ACTOR MURALI
Actor Murali, who during the nineties was an endearing performer in low-budget movies, which usually presented him as an ordinary man in mute awe of his love interest, passed away on Wednesday morning(08/09/2010). His family said he died of a cardiac arrest at 7.30 am. He was 46. Murali was rushed to Sri Ramachandra University Hosptial, Porur, after he complained of severe chest pain. But, according to the hospital sources, he had no pulse even as he was brought in and was declared ‘Dead on Arrival.'
Murali, son of Kannada film director G.Siddalingiah, started his acting career in Kannada films, but it was his stint in Tamil cinema that fetched him fame and recognition. Murali's acting career, spanning 26 years, took off in 1984, after his debut in "Poovilangu" (பூவிலங்கு), which was also the directorial debut of Amirjan, an assistant of K Balachander. The song, 'Aathadi paavada kathada' (ஆத்தாடி பாவாட காத்தாட, காத்தாடி போல் நெஞ்சம் கூத்தாட) was a runaway hit. "A debut director and actor don't make the easiest of combinations. However, Murali wasn't camera shy and grasped everything quickly," said Amirjan." He was very good in fight sequences as well, and gave much more than what a director expected."
After the success of the film he did “Pagal Nilavu” (பகல் நிலவு) which was the first Tamil film of director Mani Rathnam. By 1990, Murali was delivering at the box office as well, with films like " Pudhu Vasantham" (புது வசந்தம்) , a massive hit especially outside the big cities.
After the success of the film he did “Pagal Nilavu” (பகல் நிலவு) which was the first Tamil film of director Mani Rathnam. By 1990, Murali was delivering at the box office as well, with films like " Pudhu Vasantham" (புது வசந்தம்) , a massive hit especially outside the big cities.
Some of Murali's hit films include “Puthu Vasantham”, “Porkalam”, “Kalamellam Kadhal Vazhga”, “Vetri Kodi Kattu”, “Sundara Travels”, “Poomani”, “Alithantha Vanam”, “Desiya Geetham”, “Idayam”, “Thanga Manusukkaran”, “En Asai Machan”, “Anandam” and “Samuthiram.” He got an award from the State government for his acting in director Bharathiraja's “Kadal Pookkal” and won the Kalaimamani in 2001. He has done 98 films and his 99th film is said to be half-completed. Murali also played a small part in his son Atharvaa's debut film “Bana Kathadi.” (பாணா காத்தாடி)
Producer Sathyajothi Thygarajan said, “I will miss a good friend. Only last Sunday we all celebrated the engagement of his daughter Kaavya in his house. In “Bana Kathadi”, he makes a statement about good heart health, ironically.”
Tamil film director Amirjan said Murali was a good person and a talented actor. “He was spotted by director K.Balachander who wanted me to use him in “Poovilangu.”
The director was convinced of Murali's acting talents and the film's success proved this judgement right.”
His negative role in Bharathirajaa's highly-acclaimed "Kadal Pookkal" fetched him the state government award in 2001. He also proved his mettle in films such as Cheran's Porkalam' and Vettrikodi Kattu'. However, his image was sealed as a college student or a romantic hero, especially after films like "Idhayam", a movie which revolved around a city-based college in which Murali character's kept stalking the heroine played by Heera unable to express his love. The movie struck a chord among the typically-inarticulate youths and was a box-office hit. Murali's role too was much admired and spoken of for years.
"He was a natural actor, and never created a fuss on the shooting spot," said actor Mohan Raman, who donned the role of the college dean in "Idhayam". "He was a guy everyone liked," said actor Arjun, who, like Murali, hails from Bangalore. "I never acted with him, but when I entered films he was my only friend. It is a personal loss for me," he added.
"He was a natural actor, and never created a fuss on the shooting spot," said actor Mohan Raman, who donned the role of the college dean in "Idhayam". "He was a guy everyone liked," said actor Arjun, who, like Murali, hails from Bangalore. "I never acted with him, but when I entered films he was my only friend. It is a personal loss for me," he added.
Actor Kuyili, the first heroine to be paired with Murali in “Poovilangu” said, “he was a very good actor and was always on time to his shoot. One cannot forget his subtle performances on screen. The talented actor made it big in Tamil cinema with his unique style and ability to blend romance, pathos and comedy in the right measure.”
Murali is survived by his wife Shoba, sons Atharvaa and Akash, and daughter Kaavya.
As a performer he was meticulous, a quality that ensured his success. Off screen too, these qualities will be remembered.
The Tamil film industry has called for a halt of operations on Thursday, when Murali's last rites will be held.
The Tamil film industry has called for a halt of operations on Thursday, when Murali's last rites will be held.
SINGER SWARNALATHA
Swarnalatha, singing star from South Indian Film Industry, died in a private hospital in Chennai yesterday (12/09/2010). She had been below par for last few days and was hospitalized. 37 years old Swarnalatha was being diagnosed with some lung disease. As the news of her death came up the South Indian Film Industry went into shock. The state of mourning could be seen in the music world with the sad demise of Swarnalatha.
Swarnalatha belonged to Palakkad, Kerala. She was born to K. C. Cherukutty and Kalyani. She has inherited music from her father as he was excellent harmonium player and singer also. She got the music in her blood as her mother also took ken interest in music. Being nurtured in musical environment, her inclination towards it was quite natural. She also learnt vocal as well as instrumental music. She was well versed in playing harmonium and keyboard.
Swarnalatha got her first break of her career in 1987 when she met M S Viswanathan. He introduced her with K J Yesudas in a duet “Chinnanchirukiliye Kannamma” in the film “Neethikku Dhandanai”. She has given her best songs with music composers like M M Sreelekha, M M Keeravani and KOTI of which Ilaiyaraja is prominent. Her talent was nurtured and promoted by music maestro A R Rahman. She has given more than 100 songs with these two noted music directors. She has also sung for Hindi movie “Rangeela” that goes like “Hai Rama Yeh Kya Hua”. Her voice was best suited to Urmila’s sensuous gesticulation in the visuals of song. She has also earned National Award for playback singer in 1995 for the song "Porale Ponnuthayi" from Karuthamma.
Swarnalatha was versatile singer and remained active in her career spanning over more than two decades. She lent her voice for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi songs. She was genius having sung different songs with varying mood and temperament. Her genius could be listened to in the songs like "Maalayil Yaaro Manathodu Pesa" from “Chatriyan” and “Povomma Oorkolam” from “Chinna Thambi”. She never hesitated experimenting with her voice. She has got exclusive attribute of singing in unique pitch in voice. A R Rahman adventured to make her sing "Mukkabla" from “Kadhalan”. She has also bagged Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1991 for “Povomma Oorkolam” from “Chinna Thambi” and Kalaimamani Award in 1994 for excellence in her field of music.
Swarnalatha belonged to Palakkad, Kerala. She was born to K. C. Cherukutty and Kalyani. She has inherited music from her father as he was excellent harmonium player and singer also. She got the music in her blood as her mother also took ken interest in music. Being nurtured in musical environment, her inclination towards it was quite natural. She also learnt vocal as well as instrumental music. She was well versed in playing harmonium and keyboard.
Swarnalatha got her first break of her career in 1987 when she met M S Viswanathan. He introduced her with K J Yesudas in a duet “Chinnanchirukiliye Kannamma” in the film “Neethikku Dhandanai”. She has given her best songs with music composers like M M Sreelekha, M M Keeravani and KOTI of which Ilaiyaraja is prominent. Her talent was nurtured and promoted by music maestro A R Rahman. She has given more than 100 songs with these two noted music directors. She has also sung for Hindi movie “Rangeela” that goes like “Hai Rama Yeh Kya Hua”. Her voice was best suited to Urmila’s sensuous gesticulation in the visuals of song. She has also earned National Award for playback singer in 1995 for the song "Porale Ponnuthayi" from Karuthamma.
Swarnalatha was versatile singer and remained active in her career spanning over more than two decades. She lent her voice for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi songs. She was genius having sung different songs with varying mood and temperament. Her genius could be listened to in the songs like "Maalayil Yaaro Manathodu Pesa" from “Chatriyan” and “Povomma Oorkolam” from “Chinna Thambi”. She never hesitated experimenting with her voice. She has got exclusive attribute of singing in unique pitch in voice. A R Rahman adventured to make her sing "Mukkabla" from “Kadhalan”. She has also bagged Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1991 for “Povomma Oorkolam” from “Chinna Thambi” and Kalaimamani Award in 1994 for excellence in her field of music.
Swarnalatha also got the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for famous song Porale Ponnuthayi from the filmKaruththamma in 1995. She has sung hit songs from films including Thalapathi (1991), Thevar Magan (1992), Karuththamma (1994), Bombay (1995), Indian (1996), and Minsaara Kanavu (1997).
Swarnalatha has left wonderful songs to be remembered for several years to come.
Swarnalatha has left wonderful songs to be remembered for several years to come.
