Today is a day to reckon for the veteran actor Vijayakumar who not only celebrates his 61st birthday but also completes 50 years in Tamil film industry. It’s an achievement by many standards and Southdreamz wishes the veteran all the very best even in the coming years.
Vijayakumar was born on this day in 1949. Right from his early days his passion was acting. His first role in films was as a child actor in 1961. Vijaykumar was the little Lord Murugan in ‘Sri Valli’ starring Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. But not many offers were forthcoming for the little actor.
Later to develop himself as a complete actor Vijayakumar started acting in stage plays. He joined the celebrated Sahasranamam’s Seva Stage to learn the fine tricks of acting. Muthuraman was also with the Seva Stage at that time. When Muthuraman became popular in films and left the troupe his roles were offered to Vijayakumar.
Then in 1973 Vijayakumar got his first bi break. After passing stringent tests he was selected to play one of the main roles in ‘Ponnuku Thanga Manasu’ directed by Devaraj-Mohan. The other hero in the film was Sivakumar. The success of ‘Ponnuku Thanga Manasu’ got him a permanent place in Tamil cinema.
Vijayakumar went on to become one of the highly successful stars. It is not an exaggeration if we say Vijayakumar ruled the seventies along with Jaishankar and Muthuraman. Films like Aval Oru Thodarkathai, Mathura Geetham, Azhage Unnai Arathikkiren boosted up his reputation. He even skifully managed to support the icons MGR and Sivaji. ‘Deepam’ with Sivaji and ‘Intrupol Entrum Vazhga’ are two of most memorable films by Vijayakumar.
In the beginning of eighties Vijayakumar wanted to retire from films after staying away from arc lights for some time. But how can one of the most versatile actors be allowed to go just like that? Maniratnam offered Vijayakumar one of his lifetime roles in ‘Agninatchathiram’ and the second innings of Vijayakumar gathered momentum and still going strong.
‘Andhi Mantharai’ directed by Bharathi Raja was one film which took him almost close to winning the national award for best actor. He missed it by one vote. He keeps getting strong characters like that he played in Kizhakku Vasal and Kizhakku Cheemayile even today.
In his 50 years long career there is no role Vijayakumar has not played to excellence. There is no legendary director who has not directed him. Be it a lover boy, adoring brother, devoted husband, menacing villain, funny bean, doting father, imposing village chieftain, upright police officer he has played all to perfection. From MGR, Sivaji to Rajini, Kamal to Rajini, Kamal to Karthik, Prabhu to Vijayakanth, Sarathkumar to the present young actors, Vijayakumar has royally marched along with all of them.
Still, the veteran in all humility says “I don’t think I have achieved anything in life. Acting is life and I know only that”. With a happy family consisting of wives Muthukannu and Manjula, daughters Kavitha, Anitha, Preetha, Sridevi and Vanitha and son Arun Vijay, Vijayakumar is a contented man. His achievements are unique and have a few pages of Tamil film history dedicated to him.
Southdreamz again congratulates him on his completion of 50 eventful years in Tamil cinema and wish him all the best on his birthday.
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