A.V.M. Rajan
Biography
A.V.M. Rajan, born Shanmugasundaram on 26 July 1935 in Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, is a former Indian actor and film producer who was active mainly in Tamil cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. He later became a Christian preacher.
Early Life
Rajan was interested in acting from a young age, although his parents wanted him to become a police officer. He studied at Christian Sweden Mission High School and later earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Madras. He eventually moved to Madras and pursued his ambition of entering the film industry.
Film Career
He made his acting debut with Aayiram Kalathu Payir, where he was introduced as "Raja B.A." He subsequently appeared in Naanum Oru Penn (1963), produced by AVM Productions. His association with the production company led to the name A.V.M. Rajan becoming his popular screen name.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Rajan became a prominent actor in Tamil cinema. He appeared in a wide variety of films and worked alongside leading stars including Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.
His notable films include Paar Magaley Paar (1963), Thulasi Maadam (1963), Andavan Kattalai (1964), Ennathan Mudivu (1965), Veera Abhimanyu (1965), Major Chandrakanth (1966), Thillana Mohanambal (1968), Thulabharam (1969), Engal Thangam (1970), Dharisanam (1970), Thiruvarul (1975) and Billa (1980).
For his performance in Ennathan Mudivu, he received the title "Nadippu Sudar." He also received recognition for his performance in Karpooram.
Personal Life
Rajan married actress Pushpalatha in 1964 after they worked together in Naanum Oru Penn. They had children, including actress Mahalakshmi, who worked in films during the 1980s and 1990s. Pushpalatha died on 4 February 2025.
Spiritual Life
A major change came in Rajan's life in 1984, when he underwent a religious conversion and subsequently devoted himself to Christian ministry. From around 1988, he largely withdrew from acting and became a full-time Christian preacher.
