M. N. Rajam
Madurai Narasimha Achary Rajam[1] is an Indian actress, who works mainly in Tamil cinema.[2] She made her stage acting debut at the age of seven, and film acting debut as a child artist in 1949. At the age of 14, Rajam played the vamp role in the Tamil classic Ratha Kanneer (1954), opposite M. R. Radha. Since then Rajam had acted with several leading actors including MGR,[3] Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, M. R. Radha, S.S. Rajendran, M. N. Nambiar and N. S. Krishnan.[4] She married popular Tamil playback singer A. L. Raghavan on 2 May 1960.[5] Her performances in films like, Rathak Kaneer, Pennin Perumai, Pudhayal, Thanga Padumai, "Nadodi Mannan", "Pasa Malar", Thaali Bhagyam and "Arangetram" were critically acclaimed. She played supporting roles in films since 1970 to 1990. She started working in TV serials from 1995 and continues to work in films till 2014.[6][7]
M. N. Rajam | |
---|---|
Born | Madurai Narasimha Achary Rajam 25 May 1940 |
Occupation | Actress |
Years active | 1949-2007 |
Spouse |
A. L. Raghavan (m. 1960–2020) |
Children | Brahmalakshman (b.1963) Nalina Meenakshi (b.1969) |
Filmography
1940s
Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1949 | Nallathambi | Girl at orphanage | N. S. Krishnan, P. Bhanumathi | Child Artist |
1949 | Mangayarkarasi | Heavenly Maiden | P. U. Chinnappa |
1950s
Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1952 | En Thangai | Servant Girl | C. S. Pandian, M. G. Ramachandran | |
1952 | Mappillai | Nurse | T. R. Ramachandran, P. V. Narasimha Bharathi | |
1952 | Penn Manam | T. K. Shanmugam | ||
1953 | Manidhanum Mirugamum | Sivaji Ganesan, Madhuri Devi | ||
1954 | Ratha Kanneer | Kantha | M. R. Radha | |
1955 | Doctor Savithri | Vanaja | Veenai S. Balachander | |
1955 | Kanavaney Kankanda Deivam | Mallika | Gemini Ganesan, Anjali Devi | |
1955 | Maheswari | Gemini Ganesan, K. Savithri | ||
1955 | Mangaiyar Thilakam | Prabha | Sivaji Ganesan | |
1955 | Methavigal | K. A. Thangavelu | ||
1955 | Needhipathi | S. V. Sahasranamam, Gemini Ganesan, K. R. Ramasamy, Rajasulochana | ||
1955 | Town Bus | Pankajam | N. N. Kannappa, Anjali Devi | |
1955 | Ulagam Palavidham | T. K. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Lalitha | ||
1955 | Kathanayaki | K. A. Thangavelu, Padmini | ||
1956 | Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum | Bulbul | K. Sarangapani, M. G. Ramachandran, P. Bhanumathi | |
1956 | Kula Dheivam | M. K. Mustafa | ||
1956 | Marma Veeran | Mohini | J. P. Chandrababu, Sriram, Vyjayanthimala, Rajasulochana | |
1956 | Mathar Kula Manickam | K. A. Thangavelu, A. Nageswara Rao, Anjali Devi, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | ||
1956 | Moondru Pengal | |||
1956 | Naane Raja | Sivaji Ganesan, M. K. Mustafa | ||
1956 | Naan Petra Selvam | Dr. Sumathi | M. N. Nambiar, Sivaji Ganesan, G. Varalakshmi | |
1956 | Nalla Veedu | Sivaji Ganesan | ||
1956 | Paasavalai | M. K. Radha, G. Varalakshmi | ||
1956 | Pennin Perumai | Neela | Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
1956 | Rambaiyin Kaadhal | Princess Suguna | K. A. Thangavelu, P. Bhanumathi | |
1956 | Rangoon Radha | Thangam | Sivaji Ganesan, P. Bhanumathi, S. S. Rajendran, Rajasulochana | |
1956 | Sadhaaram | Gemini Ganesan, P. Bhanumathi | ||
1957 | Baagyavathi | Bama | Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini | |
1957 | Mahadhevi | Princess Mangamma | P. S. Veerappa, M. G. Ramachandran, Savithri | |
1957 | Makkalai Petra Magarasi | Thangam | M. N. Nambiar, Sivaji Ganesan, P. Bhanumathi | |
1957 | Mallika | Gemini Ganesan, Padmini | ||
1957 | Mudhalali | Kokilam | S. S. Rajendran, T. K. Ramachandran, Devika | |
1957 | Pudhaiyal | Menaka | Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini | |
1957 | Samaya Sanjeevi | T. R. Ramachandran | ||
1958 | Annaiyin Aanai | Sundari | M. N. Nambiar, Sivaji Ganesan, Savithri | |
1958 | Kanniyin Sabatham | M. N. Nambiar, K. R. Ramasamy, Anjali Devi, Rajsulochana | ||
1958 | Kaathavaraayan | Aravathi | J. P. Chandrababu, Sivaji Ganesan, Savithri | |
1958 | Mangalya Bhagyam | Guest Role | ||
1958 | Nadodi Mannan | Queen Manohari | M. G. Ramachandran, P. Bhanumathi, B, Saroja Devi | |
1958 | Nalla Idathu Sambandham | Maragatham | Prem Nazir, M. R. Radha, Sowcar Janaki | |
1958 | Neelavukku Niranja Manasu | T. K. Ramachandran | ||
1958 | Padhi Bhakti | Marikozhundhu | Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
1958 | Pathi Bakthi | Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | Telugu | |
1958 | Periya Kovil | Prem Nazir | ||
1958 | Pillai Kaniyamudhu | S. S. Rajendran, E. V. Saroja | ||
1958 | Piya Milan | Mohini | J. P. Chandrababu, Sriram, Vyjayanthimala, Rajasulochana | |
1958 | Samopoorna Ramayanam | Shurpanakha | N. T. Rama Rao, P. V. Narasimha Bharathi, Sivaji Ganesan | |
1958 | Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum | Saradha | S. S. Rajendran, Prem Nazir, Rajasulochana | |
1958 | Thedi Vandha Selvam | S. S. Rajendran, Rajasulochana | ||
1958 | Thirumanam | Mullai | Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
1959 | Abalai Anjugam | T. R. Mahalingam, Sowcar Janaki | ||
1959 | Alli Petra Pillai | |||
1959 | Kalyanikku Kalyanam | Suseela | S. S. Rajendran, Prem Nazir | |
1959 | Amudhavalli | T. R. Mahalingam | ||
1959 | Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal | S. S. Rajendran | ||
1959 | Naan Sollum Ragasiyam | Kala | Sivaji Ganesan, Anjali Devi | |
1959 | Nalla Theerpu | Veena | Gemini Ganesan, Jamuna | |
1959 | Orey Vazhi | Prem Nazir | ||
1959 | Pennkulathin Ponvilakku | Gemini Ganesan | ||
1959 | Pudhumai Penn | S. S. Rajendran | ||
1959 | Sabhash Ramudu | Jayasri | N. T. Rama Rao, Kanta Rao | Telugu |
1959 | Sabhash Ramu | Jayasri | N. T. Rama Rao, Kanta Rao | |
1959 | Sivagangai Seemai | P. S. Veerappa, S. S. Rajendran, Kumari Kamala | ||
1959 | Thanga Padhumai | Princess | M. N. Nambiar, Sivaji Ganesan | |
1959 | Thaiyaipola Pillai Noolaipola Selai | Prem Nazir | ||
1959 | Uzhavukkum Thozhilukkum Vandhanai Seivom | Prem Nazir |
1960s
Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1960 | Baghdad Thirudan | M. G. Ramachandran, Vyjayanthimala | ||
1960 | Deivapiravi | Thilagam | S. S. Rajendran, Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini | |
1960 | Ellorum Innaattu Mannar | M. N. Nambiar, Gemini Ganesan, B. Sarojadevi | ||
1960 | Irumanam Kalanthal Thirumanam | Prem Nazir, Ragini | ||
1960 | Kavalai Illaadha Manithan | Sivakami | T. R. Mahalingam | |
1960 | Maa Babu | Maya | A. Nageswara Rao, Savithri | Telugu |
1960 | Paavai Vilakku | Uma | Sivaji Ganesan, Sowcar Janaki, Pandari Bai, Kumari Kamala | |
1960 | Petra Manam | Sivaji Ganesan, S. S. Rajendran | ||
1960 | Raja Desingu | Sengkamalam | K. A. Thangavelu, M. G. Ramachandran, S. S. Rajendran | |
1960 | Thangam Manasu Thangam | S. S. Rajendran, Prem Nazir | ||
1960 | Thangarathinam | Seethai | Prem Nazir, S. S. Rajendran, C. R. Vijayakumari | |
1960 | Thilakam | Thilakam | Prem Nazir | |
1960 | Uthami Petra Rathinam | T. K. Ramachandran, K. Balaji, Malini | ||
1960 | Veerakkanal | Porkodi | Gemini Ganesan, Anjali Devi | |
1960 | Vidivelli | K. Balaji, Sivaji Ganesan, B. Saroja Devi | ||
1961 | Anbu Magan | Maya | A. Nageswara Rao, Savithri | |
1961 | Anumanam | S. S. Rajendran, Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini | Telugu | |
1961 | Kumara Raja | J. P. Chandrababu | ||
1961 | Mamiyarum Oru Veetu Marumagale | S. S. Rajendran | ||
1961 | Pasamalar | Dr. Malathy | Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
1961 | Thirudadhe | M. G. Ramachandran, B. Sarojadevi | ||
1962 | Pirandha Naal | Prem Nazir | ||
1962 | Vadivukku Valaikaappu | Sivaji Ganesan, K. Savithri | ||
1962 | Raani Samyuktha | Bhawani | M. G. Ramachandran, Padmini | |
1966 | Thaali Bhagyam | Kamalam | S. V. Subbaiah, M. G. Ramachandran, B. Saroja Devi | |
1968 | Kallum Kaniyagum | T. M. Soundararajan, A. L. Raghavan |
1970s
Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1973 | Arangetram | Visalam | S. V. Subbaiah | |
1973 | Vandhale Magarasi | Mangamma | V. S. Raghavan | |
1973 | Ponvandu | Kamala | Jaishankar | |
1973 | Veettukku Vandha Marumagal | A. V. M. Rajan | ||
1974 | Athaiya Mamiya | Sumathi | Jaishankar | |
1974 | Avalukku Nigar Avale | Ravichandran | ||
1974 | Engamma Sapatham | R. Muthuraman, Sivakumar | ||
1974 | Kanmani Raja | Sivakumar | ||
1974 | Naan Avanillai | Gemini Ganesan, Kamal Haasan | ||
1974 | Ore Saatchi | A. V. M. Rajan, P. R. Varalakshmi | ||
1974 | Pathu Madha Bandham | |||
1974 | Raja Nagam | |||
1974 | Sivagamiyin Selvan | Sivaji Ganesan | ||
1975 | Aan Pillai Singam | |||
1975 | Karotti Kannan | Sreekanth | ||
1975 | Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu | R. Muthuraman, Vijayakumar | ||
1976 | Akka | K. R. Vijaya | ||
1976 | Annakili | Sivakumar | ||
1976 | Mayor Meenakshi | |||
1976 | Oorukku Uzhaippavan | Vanisri's mother | ||
1978 | Mangudi Minor | Vijayakumar, Rajinikanth | ||
1976 | Nandha En Nila | Vijayakumar, Sumithra | ||
1976 | Varaprasadham | Ravichandran, Jayachitra, Vijayakumar | ||
1977 | Gaayathri | Gaayathri's Mother | Rajinikanth, Sridevi, Jaishankar | |
1977 | Thaliya Salangaiya | R. Muthuraman, Vanisri | ||
1977 | Ilaya Thalaimurai | Vanisri's Mother | Sivaji Ganesan | |
1978 | Kaatrile Varum Geetham | R. Muthuraman | ||
1979 | Kannil Theriyum Kathaikal | Sarathbabu | ||
1979 | Mayandi | Jaishankar | ||
1979 | Thisai Maariya Paravaigal | Sarath Babu | ||
1979 | Velum Mayilum Thunai | Prohit's Wife | M. R. Radha, Baby Sudha |
1980s
Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1984 | Nanayamillatha Nanayam | Visu | ||
1985 | Andha Oru Nimidam | Kamal Haasan | ||
1985 | Urimai | Suresh, Nalini | ||
1986 | Nilave Malare | Rajesh's aunt | Rajesh, Rahman, Nadhiya | |
1987 | Thirumathi Oru Vegumathi | Kokila's mother | Visu, S. V. Shekhar | |
1987 | Valayal Satham | Murali | ||
1988 | Penmani Aval Kanmani | R. Dilip's mother | Visu, R. Dilip | |
1988 | Urimai Geetham | Prabhu's mother | Prabhu, Karthik | |
1989 | Thendral Sudum | Baby sitter | Radhika, Nizhalgal Ravi |
1990s
Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1990 | Ethir Kaatru | Anand Babu's mother | Ra. Sankaran | |
1991 | Aatha Un Koyilile | Kasthuri's mother | T. K. S. Chandran | |
1991 | Thayamma | Pandiyan | ||
1993 | Aadhityan | R. Sarathkumar | ||
1993 | En Idhaya Rani | Parvathi | Anand Babu | |
1997 | Ullaasam | Ajit Kumar | ||
1998 | Maru Malarchi | Ranjit's mother | Mammootty |
2000s
Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
2001 | Kutty | Ramesh Aravind's mother | Ramesh Aravind, Kausalya | |
2002 | Pammal K. Sambandam | Grand-aunt | Kamal Haasan, Simran, Abbas, Sneha | |
2003 | Winner | Sivagami | M. N. Nambiar, Prashanth | |
2003 | Winner | Sivagami | M. N. Nambiar, Prashanth | Telugu |
2005 | Anbe Vaa | Grandmother | M. S. Viswanathan | |
2005 | Thirupaachi | Trisha's grandmother | Vijay, Trisha | |
2006 | Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi | Vadivelu's mother | Vennira Aadai Moorthy, Vadivelu | |
2007 | Marudhamalai | Nila's grandmother | Arjun, Nila |
References
- "All's in a letter". The Hindu. 25 November 2013. Archived from the original on 29 November 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- "Daring to be different". New Straits Times. 24 January 2000. pp. It's Showbiz 2. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- "How a Tiff Prompted MGR to Change Bhanumathi Ramakrishna's Role in Nadodi Mannan". News18. 21 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
- "Contented with her lot". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 26 January 2007. Archived from the original on 4 February 2007. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
- Shivpprasadh, S. (20 June 2013). "The perfect pair". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- "In rewind mode". The Hindu. 5 May 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
- Kumar, Ashok (1 March 2018). "வின்னர் படத்தில் நடித்த M.N ராஜம் கனவர் யார் தெரியுமா, தற்போதைய நிலை - விவரம் உள்ளே". Tamil Behind Talkies (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.