Anandaraj

Biography

Anandaraj Selvaraj, commonly known as Anandaraj, is a prominent Indian actor known for his commanding presence and remarkable performances, primarily in Tamil cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, Anandaraj has carved a niche for himself as a versatile performer, excelling in both villainous and character roles.

Early Life and Career Beginnings:

Born on November 10, 1958, in Pondicherry (now Puducherry), Anandaraj showed an early interest in acting and moved to Chennai to pursue his dreams. He made his acting debut in "Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam" (1988), directed by G.M. Kumar, which marked the beginning of a prolific career in cinema.

Breakthrough and Career Highlights:

Anandaraj gained recognition in the early 1990s, becoming synonymous with negative roles that showcased his intense screen presence and versatility. Some of his most acclaimed performances include:

• "Pulan Visaranai" (1990): A gripping action-thriller where his portrayal of a chilling antagonist was highly praised.
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• "Gang Leader" (1991): A Telugu blockbuster, where he starred opposite Chiranjeevi, further solidifying his pan-Indian appeal.
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• "Baashha" (1995): His role as Mark Antony, a ruthless gangster, opposite Rajinikanth, is considered one of the most iconic villain performances in Tamil cinema.
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• "Makkal Aatchi" (1995): A political drama where his nuanced acting added depth to the narrative.
• "Suryavamsam" (1997): A family drama in which he played a pivotal role.
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Apart from his villainous roles, Anandaraj also explored lead roles in films like "Palaivana Paravaigal" (1990) and "Kaaval Nilayam" (1991), demonstrating his range as an actor.

Diversification and Bollywood Debut:

In 2014, Anandaraj made his Bollywood debut with Prabhu Deva's "Action Jackson," starring Ajay Devgn. This marked a new chapter in his career, as he ventured into Hindi cinema while continuing to work in Tamil films.

Recent Work and Reinvention:

In recent years, Anandaraj has embraced diverse roles, including comedic and supporting characters, showcasing his adaptability. Notable recent performances include:

• "Maragadha Naanayam" (2017): A fantasy-comedy where his role added humor and depth.
• "Sathya" (2017): A thriller where he delivered a standout performance.
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• "Bigil" (2019): A sports-drama blockbuster starring Vijay, in which he played a memorable supporting role.

• "Gulaebaghavali" (2018) and "Iravukku Aayiram Kangal" (2018): Further cementing his presence in contemporary Tamil cinema.