Sivakumar | |
|---|---|
Sivakumar in 2016 | |
| Born | Palaniswamy (1941-10-27)27 October 1941 (age 84) |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 1965–2005 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | Jyothika (daughter-in-law) |
Palaniswamy (born 27 October 1941),[2] better known by his stage nameSivakumar, is an Indian visual artist and former actor who has appeared inTamil cinema and television. He made his acting debut inKaakum Karangal (1965) and has worked in 195 movies, predominantly inTamil cinema. He has won threeFilmfare Awards South and twoTamil Nadu State Film Awards.
He was a student of theGovernment College of Art & Craft inChennai from 1959 to 1965.[3]
Palaniswamy made his acting debut inKaakum Karangal (1965) with the actorS. S. Rajendran. Palaniswamy was renamed Sivakumar when he entered the industry.[4][5]
Sivakumar’s notable movies includeSaraswathi Sabatham (1966),Kandhan Karunai (1967),Thirumal Perumai (1968),Uyarndha Manithan (1968),Annakili (1976),Rosappu Ravikkaikari (1979) and the very famousK. Balachander’sSindhu Bhairavi (1985).

He won theFilmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for the moviesRosappu Ravikkaikari (1979), andVandichakkaram (1980) and aLifetime Achievement Award – South (2007). He also was the recipient of theTamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor forAvan Aval Adhu (1980) andAgni Sakshi (1982).[6]
He proved to be a better bet to play the hero in melodramasBhadrakali (1976),Vandichakkaram (1980),Indru Nee Naalai Naan (1983),Paasa Paravaigal (1988) or devotional talesVellikizhamai Viratham (1974),Thaai Mookaambikai (1982) and romantic sagasChittu Kuruvi (1978),Rosappu Ravikkaikari (1979) andUnnai Naan Santhithen 1984). He also played hero in many films which were adapted from novels likeManithanin Marupakkam (1986).[7]
After a successful career as a lead actor, Sivakumar proved his mettle as a character artist in films likeKadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997),Sethu (1999) andPoovellam Un Vaasam (2001).[8]
During his career, Sivakumar has co-starred with many leading Tamil actors, includingM. G. Ramachandran,Sivaji Ganesan,Gemini Ganesan,S. S. Rajendran,R. Muthuraman,A. V. M. Rajan,Jaishankar,Ravichandran,Kamal Haasan,Rajinikanth,Vijayakanth,Sathyaraj,Sarath Kumar,Prabhu,Karthik,Mohan,Arjun Sarja,Ajith Kumar,Vijay,Vikram andSuriya.
He acted in famous TV serials likeChithi andAnnamalai alongsideRadhika.[9]
In 2012, Sivakumar was honoured with theJaya TV Lifetime Achievement Award at theAnna Centenary Library for his contributions to the Tamil film industry for over 40 years.[10] Sivakumar has also ventured into public speaking, giving his opinion on various subjects, includingHindu theology. He has been praised for the fluency and style of his speeches.[11][12]
Sivakumar was born on 27 October 1941 in Coimbatore. He is married to Lakshmi Kumari. The couple have three children: two sonsSuriya andKarthi, who are both actors; and a daughterBrindha, who is a playback singer. Sivakumar's elder daughter-in-lawJyothika is an actress.[13] He is a devoutHindu and a devotee ofMurugan. He is alsoambidextrous.[14]
Sivakumar is a three-time recipient ofFilmfare Awards South and a two-time winner ofTamil Nadu State Film Awards.[16]
Filmfare Awards South
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
South Indian International Movie Awards
Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards