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Actor
Sathyaraj
Active Telugu Actor
- FromCoimbatore City Tamil Nadu
- Based inTamil Nadu
- Ageover–65
- Active47
- Updated
Sathyaraj Biography
Rangaraj Subbiah (born 3 October 1954), known professionally as Sathyaraj, is an Indian actor, film producer and media personality who appears predominantly in Tamil films, with credits also in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada cinema. He has acted in more than 260 films and is a recipient of three Filmfare Awards South and three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
He was born in Gandhipuram, Coimbatore, then in Madras State, to Subbiah, a doctor, and Nathambal. He studied at St Mary’s Convent School and Suburban High School in Coimbatore before taking a Bachelor of Science degree in botany at Government Arts College, Coimbatore. Against his mother’s wishes he left for the Tamil film industry in Kodambakkam, Chennai, in 1976, and his first credited screen role came in Sattam En Kaiyil (1978).
Sathyaraj began in antagonistic roles before moving into lead parts, meeting success with Vedham Pudhithu (1987), Nadigan (1990), Amaidhi Padai (1994), Periyar (2007) and Onbadhu Roobai Nottu (2007). He also directed Villadhi Villain (1995), in which he played three different roles. He later drew acclaim for supporting turns in Nanban (2012), Raja Rani (2013) and Kanaa (2018), and won pan-Indian recognition as Kattappa in the Baahubali duology (2015–2017). In 2011 he briefly hosted the game show Home Sweet Home on STAR Vijay. Recent work includes Weapon (2024), Thozhar CheGuevara (2024), Madras Matinee (2025) and Coolie (2025), which reunited him with Rajinikanth after 38 years.
Basic Details
- Full name: Rangaraj Subbiah
- Born: 3 October 1954, Gandhipuram, Coimbatore, Madras State (now Tamil Nadu), India
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Actor, film producer, film director, media personality
- Years active: 1978 – present
- Primary industry: Tamil cinema, with work in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films
- Education: B.Sc. in Botany, Government Arts College, Coimbatore
- Spouse: Maheswari (married 1979)
- Children: Divya Sathyaraj and Sibi Sathyaraj (Sibiraj), an actor
- Major honours: Three Filmfare Awards South, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Kalaimamani
Career Highlights
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Sattam En Kaiyil | First credited screen role, as a henchman |
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu | Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil |
| 1990 | Nadigan | Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize |
| 1993 | Walter Vetrivel | Cinema Express Award for Best Actor – Tamil |
| 1994 | Amaidhi Padai | Acclaimed lead performance in Manivannan’s political satire |
| 1995 | Villadhi Villain | Directed the film and played three different roles |
| 2007 | Periyar | Portrayed E. V. Ramasamy; TN State Film Award Special Prize and Ananda Vikatan Best Actor |
| 2007 | Onbadhu Roobai Nottu | Vijay Award for Best Actor |
| 2012 | Nanban | Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil |
| 2015 | Baahubali: The Beginning | As Kattappa; IIFA Utsavam and Ananda Vikatan supporting-actor awards |
| 2017 | Baahubali 2: The Conclusion | Ananda Vikatan Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 2018 | Kanaa | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil |
| 2024 | Weapon | Lead role |
| 2025 | Coolie | Reunited with Rajinikanth after 38 years |
Awards and Honours
| Year | Award | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Kalaimamani | Government of Tamil Nadu |
| 1995 | Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award (MGR Award) | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards |
| 2000 | Honorary Doctorate | Sathyabama University |
| 2011 | Kalaichchigaram Award | Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards |
| 2017 | Honorary Doctorate | Vels University |
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About Sathyaraj
Who is Sathyaraj?
Sathyaraj is a renowned Indian actor, producer, director, and media personality, best known for his versatile roles in Tamil cinema. He has also worked in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films.
When and where was Sathyaraj born?
Sathyaraj was born on October 3, 1954, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
What is Sathyaraj’s real name?
His birth name is Rangaraj Subbiah, but he is widely known by his stage name, Sathyaraj.
Which was Sathyaraj’s debut film?
Sathyaraj made his acting debut in the Tamil film Sattam En Kaiyil (1978) in a small role, but gained recognition with Kadalora Kavithaigal (1986).
Has Sathyaraj received any awards?
Yes, he has won several honours, including Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, Vijay Awards, Ananda Vikatan Awards, and honorary doctorates from Sathyabama University and Vels University.
What was Sathyaraj’s role in the Baahubali films?
Sathyaraj played the legendary role of Kattappa, a loyal warrior, which became a cultural phenomenon and earned him international fame.
Is Sathyaraj involved in politics?
Yes, in the early 1990s, Sathyaraj was briefly associated with politics and social activism, but later he shifted his focus fully to cinema.
Who are the family members of Sathyaraj?
Sathyaraj is married to Maheswari, and they have two children: Sibiraj (actor) and Divya.
How long has Sathyaraj been active in the film industry?
Sathyaraj has been active in cinema since 1978, marking more than four decades in the film industry.
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