Kothamangalam Seenu

Kothamangalam Seenu (17 February 1910 - 30 August 2001) was a Tamil stage, and film actor and Carnatic music singer.

Early life Seenu was born as V. S. Srinivasan in Vathirairuppu (Anglicised as ‘Watrap'), a village in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. His parents were Subramaniya Iyer and Narayani Ammal. Not much is known about his early life at his birthplace except that he was well trained in Carnatic music. He went to Kothamangalam, a village near Chettinad in search of employment.

Film career His melodious voice and expertise in Carnatic music attracted film producers. Soon, he began to act in films. The first film that he acted was Sarangadhara, released in 1937. He acted in the main character. During the early years of Tamil Cinema, music and songs dominated the films. In some cases there were as many as 50, 60 songs in one film. Therefore, there was much scope for singers to act in films and Seenu had good opportunities. However, there were already two big 'guns' who mesmerized people with their golden voice and acting skill. M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and P. U. Chinnappa were considered 'Super Stars' and held by the people in high esteem. But Kothamangalam Seenu established a place for himself as a singer actor. After Sarangadhara, he acted in Pattinathar and Vipra Narayana. His songs in Shantha Sakkubai, released in 1939, became very popular. He delivered a musical discourse (கதா காலட்சேபம்) that was a hit. He acted in the main role as Thirumangai Alvar in the film with the same name and was released in 1940. His songs in this film were popular. He acted in several films during the 1940s. His last film 'Thulasi Jalandar' was released in 1947.

Year Film 1935 Sarangadhara 1935 Pattinathar 1938 Vipra Narayana 1940 Thirumangai Azhwar 1940 Manimegalai 1941 Surya Puthri 1941 Kacha Devayani 1942 Bhaktha Naradar 1942 Chogamelar 1942 Krishna Pidaran 1944 Dasi Aparanji 1946 Sakata Yogam 1947 Ponnaruvi 1947 Ekambavanan 1947 Mahatma Udhangar 1947 Thulasi Jalandar