Ranjan, born Ramanarayana Venkataramana Sarma on March 2, 1918, in Mylapore, Madras, was a legendary actor who rose to stardom in the South Indian film industry. His journey to fame began during his college years when he performed in numerous stage plays. Impressed by his talent, Veppattur Kittu, an employee of Gemini Studios, recommended Ranjan to filmmaker T.G. Raghavachari. This led to his first role in Ashok Kumar, where he portrayed Gautama Buddha, captivating audiences with his brilliant acting.
Ranjan’s breakthrough in Tamil cinema came with successful films such as Rishyashringar, Chandralekha, and Mangamma Sabatham. His portrayal in Chandralekha, a film produced by S.S. Vasan of Gemini Pictures in 1948, catapulted him to fame. The film’s success opened doors for Ranjan in the Hindi film industry, where he became known for hits like Madari, Bahut Din Hue, Suvarn Sundari, Nishan, Magic Carpet, and Chor Chor.
Ranjan’s return to Tamil cinema came through Chinnappa Devar’s production, Neelamalai Thirudan. The film was a massive hit and solidified his star status. He continued to act in Tamil films, with Shali Vahanam being another notable success. Despite his fame, Captain Ranjan marked his final appearance in Tamil cinema.
Beyond acting, Ranjan was a man of many talents. He authored several books on Indian classical music and dance and published a short-lived Tamil magazine called Naattiyam. A passionate music enthusiast, he dedicated his free time to research in the field. Ranjan also held a pilot’s license, and had skills in both magic and painting, making him a multi-faceted personality.
Though Ranjan passed away, his contributions to Indian cinema remain unforgettable. His versatile talents and unforgettable performances continue to inspire generations, ensuring his legacy lives on.
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