Jeevan

Jeevan Biography

Jeevan is a Tamil film actor known for portraying negative roles. He has played lead roles in a few movies as well. He gained quick attention after the super success of Kakka Kakka, which happened to be the first blockbuster movie of Suriya’s career. He portrayed the antagonist Pandian in this movie, for which he earned both Filmfare and ITFA Awards for best villain. His first movie was ‘University’ in 2002 which went unnoticed. But with the second movie, Kakka Kakka he shot to fame with the role of villain Pandian. Through the blockbuster success of his third release, Thiruttu Payale he established himself as a mainstream hero.

His full name is Vijayabaskar Rangaraj, born and brought up in Chennai where he completed his studies. He was a classmate of actor Suriya, while at school. He completed graduation in theater arts and then did his advanced studies in London before joining film industry. He also took training in acting at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Hollywood for a couple of years and during this time he worked as a bartender in a pub in London. He appeared in a few documentary films, American and French films after that. He signed an English film with director Dou Chan Gersi which got delayed.

While on a vacation to India, he happened to meet art director Muthuraj, his friend who referred his name to a film director. However the film got shelved and he returned back. But during his next trip to India, he got his first break to Tamil movies through his friend, Muthuraj. Thus ‘University’ in 2002 marked his Tamil debut. Once Gautham Menon happened to see his poster somewhere and he casted Jeevan for his upcoming flick, Kakka Kakka, in which he was offered antagonist’s role. There was no turning back after that. Later he played lead roles in successful movies like Thotta, Thiruttu Payale and Naan Avanillai. Machakaaran was a flop. ‘Naan Avanillai 2’ – sequel of the successful mystery film was released in 2009, where all the characters reprised their original roles.

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Updated: April 25, 2014