Suriya (born as Saravanan Sivakumar) is a popular Indian actor known primarily for his work in Tamil cinema. Renowned for his versatility and powerful performances, he has garnered a massive fan following and has received several awards throughout his career.
Suriya Biography
- Full Name: Saravanan Sivakumar
- Stage Name: Suriya
- Date of Birth: July 23, 1975
- Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Occupation: Actor, producer, philanthropist
- Active Years: 1997–present
- Notable Films: Ghajini, Singam series, Kaakha Kaakha, Vaaranam Aayiram, Soorarai Pottru
- Age: As of 2024, Suriya is 49 years old.
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Spouse/Wife: Jyothika (married in 2006)
- Daughter: Diya (born in 2007)
- Son: Dev (born in 2010)
Family Details
Suriya, a popular Indian actor primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema, comes from a well-regarded family with connections in the film industry. Here’s a look at his family:
1. Parents:
- Father: Sivakumar – A veteran Tamil actor who had a successful career in Tamil cinema in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Mother: Lakshmi Sivakumar – Not from the film industry, she has been a supportive figure for the family.
2. Sibling:
- Brother: Karthi – Another successful actor in Tamil cinema, Karthi has starred in several popular films and has a substantial fan following. Like Surya, he is known for taking on diverse roles.
3. Wife:
- Jyothika – Suriya is married to Jyothika, a talented actress in her own right. She was a prominent actress in Tamil and Telugu cinema before taking a break from acting. She made a strong comeback in recent years, choosing impactful and critically acclaimed roles. The couple has starred together in a few films, which were well-received by fans.
4. Children:
- Surya and Jyothika have two children:
- Daughter: Diya
- Son: Dev
- The couple keeps their children away from the public eye to a great extent, ensuring they have a private, grounded upbringing.
5. Extended Family:
- Surya and Jyothika’s family is well-regarded in the Tamil film industry. Their charitable activities, especially through the Agaram Foundation (founded by Surya to provide education for underprivileged children), have earned them a lot of respect.
The Sivakumar family is known not only for their contributions to cinema but also for their work in social service, especially through education initiatives.
Early life
Surya, born Saravanan Sivakumar on July 23, 1975, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is an acclaimed Indian actor and producer primarily associated with the Tamil film industry. He was born into a family with a strong cinematic background; his father, Sivakumar, is a popular veteran actor in Tamil cinema. Surya’s younger brother, Karthi, also followed in their father’s footsteps and became a prominent actor.
Suriya attended The PSBB School in Chennai and later pursued higher studies at Loyola College, where he majored in commerce. Despite growing up in a film-centric environment, he initially showed little interest in joining the industry. He even worked at a garment export company for a few years after completing his studies to gain some experience outside of film. However, he was eventually persuaded to try his hand at acting by director Vasanth, who noticed him and encouraged him to enter the field.
He made his acting debut in 1997 with Nerukku Ner, but his rise to fame was gradual. With hard work and determination, Surya managed to establish himself as a talented actor, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft. His breakthrough came with Nandha (2001), and he went on to deliver acclaimed performances in films like Kaakha Kaakha (2003), Ghajini (2005), Vaaranam Aayiram (2008), and Singam (2010), solidifying his place as one of Tamil cinema’s top stars.
Professional Career
Suriya, born Saravanan Sivakumar, is an acclaimed Indian actor, producer, and philanthropist primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema. Born on July 23, 1975, he hails from a family with strong roots in the South Indian film industry. His father, Sivakumar, was a prominent Tamil actor, and his younger brother, Karthi, is also a well-known actor. Surya has built a career marked by versatility, with performances in various genres ranging from action and drama to thrillers and biographical films. Here’s a look at the key stages of his professional journey.
Early Career and Debut
Suriya made his acting debut in 1997 with Nerrukku Ner, directed by Vasanth and produced by Mani Ratnam. Though the film did reasonably well, Surya’s career did not take off immediately, and he faced several challenges with his early projects. His initial films included Kaadhale Nimmadhi (1998) and Sandhippoma (1998), which didn’t perform well at the box office.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Suriya’s breakthrough came in 2001 with Nandha, directed by Bala. The film showcased his acting prowess and garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as a serious actor in the Tamil film industry. In 2003, he starred in Kaakha Kaakha, a police thriller directed by Gautham Menon, where he played an intense, well-crafted character as a cop. The film was a major commercial success and elevated him to stardom. His role in Pithamagan (2003), another film by Bala, further showcased his versatility and earned him widespread appreciation.
Career Milestones and Versatile Performances
- Ghajini (2005): This action thriller directed by A. R. Murugadoss marked a turning point in Surya’s career. He portrayed a man suffering from short-term memory loss, and his performance received both critical and commercial acclaim. Ghajini was later remade in Hindi with Aamir Khan.
- Vaaranam Aayiram (2008): Directed by Gautham Menon, Surya played dual roles as father and son, demonstrating a wide emotional range. The film earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.
- Ayan (2009): This film was a massive commercial success and established him as a bankable star in action-oriented roles.
- Singam Series (2010, 2013, 2017): In this police action franchise directed by Hari, Suriya played the role of a righteous and fearless police officer, Durai Singam. The films became hugely popular, especially with mass audiences, and contributed significantly to his commercial success.
Acclaimed Films and Socially Relevant Roles
Suriya gained a reputation for choosing roles with social relevance and unique narratives.
- 7aum Arivu (2011): In this science fiction thriller by A.R. Murugadoss, Suriya played a double role, exploring themes of genetic memory and Tamil heritage. The film received mixed reviews but showcased Suriya’s dedication to diverse storytelling.
- Soorarai Pottru (2020): In this biographical drama inspired by the life of Captain G. R. Gopinath, the founder of Air Deccan, Suriya’s performance was widely praised. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and Best Actor for Suriya. It was also the first Tamil film to be selected for the Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category.
- Jai Bhim (2021): This hard-hitting legal drama addressed issues of caste discrimination and human rights. Suriya played a real-life lawyer, K. Chandru, and produced the film through his production company, 2D Entertainment. Jai Bhim received widespread acclaim, bringing international recognition and being featured on various streaming platforms.
Production Ventures and 2D Entertainment
In addition to acting, Suriya launched his production company, 2D Entertainment, named after his children Diya and Dev. The company has produced several acclaimed films, including Pasanga 2 (2015), 24 (2016), Soorarai Pottru, and Jai Bhim, focusing on meaningful and socially impactful content.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Suriya is also known for his philanthropic efforts. Along with his wife, actress Jyothika, he founded the Agaram Foundation, which aims to provide quality education to underprivileged children in Tamil Nadu. He has been active in promoting social issues, contributing to educational and health initiatives, and is regarded as a socially responsible figure in Indian cinema.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Suriya has won numerous awards, including multiple Filmfare Awards South and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. His work has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected actors in the Tamil film industry, known for his dedication to roles, choice of impactful narratives, and contributions to Indian cinema both in front of and behind the camera.
Career Highlights
Suriya began his career with the film Nerukku Ner in 1997. He gained widespread popularity with Nandha in 2001 and established himself as a versatile actor with Kaakha Kaakha (2003). His performance in films like Ghajini, Vaaranam Aayiram, and Soorarai Pottru has received critical acclaim. Suriya is also known for his philanthropic efforts, primarily through his Agaram Foundation, which focuses on providing quality education to underprivileged children.
Awards
Suriya, a celebrated Tamil film actor known for his versatile roles, has received numerous awards throughout his career. Here’s a summary of some of the prominent awards he has won:
1. Filmfare Awards South
- Suriya has won multiple Filmfare Awards South, including Best Actor for films like Nandha, Pithamagan, Perazhagan, and Vaaranam Aayiram.
- His role in Vaaranam Aayiram (2008), directed by Gautham Menon, was especially praised, earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
2. Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
- Suriya has won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for his roles in Nandha and Ghajini.
- These awards acknowledge his contribution to Tamil cinema and his performances in impactful roles.
3. National Film Award
- In 2023, Suriya received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Soorarai Pottru. His powerful portrayal of a man who overcomes obstacles to create a low-cost airline was widely acclaimed.
4. South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA)
- He has won SIIMA awards in categories such as Best Actor for his roles in films like 24 and Soorarai Pottru.
5. Edison Awards
- Suriya won multiple Edison Awards in various categories, including Best Actor, recognizing his popular appeal and dedication to the craft.
6. Vijay Awards
- At the Vijay Awards, Suriya won for categories like Favorite Hero for his popular films and Favorite Actor for Vaaranam Aayiram.
7. Behindwoods Gold Medals
- Suriya has been recognized by the Behindwoods Gold Medals for his work in films that have had a significant cultural impact in Tamil cinema.
In addition to these awards, Suriya has also received various accolades for his philanthropic work through his Agaram Foundation, which supports education for underprivileged children in Tamil Nadu.
Movies
Suriya, one of Tamil cinema’s most celebrated actors, has had a long and successful career with a wide range of roles. Here are some of his popular movies:
1. Nandha (2001)
- Directed by Bala, this film marked a turning point in Suriya’s career. His portrayal of a troubled young man dealing with a violent past earned him critical acclaim.
2. Kaakha Kaakha (2003)
- Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, Suriya played a cop, and the film became a huge success. His chemistry with Jyothika and intense action sequences made it one of his breakthrough films.
3. Perazhagan (2004)
- Suriya showcased his versatility by playing dual roles—a handsome young man and a physically challenged character. His performance was widely appreciated.
4. Ghajini (2005)
- Directed by A. R. Murugadoss, Suriya starred as a man with short-term memory loss seeking revenge. This psychological thriller was a massive hit and inspired the Bollywood remake starring Aamir Khan.
5. Vaaranam Aayiram (2008)
- Another collaboration with Gautham Menon, Suriya played dual roles as both father and son. The film was praised for its emotional depth, and Suriya’s portrayal won him a National Award Special Mention.
6. Ayan (2009)
- Directed by K. V. Anand, this action thriller featured Suriya as a smuggler. It was a box-office success and showcased his action and comic timing.
7. Singam Series (2010, 2013, 2017)
- Directed by Hari, this police action series became highly popular. Suriya’s role as Durai Singam, a fearless cop, was well-received, leading to three successful installments.
8. 7aum Arivu (2011)
- Directed by A. R. Murugadoss, this sci-fi thriller featured Suriya as both a modern-day geneticist and a medieval Buddhist monk. The film explores themes of science, history, and martial arts.
9. Maattrraan (2012)
- Directed by K. V. Anand, Suriya played conjoined twins with contrasting personalities. His dual performance was praised, even though the film received mixed reviews.
10. 24 (2016)
- In this sci-fi thriller directed by Vikram Kumar, Suriya took on triple roles, including a time-traveling scientist and his evil twin. The film was appreciated for its concept and Suriya’s acting.
11. Soorarai Pottru (2020)
- Based on the life of Air Deccan founder G. R. Gopinath, this Sudha Kongara-directed film showed Suriya as an aspiring entrepreneur overcoming odds to launch a low-cost airline. The film received widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
12. Jai Bhim (2021)
- Directed by T. J. Gnanavel, this hard-hitting legal drama had Suriya portraying a lawyer fighting for justice for a marginalized tribal community. The film received international acclaim and shed light on social issues.
Suriya’s career is marked by diversity, from action-packed roles to socially conscious dramas, and he continues to be one of Tamil cinema’s leading actors.
13. Upcoming Movies
Suriya has several exciting movies lined up for 2024-2025, covering a range of genres and collaborations with top directors:
- Kanguva – Directed by Siva, Kanguva is a highly anticipated fantasy action film set to release around Diwali 2024. In this movie, Suriya plays dual roles, including a tribal warrior and a modern character. The film also stars Disha Patani and Bobby Deol (in his Tamil debut). With an ensemble cast, Kanguva promises a grand cinematic experience, blending myth and modernity WikipediaPINKVILLA.
- Sarfira – Suriya will make a cameo in Sarfira, the Hindi remake of his own film Soorarai Pottru. Directed by Sudha Kongara, this film stars Akshay Kumar and Radhika Madan. It is scheduled for release on July 12, 2024 PINKVILLAPratidin Time.
- Suriya 43 (Purananooru) – This upcoming project reunites Suriya with Sudha Kongara. Suriya 43, tentatively titled Purananooru, explores the historical context of the 1960s anti-Hindi imposition protests in Tamil Nadu. Suriya is joined by Nazriya Nazim, Dulquer Salmaan, and Vijay Varma. However, the release is postponed due to pre-production requirements PINKVILLAPratidin Time.
- Vaadivaasal – In collaboration with Vetrimaaran, Vaadivaasal tells the story of Jallikattu and a man’s quest to tame a bull as a personal vendetta. This project has faced delays, but the excitement around it remains strong due to Suriya’s rigorous training and dedication WikipediaPratidin Time.
- Karna – In his first Bollywood lead, Suriya will star in Karna, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. This ambitious project reimagines the story of Karna from the Mahabharata, with Suriya expected to bring a unique perspective to the character PINKVILLAPratidin Time.
These projects underscore Suriya’s versatility and dedication to diverse, impactful roles, promising memorable cinematic experiences for his fans.
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