P Bharathiraja

Indian film director P Bharathiraja is famously known for his work in the Tamil film industry and is known for realistic and sensitive portrayal of rural life in his films. Bharathiraja made his debut in 1977 with the blockbuster hit '16 Vayathinile' with superstar's Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi Kapoor in the lead roles. Bharathiraja hails from a small sylvan village Alli Nagaram, and was the fifth child to his parents, Periya Maya Thevar and Meenatchiammaal alias Karuthammaal. He has catered to the rural audiences by creating 'Kizhake Pogum Rail' following which he had directed the psychopathic thriller film 'Sigappu Rojakkal' which was totally westernized in its terms of both conception and production. Bharathiraja was considered the trend setting director of the 80's, by breaking genre's with his freshly conceptualized films and has also made films on controversial films like 'Vedham Pudhithu' which dealt with the issue of caste and inter-caste marriages. The commercial success of Kizhakku Cheemaiyile and the awards Karuththamma garnered stand as testimony for his ability to thrill the younger generation as well. He has also won the National Award for Anthimanthaarai. Bharathiraja is married to Chandra Leelavathi and has two children Manoj Bharathiraja and Janani. His son Manoj was introduced as an actor in Tajmahal, and is married to actress Nandana.

Born on: 17 July, 1941

Born in: Alli Nagaram, Theni, Madras Presidency, India