Cho Ramaswamy

Cho Ramaswamy
Born (1934-10-05)5 October 1934
Mylapore, Madras, India
Died 7 December 2016(2016-12-07) (aged 82)
Chennai, India
Cause of death Cardiac arrest, Respiratory problems
Occupation Actor, political satirist, journalist, lawyer, editor
Notable credit(s) Thuglak
Spouse(s) Shrimati Soundara Ramaswamy (m.1966)
Awards Padma Bhushan (2017)

Cho Ramaswamy (5 October 1934 – 7 December 2016), was an Indian actor, comedian, character actor, editor, political satirist, playwright, dialogue writer, film director and lawyer in Tamil Nadu.[1]

Family

The elder son of R. Srinivasa Iyer (father) and Rajammal (mother), Cho had a younger brother, Ambi, who is also an actor.[2] He has two children Sriram Ramaswamy, Sindhuja. He did his schooling in P.S.Higher Secondary School

Career

Films

Cho made his debut in 1963 with Paar Magale Paar as a comedian. From 1963 to 2005 he acted in 180 Tamil films and directed 5 films. He also wrote and directed 20 plays.[3]

He also wrote and acted in 27 Television serials. He wrote 10 books. Apart from being an actor, he was both the screenplay and story writer of films such as Thenmazhai, Ninaivil Nindraval, Bommalattam, Aayiram Poi and Panam Paththum Seyyum, all of which proved to be box office hits.

Cho played the role of a bike mechanic in the play Petralthan Pillaiya, written by Pattu of the United Amateur Artistes (UAA), which became a huge success. When the play was later adapted into a film by director A. Bhimsingh, Sivaji Ganesan persuaded Cho to play the same role in the film too, leading to Cho's entry into the film world.[4] Cho and Jayalalithaa have worked together in 19 films and also had been part of the same drama troupe.

Frequent collaborations

Cho as an actor has been pitted against other actors across generations. His comic timing against T.S. Balaiah in Manam Oru Kurangu, or with M.R. Radha, or many times with actors like V.K. Ramaswamy, Nagesh, Manorama and Sachu in many films brought out the best in him.

Cho and Manorama were paired together in 20 films, which included Malligaip poo, Annaiyum pithavum, Dharisanam, Anbait thedi, Ninaivil Nindraval, Nirai Kudam, Therottam, Aayiram Poi, Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, Bommalattam, Pugundha Veedu, Vilayaattu Pillai, Kanavan, Rojavin Raja and Velum Mayilum Thunai and were pitted in a non-couple role in Suryagandhi, Delhi Mappilai and Naadagame Ulagam.

Cho acted alongside Nagesh in Thenmazhai, Ninaivil Nindraval, Ulagam Ivvalavudhaan and Bommalattam among others. He was paired opposite Sachu in films like Deva Sankalpam, Galaataa Kalyanam and Delhi Mappilai.

Cho has acted with the MGR–Jayalalitha combo in films like Oli Villaku, Kanavan, Kumarikottam, Mattukara Velan, Aadimai Penn, Engal Thangam, Thedi Vantha Mapillai, En Annan and Neerum Nerupum. Cho has acted with MGR in many films like Petralthaan Pillaiya, Sangey Muzhangu, Rickshawkaaran and Thalaivan. Cho has acted with Jayalalitha in other films like Bommalaattam, Galaattaak kalyanam, Suryagandhi, Vandhaale Maharaasi and Anbai Thedi.

Cho has acted with Sivakumar in films like Shanmugapriya, Onne Onnu Kanne Kannu, Thaip Paasam, Uravu Solla Oruvan, Aan Pillai Singam, Yaarukkum Vetkamillai, Chinna Kuyil Padudhu, Sattai Illatha Pambaram and Kanna Thorakiran Samy. Among these, Yaarukkum Vetkamillai was directed by Cho in 1976.

Politics

He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India, K. R. Narayanan. In the Rajya Sabha 12 MPs are nominated by the President of India from amongst persons who have special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of literature, science, art or social service. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP from November 1999 to November 2005.[5][6]

Literature

He was the founder and editor of the Tamil magazine Thuglak.[7] Politicians such as J. B. Kripalani, Indira Gandhi, Karunanidhi, Chandra Shekhar, G. K. Moopanar, M. G. Ramachandran, Jayalalithaa, Ramakrishna Hegde, N. T. Rama Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and L. K. Advani, Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh and P. Chidambaram were targets of his editorial attacks. He was widely considered to be an unbiased political analyst who would criticize the negatives of both the left wing and right wing political parties. In his last years, he predicted that Narendra Modi would do diligent work towards the development of India,[8] and also praised Jayalalithaa for her work in Tamil Nadu.

The anniversary celebration of his popular magazine Thuglak is being organised on 14 January every year coinciding with the local festival of '"Pongal" and is attended by about 50000 admirers as well as adversaries. Several VIPs also participate in the function. The main attraction during the celebrations is the questions posed by members of the audience and quick answers given by Cho.

On 25 January 2017, the Government of India announced the "Padma Bhushan" award for his contribution towards Literature & Education – Journalism.[9]

Filmography

Plays

  1. Wait and See
  2. Why Not
  3. What For
  4. Muhammad bin Tughluq
  5. Yaarukkum Vetkamillai
  6. Saathiram Sonnadhillai
  7. Nermai Urangum Neram
  8. Iraivan Irandhuvittana?
  9. Enru Thaniyum Inda Sudandira Thaagam?
  10. Judgement Reserved
  11. Quo Vadis
  12. Unmayae Unn Villai Ennae?
  13. Saraswathiyin Selvan
  14. Unmai Urangum Neram
  15. Madras by Night

As Actor

  1. Paar Magale Paar (1963)(Debut)
  2. Thenmazhai (1966)
  3. Marakka Mudiyumaa? (1966)
  4. Ninaivil Nindraval (1967)
  5. Manam Oru Kurangu (1967)
  6. Penn Endraal Penn (1967)
  7. Naan Yaar Theriyuma (1967)
  8. Galatta Kalyanam (1968)
  9. Bommalattam (1968)
  10. Neelagiri Express (1968)
  11. Kuzhanthaikkaaga (1968)
  12. Delhi Maappillai (1968)
  13. Lakshmi Kalyanam (1968)
  14. Kannan En Kadhalan (1968)
  15. Oli Vilakku (1968)
  16. Kanavan (1968)
  17. Nirai Kudam (1969)
  18. Aayiram Poi (1969)
  19. Ulagam Ivvalavuthaan (1969)
  20. Adimai Penn (1969)
  21. Aindhu Latcham (1969)
  22. Kanni penn (1969)
  23. Magizham Poo (1969)
  24. Annaiyum Pithavum (1969)
  25. En Annan (1970)
  26. Maattukara Velan (1970)
  27. Engal Thangam (1970)
  28. Thedi Vandha Mappillai (1970)
  29. Dharisanam (1970)
  30. Nadu Iravil (1970)
  31. Vilayattu Pillai (1970)
  32. Muhammad bin Tughluq (1971)
  33. Therottam (1971)
  34. Neerum Neruppum (1971)
  35. Rickshawkaran (1971)
  36. Oru Thaai Makkal (1971)
  37. Kumari Kottam (1971)
  38. Arunodhayam (1971)
  39. Soodhattam (1971)
  40. Yanai Valartha Vanambadi Magan (1971)
  41. Thavapudhalavan (1972)
  42. Unakkum Enakkum (1972)
  43. Mr.Sampath (1972)
  44. Thaaikku Oru Pillai (1972)
  45. Sange Muzhangu (1972)
  46. Deiva Sankalpam (1972)
  47. Vandhale Magarasi (1973)
  48. Suryakanthi (1973)
  49. Gauravam (1973)
  50. Pon Vanndu (1973)
  51. Vaakkuruthi (1973)
  52. Ganga Gowri (1973)
  53. Manitharil Maanikkam (1973)
  54. Kasi Yathirai (1973)
  55. Ponnunjal (1973)
  56. Shanmugapriya (1973)
  57. Vayadi (1973)
  58. Veettukku Vandha Marumagal (1973)
  59. Malligai Poo (1973)
  60. School Master (1973)
  61. Anbu Sagothararkal (1973)
  62. Thanga Pathakkam (1974)
  63. Orey Saatchi (1974)
  64. Anbai Thedi (1974)
  65. Idhayam Parkkirathu (1974) (Guest role)
  66. Roshakkaari (1974)
  67. Devi Sri Karmariamman (1974)
  68. Kalyanamam Kalyanam (1974)
  69. Onne Onnu Kanne Kannu (1974)
  70. Pillai Selvam (1974)
  71. Thai Pasam (1974)
  72. Puguntha Veedu (1974)
  73. Magalukkaga (1974)
  74. Aan Pillai Singam (1975)
  75. Sonthankal Vaazhga (1975)
  76. Andharangam (1975)
  77. Cinema Paithiyam (1975)
  78. Unga Veettu Kalyaanam (1975)
  79. Avandhan Manidhan (1975)
  80. Thai Veettu Seethanam (1975)
  81. Uravu Solla Oruvan (1975)
  82. Yarukkum Vetkamillai (1975)
  83. Pinchu Manam (1975)
  84. Melnaattu Marumagal (1975) (Guest actor)
  85. Unmaye Un Vilai Enna (1976)
  86. Mayor Meenakshi (1976)
  87. Rojavin Raja (1976)
  88. Avan Oru Sarithiram (1976)
  89. Perum Pugazhum (1976)
  90. Thanikudithanam (1977)
  91. Balappareetchai (1977)
  92. Unnai Sutrum Ulagam (1977)(Guest actor)
  93. Sakka Podu Podu Raja (1978)
  94. Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (1979)
  95. Nadagame Ulagam (1979)
  96. Velum Mayilum Thunai' ' (1979)
  97. Kadavulin Theerppu (1981)
  98. Adutha Varisu (1983)
  99. Naan Mahaan Alla (1984)
  100. Saattai Illatha Pambaram (1984)
  101. Navgraha Nayagi (1985)
  102. Puthiya Theerpu (1985)
  103. Kanna Thorakkanum Saami(1986)
  104. Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu (1987)
  105. Manithan (1987)
  106. Anand (1987)
  107. Guru Sishyan (1988)
  108. Adhisaya Piravi (1990)
  109. Kadhala Kadhala (1998)

Direction

  1. Muhammad bin Tughluq
  2. Unmaiye Un Vilai Enna
  3. Mr. Sampath
  4. Yarukkum Vetkam Illai
  5. Sambo Siva Samboo

Screenplay

  1. Neelagiri Express
  2. Aayiram Poi
  3. Nirai Kudam
  4. Bommalattam
  5. Ninaivil Nindraval (1967 film)

Religious works

  1. Hindu Maha Samudram Vol – I, II, III, IV, V, and VI (Latest)
  2. Mahabaratham Pesugirathu
  3. Valmiki Ramayanam
  4. Verukathagada Bramaniyam
  5. Nane Raja

Television

  1. Engey Brahmanan?
  2. Verukatthakkatha Brahmaneeyam?
  3. Sambavami Yuge Yuge
  4. Vande Mataram
  5. Ivargalai Therindhu Kollungal
  6. Washington Il Nallathambi
  7. Sarakar Pugunda Veedu
  8. Koovam Nadikaraiyinile
  9. Adhigaprasangam
  10. Yaro Ivar Yaro?
  11. Saadhal Ellaiyel Kaadhal
  12. Mydear BrahmaDeva
  13. India Enge Pogiradhu?
  14. Kamarajarai Sandhitthen
  15. Puratchi Geethai
  16. Sattam Thalai Guniyattum
  17. Enge Pogirai?
  18. Embak Kana Onru Kandaen
  19. Saraswathiyin Selvan
  20. Manam Oru Kurangu
  21. En Koodathu?
  22. Eravil Chennai
  23. Uravugal Ellaiyadi Pappa
  24. Edarkaga?
  25. Thiraiyulagathai Thirumbi Parkiraen
  26. Unmayae Unn Villai Ennae?
  27. Janatha Nagar Colony

Controversy

Following Sanjay Gandhi's death in an air crash, Cho released stamps in memory of Capt. Subhash Saxena, the pilot of the aircraft, who also died in the air crash. The postal departments failed to realise that these stamps were not official and mistakenly approved them.[4]

Illness and death

Mr.Cho was hospitalized in January 2015 and was in and out of hospital due to illness. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha called on Cho Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy died due to cardiac arrest at 3:58 AM on 7 December 2016, aged 82, at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, where he was receiving treatment for respiratory problems. He was survived by his wife, Soundara Ramaswamy,[10] son Rajivakshan alias Sriram, and daughter Sindhu.[11][12][13][14]

Rajinikanth disclosed later that Jayalalithaa had always opined that Mr. Ramaswamy should live as long as she lived. He quoted: "As it turns out, he was alive till then and even few hours after that."[15]

References

  1. ↑ "Cho Ramaswamy". veethi.com. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  2. ↑ Geetha Venkataramanan (8 December 2016). "Actor Neelu on his 60-year old bond with Cho". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  3. ↑ By Karthika Raveendran. "Rajinikanth, Sivakumar, Suriya, Karthi pay homage to late Journalist-actor Cho Ramaswamy". Bollywoodlife.com. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  4. 1 2 Cho interview on Koffee with Anu on YouTube
  5. ↑ Biodata; accessed 28 January 2018.Archived 14 May 2003 at the Wayback Machine.
  6. ↑ "He Introduced Me As 'Merchant Of Death': PM Modi On Cho Ramaswamy". Ndtv.com. Retrieved 2016-12-08.
  7. ↑ "Thuglak". Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  8. ↑ "Narendra Modi will win laurels for India in the future – Shri Cho Ramaswamy". 1 November 2013.
  9. ↑ "PadmaAwards-2017" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 January 2017.
  10. ↑ Ramaswamy, Srinivasa Iyer. "Srinivasa Iyer Ramaswamy passes away, aged 82". News Paper. Retrieved 7 December 2016 – via http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
  11. ↑ Obituary, thehindu.com; accessed 28 January 2018.
  12. ↑ "Cho Ramaswamy watched Jayalalithaa's final journey before he breathed his last - Firstpost". www.firstpost.com.
  13. ↑ "Cho Ramaswamy watched Jayalalithaa's final journey before he breathed his last". Firstpost.com. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  14. ↑ Ramaswamy, Cho (7 December 2016). "Cho Ramaswamy passes away". thehindu.com. The Hindu India. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  15. ↑ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Modi-pays-tributes-to-‘Cho’-Ramaswamy/article17040268.ece
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