Sandilyan

Sandilyan Biography

Sandilyan, also known as Chandilyan is a noted Tamil writer of Historical fiction. His real name is Bhashyam Iyengar and known for his historical romance and adventure novels. Most of his works are set during the period of the Chola and Pandya empires. Kadal Pura, Yavana Rani, Raja Perigai, Mannan Magal, Raja perigai and Kannimadam are his historical fiction works. Cinema Valarndha kadhai (1987) and Kamban Kanda Pengal (1979) belong to non-fiction category. Porattangal is his autobiography work and Sri Ramanujar is his biography work. Balathkaaram, Shenbaga Thottam, Manamoham, Nangooram and Madhumalar are his non-historical fiction works.

Sandilyan was born in Thirukovilur on November 10, 1910 as the son of Ramanujam Iyengar and Poongovilvalli. His schooling was done at Pachaiyappa's School and Saidapet Model School, Chennai. Later he studied at St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli. Once deeply influenced by Indian freedom struggle movement when C. Rajagopalachari visited the college, he joined Indian National Congress. He got married to Ranganayaki in 1929. During this time he acquainted with Kalki Krishnamurthy and V.Swaminatha Sharma who encouraged him to write the first short story - Shantha Seelan. Very soon, his short stories, Kannammavin Kadhal and Adhirshtam were also published by Kalki.

Sandilyan, following the success learnt Tamil language formally from Tamil Pandit Thirukannapuram Srinivachariar. He started writing Tamil short stories in the Tamil Weekly Sudesamithran. Later he worked as its reporter and later joined Hindustan Times as sub-editor. It was during his job in Hindustan Times, he came into contact with B N Reddy of Vijaya Studios and Chittor V. Nagaiah who introduced Sandilyan to the world of films.

He co-wrote the screenplays of films like Swarga Seema (1945) and En Veedu (1953). He has also written one book about his experiences in the entertainment industry - Cinema Valarndha Kadhai (1985) and produced a documentary film, "Birth of a Newspaper" as well. He returned to work at Sudesamithran and started writing full length novels. His novels serialized in Kumudam, a weekly Tamil magazine became very popular and helped in increasing its circulation as well. Later he unsuccessfully ran a weekly magazine called Kamalam also.

Published: N/A

Updated: December 31, 2013