Today marks a special day for fans of Tamil cinema as Suriya, one of the industry’s most beloved actors, celebrates his 49th birthday. As the anticipation builds for his upcoming film “Kanguva,” directed by Siva, let’s take a look at some intriguing and lesser-known facts about the versatile actor who continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances.
1. Early Career: From Merchandiser to Movie Star
Before he became a household name in Indian cinema, Suriya worked as a merchandiser in a garment export factory. Born as Saravanan Sivakumar, he took on the role to gain some work experience and was hesitant to enter the film industry initially. It was only after much persuasion from his father, veteran actor Sivakumar, and director Vasanth that Suriya decided to make his acting debut in the film “Nerukku Ner” (1997). His early work experience instilled in him a sense of discipline and hard work, which he carried into his acting career.
2. The Real Name Behind the Star
While fans know him as Suriya, his real name is Saravanan Sivakumar. The actor adopted the screen name Suriya at the suggestion of director Mani Ratnam to avoid confusion with another actor, Saravanan. The name change turned out to be a fortuitous decision, marking the beginning of his rise to stardom.
3. A Multifaceted Talent
Suriya is not just an accomplished actor but also a producer and philanthropist. He founded the production house 2D Entertainment, which has produced several successful films, including the critically acclaimed “Soorarai Pottru” (2020). Beyond the film industry, Suriya and his wife, Jyothika, run the Agaram Foundation, an NGO focused on providing quality education to underprivileged children in Tamil Nadu.
4. Family Legacy in Cinema
Acting runs in Suriya’s blood. He is the eldest son of the renowned actor Sivakumar and the older brother of Karthi, another prominent actor in Tamil cinema. Despite being part of a well-known film family, Suriya has carved out his own identity through his diverse roles and remarkable performances, ranging from action-packed blockbusters to socially relevant dramas.
5. The Journey to “Kanguva”
As Suriya turns 49, fans are eagerly awaiting his upcoming film “Kanguva,” which promises to be an epic action-adventure. The excitement surrounding the film was further heightened when director Karthik Subbaraj shared the official promo for Suriya’s 44th film, tentatively titled “Suriya 44,” on his birthday. In the promo, Suriya’s menacing look, flanked by an army of goons, has left fans thrilled and yearning for more.
Suriya’s last appearance was in the Akshay Kumar-starrer “Sarfira,” the official Bollywood remake of the Tamil blockbuster “Soorarai Pottru.” The original film, which starred Suriya himself, was a National Award-winning success and showcased his exceptional acting prowess.
Conclusion
As Suriya celebrates his 49th birthday, his journey from a reluctant actor to one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars is truly inspiring. With each passing year, Suriya continues to reinvent himself, delivering memorable performances and contributing to the industry in multifaceted ways. As fans eagerly await “Kanguva,” there’s no doubt that Suriya’s star will continue to shine brightly in the cinematic galaxy.
