S. A. Ashokan Biography 
S. A. Ashokan was a noted character artist of Tamil cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, who excelled in portraying negative shaded roles. His real name is Antony and known among his fans and film circle as Ashokan. One of the most successful character actors of Tamil cinema, he spent around two decades in the Tamil film industry. He has rendered his voice for the popular song - Iranthavanai Somanthavanum of Iravum Pagalum, pictured on Jaishankar, which happened to be the actor’s debut film as well. He has travelled across Tamil Nadu and has performed as an artist as a part of cultural programs. His son Vincent Asokan is also an actor of Tamil films, mostly portraying grey shaded ones. Attukara Allamelu, Karna, Adimai Penn, Anbe Vaa, Kaanji Thalaivan, Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, Kappalottiya Thamizhan, Vivasayee and Raman Thediya Seethai are among his noted roles.
He belonged to Trichy. He showed interest in stage plays and writing competitions since his school days. He has been a good orator as well. Soon after graduation from St. Joseph College, Trichy he approached film director T. R. Ramanna who introduced him to the film industry. Ramanna rechristened him as Ashokan and gave him the first break to Tamil movies through Avvaiyar (1953), a bit role. His first noticed character role was Kappalottiya Thamizhan in 1961. His role as Collector Ash was his real career breakthrough and since then offers came pouring in – as lead hero, supporting roles as well as villain.
He was not quite successful as a lead hero and gained popularity for negative shaded roles. He played antagonist Duryodhana in Sivaji Ganeshan starrer ‘Karna’ – one of the most memorable roles of his career. He shot to fame portraying the role of professor in MGR starrer blockbuster Ulagam Sutrum Valiban. Ashokan was married to Mary Gnanam and had two kids. He passed away in 1982 in Chennai when his kids were too young.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 18, 2016
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