Sathyaraj (Tamil: சத்யராஜ்; born Rangaraj Subbaiah 3 October 1954) is an Indian film actor and media personality in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A Tamil activist and a political influence, he has acted in over 150 films, ranging from action and drama to comedy. In 2007, he played the role of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy in the Tamil Nadu government-sponsored film Periyar. As of 2007, he has produced one film, which was Lee, starring his son Sibiraj. He has also directed a movie Villadhi Villain starring himself in three different roles which also starred actress Nagma.^[1] He is considered to be one of the most versatile actors in the Tamil film industry.

Early life and family[link]

Sathyaraj was born as Rangaraj in 3 October 1954 to Subbaiah and Nathambal, with two younger sisters. He claims to be a great fan of M. G. Ramachandran.^[1][2] Sathyaraj completed his primary school education in Tamil at St Mary's Convent, Coimbatore. He completed the equivalent of the tenth standard in Suburban High School, Ramnagar, Coimbatore. Later he joined the Government Arts College, Coimbatore and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany. Actor Manivannan was a co-student in PUC (Class 12 Junior college), and the two began a friendship while there. Sathyaraj is married to Maheswari and the couple have a son and a daughter. His son Sibiraj is an actor. Actor Sathyan is his nephew.

Career[link]

Sathyaraj entered the film industry after witnessing the shooting of the film Annakili, where he met actor Sivakumar and producer Thiruppur Manian. He joined the drama troupe of Komal Swamynathan. Sathyaraj's first film was Kodugal Illaatha Kolangal, where he had an uncredited role. Later he worked as production manager for the film Kannan Oru Kaikkuzhanthai. In addition to his managerial role, he also had a small acting part in the film. He acted in around 75 films from 1978 to the mid 1980s most of which featured him in negative roles.^[1]

His first full-fledged leading role came through the film Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (1987), produced by Kamal Hassan.^[3] Of late he has been doing supporting roles in Tamil films.

Ideology[link]

Sathyaraj is a devout follower of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. He frequently expresses his views about God in his movies. Due to this motivation, he also acted in the movie called Periyar in the lead role.

Partial filmography[link]

As actor[link]