R. Muthuraman
Biography
Muthuraman Radhakrishnan (4 July 1929 – 16 October 1981) was a renowned Indian actor who primarily worked in Tamil-language cinema. A prominent leading man during the 1960s and 1970s, he earned the title Navarasa Thilagam for his ability to portray a wide range of emotions with ease. Equally comfortable in lead and character roles, he was admired for his versatility and dignified screen presence.
Early Life
Muthuraman was born in Okkanadu Melayur, Orathanadu Taluk, in the former Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. He was born into a Kallar (Thevar) family with no prior connection to theatre or cinema. His father, Radhakrishnan Onthiriyar, was an advocate, while his uncle served as a police officer.
Although his family encouraged a conventional career path, Muthuraman developed a deep interest in films and fine arts at a young age. Due to family pressure, he initially took up a government job, entering the film industry much later than many of his contemporaries.
Theatre and Early Career
Muthuraman began his artistic journey as a stage actor. He trained and performed under veteran actor S. S. Rajendran at the SSR Nataka Mandram and later with Seva Stage. During this period, he appeared in several acclaimed plays such as Manimagudam, Muthumandapam, and poetic dramas based on the works of Bharathiyar. His strong grounding in theatre played a crucial role in shaping his expressive acting style.
Film Career
Transitioning to cinema, Muthuraman went on to act in nearly 100 films during the 1960s and 1970s. Despite working in an era dominated by legends like M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, and Gemini Ganesan, he carved out a distinct identity as a popular and dependable actor.
He was paired opposite almost all leading heroines of his time, including Chandrakanta, Rajasree, Devika, L. Vijayalakshmi, Lakshmi, Vennira Aadai Nirmala, Vijaya Nirmala, Vanisri, Sujatha, Bharathi, Srividya, Sridevi, Jayalalithaa, and Sripriya. His most notable on-screen pairing was with K. R. Vijaya, with whom he acted in a record 19 films.
Muthuraman appeared in successful co-hero roles in films such as Kaadhalikka Neramillai (1964) and Ooty Varai Uravu (1967), and delivered memorable supporting performances in classics like Server Sundaram (1964) and Moondru Deivangal (1971). In addition to acting, he established his own production banner, Muthukarthik Pictures.
Personal Life
Muthuraman was married to Sulochana, and the couple had four children. Their youngest son, Karthik, later became a successful actor, continuing the family’s association with Tamil cinema.
Death
In October 1981, Muthuraman traveled to Ooty for the shooting of Ayiram Muthangal. While jogging as part of his regular exercise routine, he suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. Actor Sivakumar, who was staying nearby, helped rush him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Muthuraman passed away at the age of 52, leaving the film industry in shock.
