Tamil actor Sarathkumar turns 58 today

Sarathkumar Ramanthan popularly known as R. Sarathkumar turns 58 today.

He is one of the most prolific actors of Tamil and Telugu cinema.

He made his acting debut with the Tamil film, Kan Simittum Neram in 1998. He followed it up with a number of other films like Mr.Karthik, Engitte Mothathe, Vishnu and Vetri Padigal.

1991 was a landmark year for the actor. With no less than fifteen films releasing, Sarathkumar had arrived. He gave hits like Captain Prabhakaran, Gang Leader, Cheran Pandiyan, Stuartpuran Police Station.

Films like Suriyan, Nattamai Nadodi Mannan, Aravinthan and Suryavamsam turned him into a superstar. Nattamai was a big boost for his career, as it won him not only the Filmfare Best Actor award (Tamil), but also the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.

Suryavamsam, too increased his fan-following, winning him his second Filmfare award for Best Actor (Tamil) in 1997. The following year, Natpukkaga fetched him yet another Filmfare award for Best Actor (Tamil) along with another Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.

Post 90s, Sarathkumar signed few films. 2001 was comparitvely a dry year, as the actor had only five releases. Ullam Kollai Poguthey opened the year on a good note, while Rishi and Dhosth did good business too.

In 2006, Sarathkumar tried his hands at direction in Thalaimagan. He also acted in the movie.

Year 2009 saw only two Sarathkumar releases, namely 1977 in Tamil and Pazhassi Raja in Malayalam. By the end of 2010 he returned to Malayalam cinema with Oridathoru Postman.. Christian Brothers proved to be a successful film, in which he starred opposite Malayalam superstar, Mohanlal.

While Sarathkumar's life looked simple, he was surrounded in some controversies as well. In 2001, he divorced his first wife Chaya. The couple have two daughters Pooja and Varalaxmi.

Putting all rumors to rest, Sarathkumar then married actress Raadhika in 2001. Three years later, they had a son Rahul.

Sarathkumar is also an avid journalist and politician, and holds the post of President of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association.

Here's wishing the actor a very happy birthday.