Ranjith (actor)

Ranjith (born 15 November 1972) is an Indian actor and director who appears in Tamil and Malayalam language films. In 2024, he participated in the reality show '' Bigg Boss 8'' as a contestant.

Acting career

After completing a course in acting, Ranjith made his acting debut in 1993 with '' Pon Vilangu'', directed by K. S. Rajkumar, was produced by R. K. Selvamani. The critic K. Vijayan of ''New Straits Times'' praised Ranjith's acting citing that "Ranjith, despite his big build, impresses in his debut performance." The next year, he acted the lead role in the rural drama ''Sindhu Nathi Poo'' (1994).

In 1996, he appeared in '' Minor Mappillai'' and in ''Avathara Purushan''. In the start of 1998, Ranjith played as an antagonist in ''Maru Malarchi'' opposite Mammooty, the film was released to critical acclaim and he won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain for his role. He later acted in '' Ninaithen Vandhai'' then the blockbuster '' Natpukkaga'' and played the villain role in ''Dharma''. He appeared in the supporting role in '' Desiya Geetham'' and '' Pudhumai Pithan'' while he played one of the leads in the low-budget film '' Cheran Chozhan Pandian''. He resumes his role in the Telegu drama ''Sneham Kosam'' (1999), remake of ''Natpukkaga'' directed by K. S. Ravikumar.

From 1999 to 2001, he had predominantly appeared in supporting and villain roles except in '' Nesam Pudhusu'' and '' Kann Thirandhu Paaramma'' where he played the lead role. In 2003, Ranjith directed, produced and played the title role in '' Bheeshmar'' (2003).

Ranjith later acted in Malayalam movies such as ''Natturajavu'' (2004), ''Rajamanikyam'' (2005), ''Chandrolsavam'' (2005) and ''Lokanathan IAS'' (2005).

He has acted as the lead role in ''Aadhikkam'' (2005), '' Padhavi Paduthum Paadu'' (2005), '' Pasupathi c/o Rasakkapalayam'' (2007), '' Kasimedu Govindan'' (2008) and ''Munnar'' (2009) as well as in supporting role in ''Thambikku Indha Ooru'' (2010), '' Gowravargal'' (2010), ''Sagaptham'' (2015) and '' Adhibar'' (2015).

Ranjith makes small-screen debut with Vijay TV’s ''Senthoora Poove''. He is particularly through his role in the much-loved serial '' Baakiyalakshmi''. His work in serials has further endeared him to a broader audience, cementing his place in the industry as a beloved figure.

Initially scheduled to release in February 2024, due to the controversies surrounding the film, his self-directed drama film titled '' Kavundampalayam'' was pushed to August 2024.

In 2024, he participated in the reality television series '' Bigg Boss 8'' as a contestant. He was later evicted from the show on day 77 at 13th place.

Political career

Ranjith was a member and spokesperson of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for many years. After the death of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa in December 2016, Ranjith started to support O. Panneerselvam's faction of AIADMK. In July 2018, Ranjith left the AIADMK and joined the Pattali Makkal Katchi as the new deputy leader of the party. On 26 February 2019, Ranjith, the vice president of PMK, quit the party citing that he could not digest S. Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss' change of stance in supporting the AIADMK in the 2019 Indian general election. The next day, Ranjith met Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam's general secretary T. T. V. Dhinakaran and joined the party officially.

Controversies

In August 2024, Ranjith sparked controversy while speaking to media, saying that caste-based honor killing was not violence; rather, it was a parent's way of showing their care towards their children. He later retracted his statement, saying that he "oppose all forms of killing".

Filmography

Tamil films

Malayalam films

Telugu film

Television series

Voice artist

* Manoj Bharathiraja – ''Kadal Pookkal'' (2001)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ranjith
Male actors in Tamil cinema
Indian male film actors
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners
Tamil actors
1972 births
Living people
Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam politicians
Pattali Makkal Katchi politicians
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians