In memory of Raghuvaran

One of the best, supporting actors of all time, Raghuvaran will always be remembered as we watch the many hundreds of movies he has acted in. He will always trgger an emotion within us, through his brilliant acting. Be it as a villain or a father, regardless of other aspects, the movie will come alive through Raghuvaran.

Among my favourites, Raghuvaran has always stood highly ranked beside the likes of Prakash Raj. Both by not being the hero, but dazzling supporting actors, have brought life to even the wonkiest of movies.

I saw Yaaradi Nee Mohini, and I was close to tears. There was a something about Raghuvaran no one else had. Be it the height, and the gambheeram, he was brilliant. I think back and remember his most famous roles which include Batsha, Mudhalvan, Amarkalam, Run, Roja pookal, Thotachidungi. These are just the few I remember, there are many hundreds of movies creditable. I still remember the classic dialogue in Mudhalvan, 'that was a good interview'. Raguvaran made a great politician. But the specialty was he also made a great villain. It was brilliant in Amarkalam, where the supporting actor says to Raghuvaran ' நீ ஹீரோ இல்லை, வில்லன்' . My personal, ultimate best has to be Run. Every scence was classic, but special affection extends to the scene when Raghuvaran finds out about Madhavan's girlfriend, and they come home to face Anu.

Rahaguvaran has been part of the southern film industry for many years. Coming from the state of Kerala, he made his debut in Tamil movies and rose to fame for his natural acting. But his rise, has not been smooth, he too has suffered many hardships. Raguvaran has been known for his controversial drug addiction which may have led to his divorce. But the important things are far from this. Raguvaran will always be in our hearts as a good actor, who will inspire many youngsters today, that a supporting role is as heroic as the hero itself!

Raghuvaran quietly passed away on March 19 2008, at the majestic age of 49.

Ten Reasons to celebrate Tamil New Year

1. வந்தால் கூடி வரும். இந்த தமிழ் சித்திரை புத்தாண்டு, தமிழர்களுக்கு மட்டும் கொண்டாட்டம் இல்லை. சின்ஹலா, கேரலா மக்கள் கூட இன்று அவர்களின் புத்தாண்டை கொண்டாடுகிறார்கள். While conflicts grow in India and SriLanka, todays day can also show significance of peace and harmony. Beyond the differences of language, at heart we are all one. This tamil new year is a remainder, but not only that, but an example, of how tamils and sinhal can live in peace in Srilanka, as can Tamils can live in peace with neighbouring states in India.

2. Today is சித்திரை 1. Its always special to be ranked 1, or be number one in a race. Thus the number 1 is a very special digit. But it also serves to show that competition must be friendly, and by working together and achieving the number one position as a group, as a city, as a nation, as a world is much more important that being sole 1 person. This new year we must set ourselves goals, goalls as a world, to care and protect our mother nature. Do not ask, what can one person do. If jsut each tamil person thought this new year, that in itself can chagne the world. 0IF we fight over boundaries in our state, its going to lead to boundary issues on the national agenda, which just serves to be futile. We need to work as one! It is also believed by many hindus, that the universe was created by Brahma on this day.

3.. தமிழை செம்மொழியாக சில வருடங்களுக்கு முன்பு அறிவித்தார்கள். இதில் பெரிதும் பெருமை எடுத்துக்கொண்டாலும், ஆபத்தும் இருக்கு. அறிஞர்கள், சில நூற்றாண்டுக்குள் தமிழ் அழிந்துவிடும் என்று எச்சரித்திருக்கிறார்கள். அன்று பாரதியார் கூறினார் ' யாமரிந்த மொழிகளில் தமிழ் மொழி போல் இனிதாவது எங்கும் கானோம்' . இத்தகைய தொண்மை வாயந்த அழகிய தமிழில் இப்புத்தாண்டை, பேசி மகிழ்வதில் மட்டுமில்லாமல், நமது தமிழ் மொழியை வளர்ப்பத்ற்கும் முயற்சி எடுங்கள். தமிழன் என்று சொல்லி, தலை நிமிர்ந்து நடங்கள்.

4. Tamil new year is always auspicious, especially for the good food. வடை, பாயாசத்துடன் உணவு தமிழர் பண்பாடு அல்லவா? ஆஹா நாக்கு ஊருது. If in melbourne, do enjoy the special prasadam at all temples on this day.

5. விஷேசம் என்றாலே தமிழர்களுக்கு பக்தி பரவசம். புத்தாண்டுக்கு சொல்லவா வேண்டும்? சிறப்பு பூஜைகளை தவறாமல் தரிசித்து வாருங்கள்.

6. நல்ல நாள் அன்று புத்தாடை உடுத்துவது சிறப்பு. But do keep in mind all those, who cannot even afford there next meal, and limit your extravagant purchasing to a minumum, and donate the rest to the more needy.

7. Movie releases. Personally looking forward to the telugu remake of Bomarillu- Santoosh Subramanium. No awards for guessing who the actor is. ;) This day also marks one year since sivaji was released. So all you Rajni fanatics, get set, the next Rajini movie is only a year away. Sivaji will also soon be screened on TV, so watch out for it. Dasavatharam is also not too far way. Although, I think it might take till next tamil new year, what with all the postponing.

8. Good programs on Tv. போட்டிக்கு போட்டிக்கு ஒவ்வொருவரும் channel தொடங்கியாச்சு. அப்ப, நல்ல நிகழ்ச்சிகளுக்கு அதுவும் விசேஷ நாள் அன்று என்ன பஞ்சம்?

9. உங்கள் அனைவருக்கும் என் தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துக்கள். இதுவும் கொண்டாடுவதற்கு ஒரு காரனமே. மற்றவர்களுக்கு வாழ்த்து கூறுவதே ஒரு மகிழ்ச்சி.

10. Last but not least. ITs a holiday. Not just in Tamil Nadu. But throughout the world. For all those tamils dispersed in the corners of this earth, good news reaches you, தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு falls on a Sunday!