Thengai Srinivasan
Encyclopedia
Thengai Srinivasan (21st October, 1937 - 9th November, 1988) was a Tamil film comedian popular in the 1970s and 1980s. He has been given the title Thengai (coconut) after he acted as a coconut-seller in the drama Kal Manam, staged by actor K. Kannan. Though basically a comedian, he proved himself an all-rounder by excelling in roles other than comedy. He excelled as hero, villain and also character artiste.
, who watched the drama, appreciated Srinivasan for his performance and declared that thereafter Srinivasan would be known as ‘Thengai’ Srinivasan.
too. The movies included Kaliyuga Kannan, Porter Ponnusamy, Naan kudithukonde iruppen, etc. And, his films with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan
were also unforgettable for him.
Biography
His native place was Srivaikuntam in Tuticorin district. He was born to Rajavelu Mudaliar and Thaayammaal on 21st October, 1937. He had two sisters. When Srinivasan was seven years old, his family shifted to Chennai. Srinivasan got interested in acting due to his father’s influence, who was a stage artiste staging many plays. Srinivasan’s first stage appearance was through the drama ‘Galatta kalyanam’, his father’s play. Srinivasan became popular by staging this play at various places. Then, he joined the drama troupe, run by writer Ravindar and actor K. Kannan and became very busy as a stage artiste. He earned the prefix Thengai for his excellent performance as a coconut vendor in the drama Kal manam, staged by Kannan. The then popular comedian K. A. ThangaveluK. A. Thangavelu
K. A. Thangavelu popularly known as "Danaal Thangavelu" was a Tamil film comedian popular in the 1950s to 1970s. Not known for physical, acrobatic comedy like his contemporaries J.P.Chandrababu and Nagesh, Thangavelu's humor is recognized for his impeccable timing in verbal agility and the...
, who watched the drama, appreciated Srinivasan for his performance and declared that thereafter Srinivasan would be known as ‘Thengai’ Srinivasan.
Career
Thengai Srinivasan’s first film was Oru viral. He did the role of a CID officer. It was a comedian role. When asked about his favorite movies, Srinivasan said that he liked all his films with Makkal thilagam M.G. Ramachandran. And, he enjoyed acting with Nadigar Thilakam Sivaji GanesanSivaji Ganesan
Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
too. The movies included Kaliyuga Kannan, Porter Ponnusamy, Naan kudithukonde iruppen, etc. And, his films with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is an Indian film actor, screenwriter and director, considered to be one of the leading method actors of Indian cinema. He is widely acclaimed as an actor and is well known for his versatility in acting...
were also unforgettable for him.
When asked about the unforgettable bitter experiences in his life, Srinivasan recalled some with painful memory. He said that many cheques given by producers had bounced. He had outstanding amounts running in crores. He had many health problems, both major and minor and his medicine box used to be a mini medical shop. He wanted to make a film with MGR but it didn’t materialize. But, he produced a film with Sivaji, titled Krishnan Vandhaan. He had more than 900 films to his credit but he remained simple till end. His exclusive gestures and improvised comedy dialogues entertained all groups of cine-goers.
Death
When Thengai Srinivasan went to Bangalore to attend the rituals in connection with his aunt’s death, he had hemorrhage in brain and had stroke. In spite of intensive treatment, he died on 9th November 1987 in an unconscious state at an early age of 51 years. His body was brought to his house at Ramasamy Street in Gopalapuram in Chennai in a van. All the VIPs in film industry and his fans paid their last homage and gave him a send-off with tearful eyes.Personal life
Srinivasan was married to Lakshmi. The couple have two daughters, Geetha and Rajeswari and a son Shivshankar. Geetha’s son Yogi and Shivshankar’s daughter Srutika have entered the film industry.Notable Filmography
- Udaya Geetham (1985)
- Kai Kodukkam Kai (1984)
- Thanga MaganThanga MaganThanga Magan is a Tamil film directed by A.Jagannathan, starring Rajinikanth and Poornima in the lead roles.-Soundtrack:...
(1983) - Rama Lakshman (1981)
- Thillu MulluThillu MulluThillu Mullu is a 1981 Tamil movie starring Rajinikanth, Madhavi, 'Thengai' Srinivasan, Nagesh, Sowkar Janaki and music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The film is directed by noted filmmaker, K. Balachander.The film is actually a remake of the Hindi Blockbuster comedy film Gol Maal released in 1979...
(1981) - Tik Tik Tik (1981)
- Kazhagu (1981)
- BillaBilla (1980 film)Billa is a 1980 Tamil film produced by K.Balaji and directed by R.Krishnamurthy. The film stars Rajinikanth, Suresh Balaje, Thengai Srinivasan, Manorama, Sripriya, Reena Roy and Major Sundarrajan...
(1980) - Aarilirindhu Aruvathu Varai (1979)
- Anbae Sangeetha (1979)
- Dharma Yuddham (1979)
- PriyaPriya (film)Priya is a 1978 Tamil film directed by SP. Muthuraman, starring Rajnikanth, Sridevi and Ambarish. The story is an adaptation from writer Sujatha's Ganesh - Vasanth novels. It was shot mostly in Singapore. It was shot simultaneously and released in Kannada as well.-Plot:Priya is a movie star, who...
(1978) - ThyagamThyagamThyagam is a Tamil film released in 1978 with Sivaji Ganesan in the lead role of a protagonist-Soundtrack:The Music is scored by Ilayaraja and the lyrics are written by Kannadasan....
(1978) - Vaazha Ninaiththaal Vaazhalaam (1978)
- AnnakiliAnnakiliAnnakili is a 1976 Tamil language film. It was directed by Devaraj Mohan.It was ilayaraja's first filmCast:Siva Kumar, SujathaProduces:Thiruppur Manian...
(1976) - Kasethan KadavuladaKasethan KadavuladaKasethan Kadavulada is a Tamil language comedy film starring Muthuraman, Thengai Srinivasan, Srikanth| and Lakshmi in the lead roles and Manorama and Venniradai Moorthy in supporting roles...
(1972) - Ethir NeechalEthir NeechalEthir Neechal is a 1968 Tamil language drama film directed by K. Balachander starring Nagesh, Jayanthi, Sowcar Janaki, R. Muthuraman, Sundarrajan and Srikanth.- Plot :...
(1968)