NAKARAJAN

Kumara Kulothungan (1939) T.R. Rajayee (later T.R. Rajakumari), C.D. Kannabhiran, S.S. Kokko, M.S. Murugesam, M.R. Mahalakshmi, G. Gopal, Saradha, M.K. Meenatchi Bai A new face — with stunning looks and a talent for acting and singing — entered the Tamil film world in 1938 without any fanfare. She was Thanjavur Ranganayaki Rajayee. She was trained in music by her grandmother, a well-known Carnatic singer in Thanjavur. Meanwhile, her family wanted to make her a film star. As a teenager, Rajayee travelled to Madras to meet her aunt SP.L. Dhanalakshmi who played the lead in a few films. When the aunt was shooting for Ellis R. Dungan’s Kavi Kalamegam (nagaswaram wizard T.N. Rajaratnam Pillai played the title role), Dungan spotted Rajayee. However, he could not take her in as all roles had already been filled. But, Rajayee stayed back in Madras. Then came the opportunity in 1938 when she faced the camera for Kumara Kulothungan. Even though the film was completed in 1938-193...