Rajasekhar

Biography

Subramanian (??? – 24 April 1991), professionally known as Rajasekhar, was a renowned Indian film director and screenwriter active primarily in Tamil cinema during the 1980s. He also directed films in Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, making significant contributions to South Indian commercial cinema.

Early Life and Background
Rajasekhar was born as Subramanian in Nattarasankottai, in the then Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree and initially worked in a government department. Encouraged by acquaintances who recognized his storytelling talent, he left his job to pursue a career in films. His first story credit was for the 1977 Tamil film Naam Pirandha Mann. It was actor Rajinikanth who gave him the screen name Rajasekhar.

Career in Cinema
Rajasekhar began his film career as an assistant director to M. A. Kaja and Rama Narayanan. He made his directorial debut with the Kannada film Hunnimeya Rathriyalli, while Kanneer Pookkal marked his debut as a director in Tamil cinema.

He frequently collaborated with Tamil superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, directing several successful films. With Rajinikanth, he helmed movies like Gangavva, Thambikku Entha Ooru, Padikkadavan, Maaveeran Maapillai, and Dharma Durai. With Kamal Haasan, he directed Kaakki Sattai and Vikram.

Other notable films include Malaiyoor Mambattiyan, Eetti, Cooliekkaran, and Paatti Sollai Thattathe, along with its Telugu remake Baamma Maata Bangaru Baata. Rajasekhar was known for blending action, drama, and social themes, often crafting commercially successful films that resonated with audiences.