Chief Minister Stalin announces Kalaignar Ninaivu Kalaithurai Vithagar award for film veterans M.N. Rajam and S.P. Muthuraman

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday announced that the Kalaignar Ninaivu Kalaithurai Vithagar Award for 2024 and 2025 will be conferred on veteran actor M.N. Rajam and veteran filmmaker S.P. Muthuraman, respectively.

Rajam is one of the senior-most artistes in Tamil cinema, who began her acting career in stage plays at a young age and made her film debut as a child artiste in 1949. She rose to become a leading heroine in the 1950s and 1960s and earned wide appreciation for her performances in several successful films, including Rathakkanneer, Pennin Perumai, Pudhaiyal, Thangapathumai, Nadodi Mannan, Pasamalar, Thaali Baakiyam and Mangaiyar Thilakam.

She has acted in more than 200 Tamil films, later taking on supporting roles such as mother and mother-in-law, and secured a lasting place in the hearts of the audience. Her mother roles in films, such as Arangetram and Oorukku Uzhaippavan, are particularly remembered. She is also the first woman member registered with the South Indian Artistes’ Association and has received several awards for her long service to the field of arts, an official release said.

Muthuraman began his career as an assistant director with the film Kalathur Kannamma in 1960 and went on to become one of the most successful commercial directors in Tamil cinema from the 1970s through the 1990s. He has directed more than 70 Tamil films.

Some of his notable films, include Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai, Bhuvana Oru Kelvikuri (1977), Oru Oodhappoo Kan Simittugirathu (1978), Murattu Kaalai, Engeyo Ketta Kural (1982), and Sakalakala Vallavan (1985). He has received several awards for his contributions to Tamil cinema and is also well known for his simplicity, integrity, and humility.

Both awardees will receive a cash prize of ₹10 lakh each along with a memento from the Chief Minister, the release added.