Punnagai Poo Gheetha
Biography
Punnagai Poo Gheetha, also known as Gheetha Ammasee, is a prominent Malaysian Tamil radio personality, film producer, and actress. She has made significant contributions to both the Malaysian and Tamil film industries, notably recognized as the first female producer of Tamil films from Malaysia.
Early Career and Radio Persona
Gheetha began her career in media as a host on NTV7's "Rythm and Raaga" and later gained widespread popularity as a radio jockey at the Malaysian radio station THR Raaga (now Raaga). It was during her time as a radio jockey that she earned her famous nickname "Punnagai Poo," meaning "smiling flower" in Tamil. She has been an integral part of Raaga since its inception in 1994 and also hosts various events.
Venturing into Film Production
Punnagai Poo Gheetha took a bold step into film production, establishing her studio, SG Films. Her first venture into Indian cinema was the 2005 Tamil film Arinthum Ariyamalum, directed by Vishnuvardhan. Despite initial skepticism from distributors regarding a female and foreign producer, she self-funded its release, and the film became a commercial success, running for 175 days. This achievement earned her an entry in the Malaysian Book of Records as the "first female Tamil movie producer to have produced a Tamil movie in India."
She continued her producing career with films like the comedy Kundakka Mandakka (2005) and the critically acclaimed Pattiyal (2006). She has produced over ten films in India, including Narthagi (2011), Oru Nadigaiyin Vakkumoolam (2012), Kaaval (2015), Sivappu (2015), Naanum Single Thaan (2021), and Sila Nodigalil (2023). She has also expanded into producing Malay language films, with her first being the horror-comedy Siapa Buka Lampu? (2024).
Acting Career
While primarily a producer, Punnagai Poo Gheetha has also ventured into acting, initially taking on cameo roles in her productions such as Arinthum Ariyamalum and Pattiyal. Her first lead role was in the Malaysian Tamil film Maindhan (2014), which became the highest-grossing locally produced Tamil film in Malaysia at the time and even saw a theatrical release in India. For this role, she received the Edison Award in India for Best Overseas Artist.
She further showcased her acting skills in Indian Tamil films like Kaaval (2015), where she played a lead role, earning her another award from the Malaysian Book of Records. She has also acted in Sangu Chakkaram (2017), playing a ghost, and Sila Nodigalil (2023). Her performances have been noted for her expressive eyes and dedication, even performing her stunts.
Awards and Recognition
Punnagai Poo Gheetha has been recognized for her pioneering efforts and contributions to the film industry. Besides the aforementioned Malaysian Book of Records entries and the Edison Award, she has continued to be an influential figure in the Malaysian and Tamil entertainment landscape, including for her popular Tamil horror podcast, Raagavil Marma Desam, which received a Malaysian Book of Records award for the most downloaded Tamil horror podcast in 2022.
Punnagai Poo Gheetha's journey exemplifies her passion and dedication, making her a trailblazer and a multi-talented force in South Indian and Malaysian cinema.
