Kasthuri Raja

Kasthuri Raja Biography

Kasthuri Raja is a renowned film maker of Tamil cinema, known for making movies with rural themes or infatuation of youngsters. He has given several memorable hits to Tamil based on village life. ‘En Rasavin Manasile’, ‘Ettupatti Rasa’, ‘Nattupura Paatu’ and the Sivaji Ganesan starrer ‘En Asai Rasave’ are some of his best movies. He has also composed music for one of his movies.

Both his sons are into film field and well-established artists - Selvaraghavan and Dhanush. Dhanush is a National award winning popular actor who rules the industry while his elder son Selvaraghavan has followed his father’s steps. He launched Dhanush to the industry through Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002). After his sons have stepped into the industry, Kasthuri Raja took a break. However his new project ‘Kasu, Panam, Thuttu, Money’ a project which introduces a host of new comers and his entry to BJP have brought him to limelight once again.  His son Dhanush is married to Rajinikanth’s daughter, Aishwarya who herself is a film director. Raja’s first son Selvaraghavan was earlier married to Sonia Agarwal.

He was born on August 8 1946 in Madurai. With dreams when he came to Chennai, he was penniless. He didn’t have any film background or experiences and came from a rural village. He is married to Vijayalakshmi, whom he credits as the catalyst to hold the family together. The couple has four children. He started his career in 1991 with his movie En Rasavin Manasile starring Rajkiran and Meena in the lead roles. Later he directed 17 Tamil movies and took a break after Idhu Kadhal Varum Paruvam in 2006. After his sons cemented their positions in film industry, Raja took a break to join politics. Now he is active with his new project ‘Kasu, Panam, Thuttu, Money’.

Published: N/A

Updated: November 29, 2015