Janagaraj (actor) Information & Janagaraj (actor) Links at HealthHaven.com

Janakaraj was a very popular comedian in Tamil Films in the late 80's and the early 90's and provided stiff competition to the legendary comic duo of Goundamani and Senthil. He has acted in over 100 Tamil films in comedy or supporting roles.

[edit] Early Life

He was born Parvati Selvam in 1950 near Podayur (Tamil Nadu). He was very interested in acting and began performing in local theatrical dramas. At the age of 15 in 1965 he went to Chennai and began hankering for an acting assignment. He finally joined a popular troupe 'Arangaatrum' in 1967 and began to play a number of theatrical roles. His most popular role was in a comedy as Seethas father Janaka- which earned him the sobriquet Janakaraj which stuck permanently.

[edit] Film Career

In 1971, Janakaraj began to aspire for a movie career. His goggle eye and his general mannerisms were perfect for comedy roles- but in a market dominated by older comedians like Nagesh, Thangavelu and Chandra Babu- Janakaraj got no chances. Director K.Balachander offered him a chance to perform with his Kavithalaya troupe and Janakaraj agreed- also performing in very minor roles (non speaking) in several B Grade Tamil movies from 1972 until 1977. It was in 1977 that he landed his first speaking role in 'Sevuppu Villu' a Tamil film starring actor Ravichandran. He continued minor roles through the late 70's.

Janakaraj's career however spun silver in the 1980's. Beginning with Paarvai (1982), Aboorva Pirargal (1983), Meendum Gokila (1983), Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), Rajadhi Raja (1986), Aboorva Sagordharargal (1989), Agni Natchithiram (1989), Puthu Puthu Arthangal (1989)- Janakaraj became one of the most popular comedians in Tamil Nadu.

[edit] Later years

As Newer comedians began arriving on the scene, Janakaraj acted in lesser and lesser movies and mostly in supporting roles- such as in Roja (1993) and Baasha (1994). However his other roles include Veera (1993) & Arunachalam (1997) where he once again played a comedian.

His latest roles were in King (2002) and M.Kumaran S/o Mahalakshmi (2004)- both in supporting roles.

[edit] Personal Life

Janakaraj is now a worshipper of the Christian Faith. He is married to Arul Irudaya Mary. His daughter Kartika is a graduate of Vellore Medical College.

[edit] Filmography

Veetile Vishehganga ... Doctor Sree
Aayudham Villain's henchman
M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi (2004)
Aayitha Ezhuthu (2004)
Suyamvaram (1999) .... Doctor
Jodi (1999)
Kumbakkonam Gopalu (1998)
Arunachalam (1997)
Indira (1996)
Basha (1995)
May Madham (1994)
Veera (1994) .... Rupa's Father
Annamalai (1992)
Guna (1992)
Roja (1992) (as Janakraj) .... Chajoo Maharaj
Meera (1992)
Gopura Vasalile (1991)
Panakaran (1990)
No: 20 Madras Mail (1990) .... Murukesan
Arangetra Velai (1990)
Keladi Kanmani (1990)
Kizhakku Vasal (1990)
Apoorva Sahodarargal (1989) .... Police Inspector
Siva (1989)
Kodiparakkudu (1989)
Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (1989)
Raajadhi Raaja (1989)
Agni Natchathiram (1988)
Unnal Mudiyum Thambi (1988)
Nayagan (1987) .... Selva
Vedam Puthithu (1987) .... Vaidehi's Suitor
Vetri Vizha (1987)
Kadolara Kavithaigal (1986)
Vikram (1986)
Aan Paavam (1985)
Sindhu Bhairavi (1985)
Red Rose (1980) (as Janak Raj)
Kizhake Pogum Rail (1978)

[edit] External links

Janagaraj at the Internet Movie Database

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