Tamil actor Raghuvaran passes away

Veteran Tamil actor Raghuvaran, who carved a niche for himself in character roles, died today after a brief illness.

19-03-2008 Raghuvaran, 49, is survived by his wife Rohini, from whom he had separated, and a son. A heavy smoker, he was having health problems for quite sometime and was admitted to a private hospital about a week ago.

Raghuvaran, who had carved a niche for himself in roles that displayed sadism, had acted in more than 80 films in Tamil and Malayalam and had bagged many awards, including the Tamil Nadu government's 'Kalaimamani' (artiste of excellence) and best character artiste awards.

He had acted with top actors, including superstar Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan. He had also figured in Hindi films Shiva , the first Hindi directorial venture of Ram Gopal Varma, and in Lal Badshah .

His portrayal of the father of a mentally-challenged daughter in Anjali , which was also dubbed in Hindi, earned him critical acclaim.

Renowned character actor Raghuvaran died here Wednesday after a weeklong fight to survive a cardiac arrest, the family said. He was 49.

Although separated from him, his former wife and actor Rohini was inconsolable. They have a nine-year-old son, Nanda.

Honoured by the Tamil Nadu government with its premier "Kalaimamani" award, the actor had carved a niche for himself by his method acting.

In a career spanning 26 years, Raghuvaran played hero, villain and character roles in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi movies rubbing shoulders with stars such as Rajnikanth, Kamal Hassan, Sathyaraj, Mammooty and Mohanlal.

The distinctly different use of a cultured, baritone voice in a peculiarly slow, deliberate dialogue-delivery set Raghuvaran apart from the rest.

Noticed by critics immediately after his 1982 debut film "Ezhavathu Manithan" (Seventh Man), Raghuvaran played hero briefly and developed into a well-established character actor.

"Raghu came up through struggle and dedication and was unique in everything he did," said South Indian Film Artistes Association President, actor and politician Sarath Kumar.

Besides leading lights of the south Indian film industry like ace director Maniratnam and leading actor Vijay, Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin paid floral tributes to the dead actor.

Date of Birth
11 December 1948, India

Trivia

Has a birthday just before Tamil superstar Rajini Kanth's. Both of them acted together in 'Siva' (1989) and 'Muthu' (1995).

Is currently a supporting actor for the lead heroes in Tamil movies, like Madhavan and Vijay.

Raghuvaran, a distinguished character artiste, passed away in Chennai this morning (March 19). He was admitted to Mehtha Hospital for treatment a few days ago. The reason for the death has been disclosed as weakness caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It is learnt that he had been under intensive medical care for the past few weeks.Raghuvaran, born in December 11,1948, has acted in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi films. Most of his roles were of a villain or a supporting actor. He has also acted as a hero in a few movies.

Though he has acted in several films, he shot to fame with his role as the protagonist of a Tamil soap opera, 'Oru Manidhanin Kadhai' (One Man's Story), about the agony of a well-to-do man who becomes an alcoholic.

Unfortunately, the drug addiction cast its shade in his real life too. His wife Rohini too divorced him due to his addiction. They have a son Rishi.

Though Raghuvaran tried to rid his habit and tried to lead life on normal terms, the addiction did not leave him alone.

'Anjali', 'Batsha', Puriyatha Puthir, and 'Mudhalvan' are some of the films in which he had rendered outstanding performances. He has acted in many of Rajini’s films including his latest film 'Sivaji - The Boss'. Though he had gradually reduced the number of films in recent years, he had three releases lined up in 2008, 'Bheemaa', 'Ashoka', and 'Silanerangalil'. He had also acted as Dhanush's father in ‘Yaradi Nee Mohini’, which is yet to be released.

IndiaGlitz expresses its deepest condolences on the death of this versatile actor.

Hi Jaanu,
Thanks for posting this information.
It is sad to know that he died at very young age because of his own bad habits.
This is the third death news I am hearing this week related to alcohol.
In my husband's relation, elder son and elder son-in-law died on two consecutive days because of their bad habits of alcoholism.
May their soul rest in peace.

raguvaran was a very gud actor...Its really heartbreaking to know abt the sudden demise of the actor..May his soul rest in peace..

He was a very good actor. People should never get addicted to anything otherwise it will kill them!!!!!!

May his soul rest in peace..

So sad.

May his soul rest in peace.

L, Kamla

So unexpected.....

Was a very good actor of his own style. Last night we watched a scene from the movie, 'Samsaram adhu minsaram' coincidentally and talked about him for sometime....

May his soul rest in peace....





Thank you, Jaanu, for the news....

Thanks for posting. Being away from india got to know this only thru this post. I did not see news also today.