The One-Man Band

R. SARATH KUMAR

An all-rounder who wears the caps of an Actor, Politician, Entrepreneur, MLA of Tenkasi Constituency, Founder and President of All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi, President of Nadigar Sangam, Director of Radaan Mediaworks and Journalist. A true nationalist with a vision toiling for the people and the prosperity of the society. A resolute leader with practical and progressive outlooks whose actions agree to his words at all times. He is a self-made man; started off his career in Journalism, then into Travel and Tourism business, entering Entertainment industry as an Actor and Producer and later into Politics. His life has been an expedition of hard work, rectitude and persistence which still keeps him move forward jubilantly. 

The formative period of his life was in Chennai which was instrumental in shaping his character to a man of discipline and principles. He studied at the Central School in the IIT Madras Campus and St. Patrick’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai. He passed pre-university degree from the Loyola College and undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the New College in Chennai. He developed a sense of social responsibility from a very young and was quite popular in college for his obliging nature. Upon graduation in Chennai, Sarath Kumar moved to Bangalore and started working for Dinakaran News Daily where he put on various roles from a newspaper boy to managing the circulation and later as a reporter. It was during this time that he got an opportunity through a friend to act in a Telugu movie, Samajamlo Sthree in 1986. After a while, he entered into Travel and Tourism business by setting up a travel agency in Chennai. His opening to mainstream cinema happened in 1988 when he acted and produced a Tamil movie, Kan Simittum Neram directed by Kalaivanan Kannadasan. He emerged as an anti-hero initially in the movie Pulan Visaranai by R. K. Selvamani before progressing to play supporting roles and later lead roles. He won the Best Villain Cinema Express Award for Pulan Visaranai in 1990 and subsequently played negative roles in a number of movies in Tamil and Telugu such as Pudhu Padagan, Velai Kidaichuduchu, Raja Kaiya Vacha, Engitte Modhathe, Balachandrudu, Vishnu, etc.

Palaivana Paravaigal by Senthilnathan was the first movie in which he played the lead role. He continued acting simultaneously in negative, supporting and lead roles in Tamil and Telugu such as Vetri Padigal, Pudhu Manithan, Captain Prabhakaran, Kaaval Nilayam, Cheran Pandiyan, Gang Leader, Ilavarasan, etc. before his first break in the movie Suriyan directed by Pavithran in 1992. He played the lead role in the blockbuster movie and bagged him the Cinema Express Award Best Actor Special Award. Since then he climbed up the career ladder being part of a number of movies such as Thai Mozhi, Aadhityan, Samundi, Dasarathan, Munarivippu, Moondravathu Kann, Kattabomman, etc. until mid-1990. His next blockbuster movie which made a 175-day run at the box office was Nattamai in 1994 by K. S. Ravikumar in which he played a dual role along with actresses Khushbu and Meena. His performance was highly appreciated and fetched him many distinguished awards such as the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor, Filmfare Award for Best Actor and Cinema Express Award for Best Actor. Nattamai was followed by movies such as Magudikkaran, Veluchamy, Coolie, Nadodi Mannan, Ragasiya Police, Mahaprabhu, Nethaji and Aravindhan. The year 1997 gave him another blockbuster, Suryavamsam directed by Vikaraman in which he played another dual role pairing with actresses R. Radikaa and Devayani. His characterisation was recognised far and wide with positive reviews and he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Tamil and Cinema Express Award for Best Actor for the second time. He acted in Moovendhar and Janakiraman before his next hit, Natpukkaga in 1998 directed by K. S. Ravikumar. Sarath Kumar won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for the second time and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for the third time for this movie. In the interim, his roles in Telugu movies, Preminchanu Nenu and Simmarasi gathered appreciation and positive reviews. In the first half of 2000, Sarath Kumar made his mark in the movies, Maayi, Rishi, Ullam Kollai Poguthe, Vinnukkum Mannukkum, Samudhiram, Tenkasi Pattanam, Arasu, Paarai, Diwan, Chatrapathy, Gambheeram, Maanasthan and Aai. In 2005, he starred in the movie, Ayya directed by Hari pairing with Nayanthara followed by Chanakya, Bunny, Thalaimagan, Pachaikili Muthucharam, Nam Naadu, Maya Kannadi and Vaitheeswaran. In 2009, he acted in a movie, 1977 directed by G. N. Dinesh Kumar in which he appeared in six varied looks.

Sarath Kumar made debut in Malayalam in 2009 in the movie, Pazhassi Raja directed by Hariharan donning the role of a historical character. The movie was a massive hit; he established his footing in the Malayalam soil with a brilliant performance as Edachena Kunkan in the movie. He played the lead role in Jaggubhai in 2010 directed by K. S. Ravikumar and then in Kola Kolaya Mundhirika and in the Malayalam movies, Oridathoru Postman, The Metro, Veeraputhran and Christian Brothers. In 2011, he played one of the most distinguished characters in his career in the movie, Kanchana directed by Raghava Lawrence where he played the role of a transgender. His performance fetched him huge applause and the Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor. His first Kannada movie, Sarathi happened in 2012 followed by the movie, Myna and Telugu movies, Genius, Chandee, Nimirndhu Nil and Malayalam movie, Asha Black in the next two years. He played a cop in the movie, Chennaiyil Oru Naal in 2013 where his portrayal of the role and the movie was received positively by the viewers. He appeared in the 3D motion capture computer animated movie, Kochadaiiyaan with Rajnikanth directed by R. Soundarya Ashwin in 2014. In 2015, Sarath Kumar appeared in a cameo role in the movie, I directed by Shankar and also made a remarkable comeback playing a dual lead role in the movie, Sandamarutham directed by A. Vekatesh. His rendering of the villain character, Sarvesharan was excellent receiving positive reviews worldwide.

Sarath Kumar as Edachena Kunkan in Pazhassiraja (left) and Sarvesharan in Sandamarutham (right)

He aspired to become an actor as acting was a passion since his childhood days. He adored MGR and was greatly influenced by his positive outlook and career planning. Sarath Kumar’s hard work and dedication bestowed him an eminent acting career with more than 130 movies in various South Indian languages and many recognitions under his belt. His directors judge Sarath Kumar as an actor who gives utmost perfection and commitment to his characters. He goes the extra mile with different makeovers to make his characters notable and convincing. His appearance in the movies, Namma Annachi, Nattamai, Suryavamsam, Natppukaga, Diwan, Kanchana, Pazhassiraja, Sandramarutham, etc. were exceptional. He is also known for his depiction of dual and triple roles which shows his versatility as an actor and the hard work he is willing to commit to his work. He is a multi-lingual actor; he is fluent in Tamil, Hindi, English, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. He makes it a point to dub for his roles in other regional movies which makes him an indigenous actor for movie goers. He is widely accepted for his roles in Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada and is never categorised as an ‘imported actor’.  

Sarath Kumar embarked into Politics in 1996 with a vision of serving the people and uplifting the society. His initial political journey included short stints with DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and also served as a Rajyasabha member from 2001 to 2006. He founded AISMK (All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi) on 31 August 2007 with a solemn mission of service to the people along with instituting principles of democracy, building national unity, enlightening youth to be responsible citizens and creating respect for equality among people. He regards K. Kamaraj, one of India’s towering political leaders as his Political guru and is greatly influenced by his ideologies, integrity and transparency in public life. AISMK merged with AIADMK in the 2011 Assembly elections and won two seats in Tenkasi and Nanguneri. Sarath Kumar currently serves as the MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) of Tenkasi Constituency.

Sarath Kumar is a reformist and development-oriented leader with a clear vision for a developed India. His inclination to work for people started from his college days where he represented students and led strikes fighting for justice. His strives on the conviction that his blessed life should be lived in service to others. He sees Politics as an extension of social service and a podium where he could address people. He is an Indian, out and out, with a true spirit of patriotism that is prevalent in both his actions and words. His principles revolves around education, empowerment, development and good governance. He believes that the burgeoning population of youth in the country has great potential to create a new nation by wiping out poverty, unemployment, corruption and promote education, equality and agriculture as a sustainable industry. He encourages youth to have a vision and involve in active work for the growth of the country alongside accomplishments to improve their personal lives. As a Politician, he works relentlessly for the progress of people, addressing social issues and working on results.

Sarath Kumar and R. Radhika Sarathkumar during AISMK Manila Maanadu meeting, 2014

  

Sarath Kumar comes across as a very positive person with a disciplined character who aims at success in whichever roles he takes up. He keeps an admirable approach to rise above reverses and believes that failures are temporary which accelerates the ride to victory. His background of education, the values he has been brought up with by his parents and life experiences makes him a man of audacity and integrity. He retains a cordial relationship with everyone being kind and considerate of others extending a helping hand in the hour of need. He is an excellent orator who exhibits confidence while speaking with clear views on subjects and solutions for problems. He is well-read and well-informed making him competent with good judgemental and decision making skills. His analysis and forecasts, be it a matter in Politics or Sports or Movies, materialises to be true all the time. He finds pride in the glorious heritage of India and endeavours to uphold the country’s culture and tradition unbroken to the coming generation.

Sarath Kumar is a one-man band who is extremely good at multitasking switching between several roles at the same time. He serves as the President of South Indian Film Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam) working for the advancement and handling issues of Tamil movie industry. Sarath Kumar is one among the Producers of Magic Frames which is into producing commercial Tamil movies. He continues to act in movies as a means of living and balances time to work full time as a Politician working for the people. He functions as the Director of Operations of Radaan Mediaworks which is an Entertainment company headed by R. Radikaa Sarathkumar. He is also into a number of humanitarian activities; he is the goodwill ambassador of Santhi Medical Information Centre, a non-profit organization in Kerala who are into Organ Donation and helping the underprivileged with medical assistance. Sarath Kumar has also been very magnanimous to rise to the occasion and extend help during national crisis such as Kargil war, Cyclone Thane, Uttarakand flood, etc.

Sarath Kumar finds his role model in his father who was significant in moulding his personality, developing interests and guiding him with values which he upholds without fail until now. His father, Sri. M. Ramanathan, an athlete and boxer at Annamalai University encouraged both his sons in Sports making them keen sports enthusiasts. Sarath Kumar together with his brother Sudharshan played Cricket, Football, Pole Vault and Hockey representing their school and college teams. One of the proudest moment in his life was when he paraded at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi as an NCC Air Wing Cadet. He is still an active follower of Sports mainly Cricket and Football and a promoter of Sports and Games envisioning a sporting culture in India. His passion for Sports complements his dynamic character and bold nature who continuously prepares to try something new. 

Sarath Kumar’s biking marathon in Chennai to create awareness on Health and Fitness

Sarath Kumar is synonymous to Health and Fitness and the credit again goes to his father who mentored him on the value of ‘Health is Wealth’ from a very young age. He gives utmost importance to maintaining his body by regular workouts and adhering to a strict diet plan. He is one of the rare persons who comments on working out as a habit. Sarath Kumar earned the title Mr. Madras in 1974 during his College days with his tenacity and hard work towards body building. He still retains the same spirit and perseverance in keeping his body and mind fresh and robust. Sarath Kumar is in association with a number of health organisations and actively takes part in awareness drives to promote health and wellness among children and adolescents.

Sarath Kumar is considered as quite an accessible person both as an Actor and a Politician. He has launched a new concept called the ‘Makkal Darshanam’ where he personally meets the people of his constituency addressing their grievances. He issues Press Releases through AISMK portal on national events and issues that happen in the country on a regular basis. He is active on Social Networking websites, particularly Twitter where he interacts with public acknowledging suggestions and criticisms. He has recently launched a website called the ‘Friends of Sarath Kumar’ where he writes as well as gives a platform to the public to voice on societal issues.  

He was born on 14 July 1954 to Late. Sri. M. Ramanathan and Late. Smt. Pushpa Leela in New Delhi. His father worked with the All India Radio and later joined the Press Information Bureau of India. He is the youngest child of his parents; his siblings are Late. Mr. R. Sudharshan and Mrs. Mallika Kandaswamy. Sarath Kumar studied at the Raja Muthiah High School, New Delhi before his family moved to Chennai. He is married to Actress - Entrepreneur Mrs. R. Radikaa Sarathkumar and blessed with four children, Varalaxmi, Rayane, Pooja and Rahhul. He is a complete family man being a pillar of strength to his wife and a great father to the children.

On a personal note, I have been researching on him for a while and am greatly impressed by his views, qualities and outlooks. I got the opportunity to meet him in January, 2015 in Chennai. I have never met someone who is as charismatic as him before. He was very kind, warm and friendly. An up-to-date man with the right attitude and persuasions. He is a man who earns respects with his words and deeds. I wish him the best in all his endeavours and I am sure he will live up to our expectations as an Actor and a Politician.

Suriya Gayathri

Stop Acid Violence

Acids has become a preferred weapon of violence against women as reports emerge of acids being thrown at some girl in some part of our country every other day. Acid attack or acid throwing is a form of violent assault where acid or an equally caustic substance is thrown onto the body of another with an intent to disfigure, torture or kill the victim. Acid attacks happen all over the world but is intense in South Asia; ASTI (Acid Survivors Trust International) estimates that there are over 1000 reported cases in India annually. In most of the cases, the victims are women and the deadly attacks are carried out by the family or other known people. A considerable number of cases go unreported due to reasons such as the economic status of the family, threats to the victims, irresponsible attitude of the police and medical staff, etc. “With every new case, the wounds get deeper, the crime gets graver and the heart gets heavier. How could one human being put another through such a horrendous act of terror? It turns the victim into the living dead. Acid attack doesn’t just deforms one’s face and body, it takes away their whole personality, their identity and more than that, their life. It causes extreme physical and mental suffering to victims and permanently mar their psyche. I personally could not think of an act more inhumane than this one.” says Sakshi Kumar, a social activist.

Acid attacks result from personal conflicts, land disputes, revenge, gang violence, political and religious motives, dowry, gender based violence such as when a young girl spurns sexual advances or rejects a marriage proposal, etc. The patriarchal society that rears egotism and gender discrimination lead men in showing their authority by attacking women. The easy availability of acids is another reason for the high frequency rate of acid attacks in India. Hydrochloric acid, nitric acid or sulphuric acid are the most commonly used acids as they quickly burns through flesh and bone and are available in the market for as low as Rs. 18 per litre. Acids are used in households widely as cleaning agents and are readily available for sale in pharmacies, garages, goldsmiths, etc. Furthermore, there are no legal regulations on the sale of acids which makes it easily accessible for people who want to misuse them. There is also a lack of seriousness on the part of the Government and legislation in handling the issue.

The number of acid attacks cases in the country has become countless and each case is a story of shock and terror. Simi Rao, 37, Bangalore, a former school teacher and a mother of two, has been in and out of the hospital since 21 Feb 2013, the day her husband threw acid on her. The reason was that she was beautiful which her husband could not accept and suspected her fidelity. Pragya, 22, Delhi, had been attacked by acid throwing for rejecting a marriage proposal from a relative. Ranjit Kaur, a widow in her late 30s, was attacked by her friend by flinging acid on her for not allowing him to visit her. Preeti Rathi, 25, Mumbai was injured when an anonymous man hurled acid on her at the bus station. Shabana Khatun, 21, Kolkata was force-fed one bottle of acid and the remaining acid thrown at her private body parts by her boyfriend’s family. They felt that Shabana tarnished the family’s status by having an affair with their son. Three women teachers and a student in Uttar Pradesh were allegedly attacked by two men on a bike throwing acid on them on their way back from school. Haseena, 19, Bangalore, spurned her boss’ advances so he threw sulphuric acid on her which disfigured her face so badly that she has had 35 reconstructive surgeries. Annu Mukherjee, Delhi, a popular bar dancer was attacked by her colleague who was jealous of her earnings. Jayalekshmi, a mother of two, was attacked by her husband that her nose melted instantly and she still cannot breathe properly even after eleven years after the attack. The list goes on and on triggering calls of panic and horror.

The consequences of these attacks include blindness and permanent scarring of the body along with psychological, social and economic challenges. Acids can melt away the victim’s skin and flesh and can even dissolve bones causing instant damage, pain and deformity. It takes just five seconds of acid contact to cause superficial burns and thirty seconds to result in full-thickness burns. The burned skin dies, turning rubbery and black leaving severe scarring results. As majority of the attacks are aimed at the face, the implications for the victims include deformed skull, loss of hair, deafness due to destroyed ear cartilage, loss of vision, shrunken nose, narrow mouth with complete loss of full range of motion, skin depigmentation, internal organ failures and even death. The victims may also suffer from breathing failure due to inhalation of acid vapours and causes toxic reactions or swelling in the lungs. Victims must go through a series of surgical procedures and constant physical therapy to prevent more damage and suffering. The survivors face mental health issues with high levels of depression and anxiety. They experience psychological distress and low self-esteem due to their concern for their appearance which weakens their mental strength. The survivors, especially women fall prey to social challenges as they find difficulty in finding employment due to impaired vision and physical restrictions. This adversely affects their economic viability causing hardships for their spouses and families in taking care of them. Consequently, married women get abandoned by their husbands and single women often get disowned by their family and detested in society. 

Picture (a)

Picture (a) is of Laxmi from Delhi who was attacked when she was 15 years old by a man and woman in New Delhi in 2005 for rejecting the marriage proposal by the male attacker. She was left badly scarred on her face, chest and arms. She says, “I felt as if someone had set my whole body on fire. The skin was just coming off. The one who attacked me, what did he get and what did I get? He got arrested after four days of the attack and was bailed out after a month”. She still struggles to perform her basic physical needs even after eight reconstructive surgeries.

It is high time we raise a shared voice against acid attacks which has become a shame to our national character. Acid attacks have been incorporated under a separate provision in IPC (Indian Penal Code) by The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill of 2012 with special provisions for acid victims. The law states that the act of acid violence is a non-bailable offence and the attacker could get a jail term of ten years to life for causing hurt by acid (326A – hurt by acid attack) and seven years for attempting to do the act (326B – attempt to throw or administer acid). However, there is a pressing necessity for India to implement additional measures to curb this cruel act of violence. The Government must enact laws that regulates the sale of corrosive substances and implement policies that address acid violence. Actions such as indorsing licenses to acid traders, effective system of monitoring acid sales, setting an age limit for buyers, recording photo identity proof of buyers, etc. should be considered in view of preventing acid violence. Acids that are sold should be in labelled containers specifying the nature of the content, warning users about its harmful effects and legal penalties related with the misuse of the acid. The use of concentrated forms of acids for household purposes should also be banned. The Government should also consider discontinuing sale of highly concentrated acids to individual users and should be sold only for laboratory and industrial purposes. The legislation should ensure effective enactment of laws by punishing the perpetrators of acid attacks severely, conducting appropriate investigations, supporting victims by helping them legally to get justice, financially for medical treatment, providing them rehabilitation and giving them employment opportunities.

The victims are scarred for life both physically and mentally and it takes years for them to recover from this brutal act of violence. They have to undergo dozens of costly reconstructive surgical procedures to repair the damaged muscles and internal organs. Their gruesome appearance with facial disfigurements weakens them emotionally and makes them outcastes in society. Victims say that it scares even their own children and curtails their employment chances to make a living. Legislation is the first step to stop this ghastly act but societal change is what we require along with better laws. The change shall only take place in a society where women are considered equal and their rights as citizens are recognised and enforced.

Wake up India. Stop Acid Attacks.