the project on the ground that he was not good at Tamil dialogue delivery. This elicited a great passion within his heart that he took a vow to get into cine acting with renewed efforts and to make his career a rewarding success! With this one objective in mind, he knocked at the doors of each and every film company asking for acting chance. But there was not any positive response. Marsook had then distributed so many films directed by M.A.Kaja! Vijayakanth was introduced to Kaja by Marsook. As a result Vijayakanth was booked in "Inikkum Ilamai". This was the first film acted by Vijayakanth. After this, he acted in "Thooraththu Idi Muzhakkam", "Neerottam" and "Agal Vilakku". These films didn't bring great success. Yet Vijayakanth too didn't lose heart. He waited for good opportunity. 'Vadaloor Combines' proprietor Chidambaram saw "Neerottam" at Krishnaveni theatre, T.Nagar, Chennai. Seeing Vijayakanth in action, he started developing some interest in him as he identified some hopeful, positive traits in his (Viyayakanth's) style of acting and personality. He wanted to produce a film by booking Vijayakanth. His wish got materialized through "Sattam Oru Iruttarai". In this project too there arose stiff opposition from some quarters protesting against giving the hero chance to Vijayakanth in the film! Yet, overlooking all these objections, the producer stood firm in his decision and made Vijayakanth the hero! S.A.Chandrasekaran directed this film. When, finally, the film got released, it proved to be a grand success! Subsequently Vijayakanth was booked in 18 new films. While he was doing these films, at a specific period, his cinema market started becoming dull again! At this juncture, the film "Saatchi" was released. Vijayakanth had done the lead role in it. S.A.Chandrasekaran had directed it. P.S.Veerappa had produced it. This film, in it's turn, created a new success record. The following is a popular dialogue written by Kalaignar Karunanidhi: "Veezhvathu Naamaaga Irunthaalum Vazhvathu Thamizhaaga Irukkattum".Vijayakanth picked up these words as his heart-loving golden rule. Whenever he addresses any function or releases some press statement or birth day message, he uses to add the words 'Tamil', 'Tamil', 'Tamil' as one of his most ideal slogans. The recent release "Ulavuththurai" is his 125th film. Upto this film he hasn't so far acted even in a single, other language film. He's the only Tamil actor who has achieved this distinction! Though actor Sarathkumar had already acted in films before, his role in "Pulan Visaranai" in which he teamed with Vijayakanth proved to be one of the great limelights in his acting career. Vijayakanth introduced Mansoor Alikhan to filmfield through his "Captain Prabaharan". He (Vijayakanth) has introduced through his different films, film institute students like R.K.Selvamani, R.Aravintharaj, Ilavarasan and a few others as newface film directors. Many different newface heroines also have got introduced through his films. Though Vijayakanth hasn't acted in other language films, each and every film of him has been dubbed into Telugu language and thus has led to huge revenue collection too!

Savitri, also known as Savitri Ganesan, was an Indian film actress, director, producer, singer and race car enthusiast who predominantly worked in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She also worked in Malayalam, Hindi, and Kannada movies. Starring in more than 250 films. "Mahanati" (i.e.,) Greatest of all actresses by the Telugu Cinema and famously referred to as the "Nadigaiyar Thilagam" (i.e.,) Doyenne of all actresses by the Tamil Cinema. Her performance in the 1957 Telugu Epic film "Mayabazar" skyrocketed her to stardom.

Savitri was born on 6 December 1934 in a Telugu family in Chirravuru, Guntur district of present-day Andhra Pradesh.Her father died when she was six months old, after which her mother took Savitri and an older sibling, Maruti to live with an aunt and uncle. Her uncle, Kommareddy Venkataramaiah enrolled her in classes when she began to show a talent for dance.

Savitri acted in dance dramas as a child, including some work with a theatre company run by Jaggayya. She made an unsuccessful speculative trip to find film work in Madras at the age of 14 when she was deemed to be too young to play heroine roles, but in 1950 was cast as the female lead in Samsaram. That role did not become actuality because she became too excited, necessitating numerous retakes and eventually her replacement in the part. She was given a minor speaking role in the film and in the next year had two more minor roles, in Roopavati and Patala Bhairavi, before getting her big break as the second heroine in Pelli Chesi Choodu. She, later on, was propelled to stardom with critically acclaimed roles in blockbusters such as Devadasu and Missamma.

Savitri won several awards for her performance. She also received the prestigious Rashtrapathi Award. In 2011, the Government of India issued a postage stamp in commemoration of Savitri.

While Savitri was married to Gemini Ganesan, the couple separated in the meantime. They had two children together. Savitri passed away in 1981 after slipping into a coma for 19 months; she was suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

Vivek was born on 19 November 1961 in India. He was an actor, known for Sivaji (2007), Anniyan (2005) and Run (2002). He was married to Arulselvi Vivek. He died on 17 April 2021 in Chennai, India.

He was primarily known for his work in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films, singing in an impressive total of 16 languages. According to some sources, he held a Guinness World Record for the most songs recorded by a single singer, with a staggering count of over 50,000 songs across these languages. On February 8, 1981, he achieved a remarkable feat by recording 28 songs in Kannada in a single day, along with an additional 19 songs in Tamil and 16 in Hindi, a milestone recognized as a record as well.

Raghuvaran was born on 10 December 1958 in Kollankod, Palakkad, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Mudhalvan (1999), Amarkalam (1999) and Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997). He was married to Rohini. He died on 19 March 2008 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Padmini was born on 12 June 1932 in Thiruvananthapuram, Travancore, British India. She was an actress and director, known for Thillana Mohanambal (1968), Kaajal (1965) and Poove Poochudava (1985). She was married to Dr. K. T. Ramachandran. She died on 24 September 2006 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

K. Balachander was born on 9 July 1930 in Nannilam, Madras Presidency, British India. He was a writer and director, known for Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), Thaneer Thaneer (1981) and Apoorva Raagangal (1975). He was married to Rajam. He died on 23 December 2014 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

K.V. Anand was born on 30 October 1966 in Madras, India. He was a cinematographer and writer, known for Ayan (2009), Maattrraan (2012) and Ko (2011). He died on 30 April 2021 in Chennai, India.

Balu Mahendra was born on 20 May 1939 in Sri Lanka. He was a cinematographer and director, known for Moondram Pirai (1982), Kokila (1977) and Sandhya Raagam (1989). He was married to Ahileshwari. He died on 13 February 2014 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Prem Nazir is considered to be the biggest star in Malyalam film history. He graduated from St. Berchman's College in Changanassery, Kerala. He started acting for the Excel company and most of his films were for the Udaya and Merryland Studios. He portrayed the ideal male in most of his films.

Jayalalithaa Jayaram, an iconic figure in Indian politics, seamlessly transitioned from a celebrated actress to a dynamic politician. Born in Melukote, Mysore, Karnataka, she hailed from a Tamil Iyengar family. Tragedy struck early in her life when her father, Jayaram, a lawyer, passed away when she was just two years old. Following this, Jayalalithaa and her brother found themselves relocating to Bengaluru with their mother, Vedavathi, who later ventured into Tamil cinema using the screen name 'Sandhya.'

Jayalalithaa received her early education from Bishop Cotton Girls' High School and Sacred Heart Matriculation School in Chennai. Recognized as a bright student, she excelled in her studies and earned a scholarship for higher education from the Government of India after completing her matriculation in 1964.

Fueled by her passion for the arts, Jayalalithaa ventured into the world of cinema shortly after her studies. Her journey in the film industry began in 1961, and she went on to become a prominent South Indian film star. Over the span of two decades, from 1961 to 1980, she graced the screens in 140 films, showcasing her versatility in Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu languages.

Beyond her acting prowess, Jayalalithaa was a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, displaying proficiency in various dance forms, including Kathak, Mohiniyattam, and Manipuri. Her multifaceted talents extended to her being a singer, lending her voice to songs in some of her films.

In 1982, Jayalalithaa made a significant shift in her career, entering the realm of politics. She joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party and quickly ascended through the ranks. Her political journey reached its pinnacle when she became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a position she held six times. Notably, her sixth term began on May 23, 2016, setting a record for the most sworn-in terms.

Known affectionately as "Amma," meaning mother, and "Puratchi Thalaivi," meaning revolutionary leader, Jayalalithaa left an indelible mark on Indian politics. Her charismatic leadership and unwavering dedication to public service endeared her to the people of Tamil Nadu, making her a revered figure in the history of Indian politics. Jayalalithaa's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with many, transcending the realms of both cinema and politics.

Known as one of the "big three" of South Indian Cinema of yesteryear (the other two being M.G. Ramchandran, and Sivaji Ganesan), Ramaswamy Ganesan had acted in several box-office hits between 1950 and 1978 as the lead hero. Born on November 16, 1919, he was a graduate from an orthodox Brahmin family, and had begun his career as a Lecturer in the Madras Christian College, but subsequently began to work with Gemini Studios as an Executive from 1947, hence he was referred to as "Gemini" Ganesan. He became a movie film hero by the age of 30 in a movie made by AVM Productions, and would soon attain star status.

Fondly referred to as the "King of Romance", he was paired with a number of top-rated heroines of his times, including Vyjantimala, Saroja Devi, Sowkar Janaki, and Devika. He ended up getting married to Savithri, another top heroine.

He was the proud father of one son and seven daughters. One of his daughters is Bollywood mega-star Rekha, and a second daughter named Ji Ji also a movie actress in two Tamil films. One of his other daughter is a well-known Chennai-based gynecologist, Kamala Selvaraj.

Unlike the other big two, Ganesan never tried his hand in politics, and continued doing films in Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, Malyalam, and Kannada languages, even after his prime, after which he did father roles up until the late 1990s. The total number of movies he acted in come to around 200 in all different languages.

A Padmasree recipient in 1971, Ganesan also won the Kalaimamani, MGR Gold Medal, and Screen Life Time Achievement awards.

After several months of bad health, he passed away on Tuesday 22 March 2005 at his home. He was 84 years of age.

Manorama is a veteran Tamil actress who has acted in more than 1500 films, 1000 stage performances, and a few television serials.She started her acting career as a drama artist, which was more popular those days. She slowly migrated from dramas to cinemas just as most actors did those days. During her initial days in the cine field, she concentrated more on comedy. She was given equally challenging roles alongside the well known comedian Nagesh. They made an excellent pair and received many praiseworthy comedies. Her role in Thillana Mohanambal was much appreciated and noticed even with the presence of great stalwarts like Sivaji Ganesan and Natiya Peroli (Danseuse) Padmini in the movie. Ever since, she was provided with more scope in varied roles in addition to comedy. She took each responsibility with such an ease which made the Tamil industry recognize her immense talent. She has the distinction of having acted with five chief ministers of South India. She was the female lead in the stage plays written, directed and acted by Mr C. N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. She has also acted in stage plays with another Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr M Karunanidhi. She has acted in films with Dr M G Ramachandran and Dr Jayalalitha Jayaram who both became Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu later. She has also acted in Telugu films with Dr N T Rama Rao, who became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

J. Mahendran was born on 25 July 1939 in Ilaiyangudi, Madras Presidency, British India. He was a writer and actor, known for Mullum Malarum (1978), Nenjathai Killathe (1980) and Uthiri Pookkal (1979). He died on 2 April 2019 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Mohan Gokhale was an acclaimed Indian actor known for his versatile performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema. With a career spanning over two decades, he left an indelible mark with roles in films like "Saaransh" and "Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro." Gokhale's nuanced portrayals earned him several awards, showcasing his prowess in both mainstream and parallel cinema. His untimely demise at the age of 45 was a loss to the Indian film industry, but his legacy lives on through his memorable contributions to the world of acting.

Cochin Hanifa was born on 22 April 1951 in Kochi, Travancore-Cochin, India. He was an actor and writer, known for Enthiran (2010), Paasa Paravaigal (1988) and Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu (1986). He was married to Fasila. He died on 2 February 2010 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Manobala was born on 8 December 1953 in Balachander, Tamil Nadu, India. He was an actor and director, known for Sathuranga Vettai (2014), Thuppakki (2012) and Vetri Padigal (1991). He was married to Usha Mahadevan. He died on 3 May 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

I.V. Sasi was born on 28 March 1948 in Kerala, British India [now India]. He was a director and writer, known for Eeta (1978), Itha Ivide Vare (1977) and Karimpin Poovinakkare (1985). He was married to Seema. He died on 24 October 2017 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Sobhan Babu was born on 14 January 1937 in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. He was an actor, known for Jeevana Jyoti (1975), Kurukshetra (1977) and Soggadu (1975). He was married to Santha kumari. He died on 20 March 2008 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Pandari Bai was born in 1930 in Bhatkal, Karnataka, India. She was an actress and producer, known for Namma Makkalu (1969), Andha Naal (1954) and Parasakthi (1952). She died on 29 January 2003 in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

Manivannan was born on 31 July 1954 in Sulur, Madras State, India. He was an actor and director, known for Jallikkattu (1987), Nooravathu Naal (1984) and Aathi (2006). He was married to Sengamalam. He died on 15 June 2013 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Bhanumathi Ramakrishna was born on 7 September 1925 in Doddavaram, Madras Presidency, British India. She was an actress and director, known for Laila Majnu (1949), Chandirani (1953) and Chandirani (1953). She was married to P.S. Ramakrishna Rao. She died on 24 December 2005 in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

Nagesh was born on 27 September 1933 in Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu, India. He was an actor and director, known for Nammavar (1994), Dasavatharam (2008) and Paartha Gnabagam Illayo (1985). He was married to Regina. He died on 31 January 2009 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Sujatha, a celebrated South Indian actress, graced the silver screen with her versatile performances in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi language films. Collaborating frequently with Kamal Haasan, she etched a niche for herself with her restrained and subtle portrayals of varied emotions. Her journey in the film industry began in 1967 with the Malayalam movie "Thabaswini," marking the commencement of a prolific career.

Director K. Balachander introduced Sujatha to the Tamil film industry, casting her as the protagonist in "Aval Oru Thodarkathai." Her foray into Telugu cinema started with the film "Gorintaku," and she went on to act alongside prominent actors of her time, including Kamal Haasan, Rajnikanth, Shobhan Babu, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Krishna.

Sujatha's filmography boasts noteworthy performances in films such as Suthradarulu, Pandanti Jeevitham, Prema Tharangalu, Vamshagouravam, Bebbuli, Sandhya, Aasha Jyothi, Guru Sishyulu, Sarkas Ramudu, Guppedu, and Mayadari Krishnudu. Regarded as one of the finest actors in the South Indian cinema industry, she shared a parallel with Hindi actress Smita Patil for her commitment to roles portraying women empowerment.

In 1997, Sujatha received the Nandi Award for Best Supporting Role in the movie "Pelli." Her prowess transcended linguistic boundaries, earning her accolades and recognition in all the languages she graced. The Tamilnadu government honored her with the prestigious "Kalaimamani" award.

Born in Sri Lanka, Sujatha spent her childhood actively participating in school plays before relocating to Kerala at the age of 14. Her acting journey took flight with the Malayalam film "Ernakulam Junction," catching the attention of the legendary Balachander.

Sujatha's personal life included her husband Jayakar, son Sajid, and daughter Divya. Tragically, she succumbed to a cardiac arrest on April 6, 2011, after undergoing treatment for a heart ailment in Chennai. Her legacy endures through her timeless contributions to Indian cinema, and she remains a revered figure in the hearts of film enthusiasts.

Jyothi Lakshmi was born in 1953 in India. She was an actress, known for Payal Ki Jhankar (1968), Gandharvya Kanya (1979) and Sethu (1999). She died on 8 August 2016 in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.