Gayathri Raguram

Indian politician and actress

Gayathri Raguram
Gayathri in 2021
Deputy Secretary of the AIADMK Women's Wing
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 March 2024
General SecretaryEdappadi K. Palaniswami
SecretaryB. Valarmathi
Personal details
BornMadras, Tamil Nadu, India
(present day Chennai)
Political partyAll India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Other political
affiliations		Bharatiya Janata Party (2014–2023)[1]
Spouse
Deepak Chandrasekhar
​
​
(m. 2006; div. 2010)​
ParentRaghuram
RelativesKrishnaswami Subrahmanyam (great-grandfather)
Padma Subrahmanyam (grand-aunt)
S. Krishnaswamy (grand-uncle)
Kala (aunt)
Brinda (aunt)
OccupationActress (2001 - 2021)
Politician (2014-2023)
Choreographer (2008-2019)

Gayathri Raguram is an Indian politician for All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam political party and a former choreographer and actress who has worked in the South Indian film industry.[2][3][4]

Personal life

Gayathri was born in a Tamil Brahmin Iyer family as the second daughter to dance choreographers Raghuram and Girija Raghuram.[better source needed][5] Her elder sister Suja is a dancer, who has also previously worked as an actress.[6] She is the great-granddaughter of director Krishnaswami Subrahmanyam. Her mother, Girija comes from a family of choreographers, which includes Brinda and Kala.[7]

Drunk and driving case

Gayathri was booked for a drunk and driving case in November 2019 by Abhiramapuram Traffic Control Police. Police reported that she left a party from a hotel in MRC Nagar organized for film personalities and was on her way home when she was intercepted by the police, she admitted that she had drunk alcohol when she was asked to blow into the breathing analyzer. A police officer later drove her to her house in Adyar and confiscated her car. A case under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act was filed on her and she was also fined for the incident. Gayathri however claimed it was fake news.[8][9][10] This incident drew strong criticism from BJP party cadres.[11]

Twitter

On 26 October 2020, Raguram was permanently suspended from social media platform Twitter for violating Twitter's rules after posting a series of tweets relating to the controversy over VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan's statement on Manusmriti.[12]

Film career

Early work (2001 – 2002)

Gayathri Raghuram started acting at the age of fourteen.[13] Early in her career, she insisted on being known by her full name to avoid confusion with another actress, Gayatri Jayaraman, who was also active in the period.[14]

Whistle and beyond (2003 – 2016)

Her debut film, Repallelo Radha featured her alongside newcomer Dileep.[15] Her next film, Sakthi Chidambaram's comedy drama Charlie Chaplin (2002), featured her in an ensemble cast alongside Prabhu Deva, Prabhu and Abhirami. She was selected for the film after Gayatri Jayaraman opted out of the project.[16] The film enjoyed commercial success, with a critic from The Hindu stating "the new heroine's expertise in dance is particularly impressive".[17] In 2002, she appeared in three more films: the Kannada film Manasella Neene directed by choreographer Sundaram, the Tamil film Style alongside choreographer Raghava Lawrence and the Malayalam film, Nakshathrakkannulla Rajakumaran Avanundoru Rajakumari, where she starred opposite Prithviraj. Her four consequent releases in 2003 fared less well at the box office and failed to garner her more film offers. In concern of her performance in the horror film Whistle (2003), a critic from The Hindu wrote "Gayathri Raghuram's face is and her expressions are just right but rotundity seems to come in the way of wholesome appeal".[18] Likewise, a critic wrote "Gayathri, as the garrulous friend of the hero, begins well, and even when you think she might have a solid role to play, she turns out to be just another weighty heroine in tow", in regard of her appearance in the Arjun-starrer Parasuram (2003).[19] Subsequently, she quit films and relocated to pursue a qualification in Visual Communications in Iowa, USA.[citation needed]

Gayathri returned to the film industry in 2008 as a choreographer with films like Jayam Kondaan (2008) and Poi Solla Porom (2008) and has since worked in big budget productions including Madrasapattinam (2010), Deiva Thirumagal (2013), Osthe (2011) and Anjaan (2014).[13] Her work in the crime thriller Kanthaswamy (2009) and the satire Tamil Padam (2010) were well received by critics.[20] By 2014, she had choreographed around 100 films and has regularly specialised in working on romantic montages.[13]

Gayatri acted once more in Vai Raja Vai (2015) at the insistence of her friend Aishwarya Dhanush by portraying the sister of the film's lead character Gautham Karthik.[13] Likewise, she made an extended guest appearance in director Bala's village drama Tharai Thappattai (2016), where she also featured in a karakattam-based song. After announcing her intentions of directing a film in 2012, she began work on her first directorial venture Yaadhumagi Nindraai during 2016.[21]

Bigg Boss (2017)

In 2017, Gayathri was a contestant on the Tamil reality show Bigg Boss hosted by Kamal Haasan.[22] She was evicted from the show o the 56th day, after having attracted widespread criticism for her behaviour inside the Bigg Boss House. In particular, her constant harassment and bullying of contestants Bharani, Julie and then Oviya were widely criticised. A police complaint was filed against her for using derogatory words against Oviya by saying that Oviya has seri behaviour (Slum behaviour) and hurting the sentiment of others, while on the show.[23][24] Post her appearance on the show, Gayathri returned to choreography, and also appeared as a judge on the television show, Mrs Chinnathirai.[25]

Retirement from cinema (2019 - 2021)

In 2020, Gayathri directed her first film titled Yaadhumagi Nindraai where she starred as the main and leading role in the film. The following year she appeared as a special appearance in the Telugu film Rang De, after Rang De she announced her retirement from the film industry as an actress and wanted to focus more on politics.[26][27][28]

Political career

BJP (2014 - 2023)

Taking office

In November 2015, Gayathri was appointed as Bharatiya Janata Party's secretary for arts in Tamil Nadu.[29] She had earlier joined the party in 2014 in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah.[30]

Gayathri Raghuram was made as president of Arts and Culture Wing of Tamil Nadu BJP in July 2020.[31]

Controversy about past

BJP president Tamilisai distanced herself from Gayathri Raghuram in November 2018 when Gayathri landed into a controversy for drunk and driving. Tamilisai told reporters that the actor was no longer a party worker. Gayathri tweeted that Tamilisai threatened and blackmails women.[11] Gayathri has ever since started a campaign against Tamilisai and has gone on television and party members and said that the BJP will grow in Tamil Nadu if the leadership is changed.[citation needed]

Established politician

As the state president of the arts and culture wing, during February 2022, she fired some of her wing's office-bearers and ordered appointment of new executives to replace them allegedly without the without permission of party President Annamalai. Gayatri Raghuram's arbitrary act caused a controversy.[32] However, Annamalai ordered that Gayathri's announcement is not valid and said that the old executives would continue.[33] Gayathri Raghuram was expelled from the post by party President Kuppusamy Annamalai in May 2022 and was not given any new post. She openly expressed her displeasure on social media, saying she was given the post of language cell convenor, but she turned it down. She said she was "ok" without a posting.[3][34] She was then appointed as the leader of Tamil development wing of other states and abroad in June 2022.[35]

Gayatri Raghuram in November 2022, condemned the party's OBC state president Surya Siva for abusing and giving death threats to BJP's Minority Morcha leader Daisy Saran, and criticized the party's state president K. Annamalai for giving the post to Surya Siva. Following this, K. Annamalai suspended her from the party for six months and issued a statement asking party men to avoid any contact with Gayatri Raghuram for the time due to her continued involvement in tarnishing the name of the party.[36][37]

Quit politics

She quit the party on 3 January 2023, alleging that 'women in the party' are not safe under leader K. Annamalai.[38]

AIADMK (2024 - present)

On 19 January 2024, She joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the presence of its general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.[39][40] On 2 March 2024, She was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of AIADMK Women Wing.[41]

Filmography

Actress

Year Film Role Language Notes
2001 Repallelo Radha Radha Telugu Credited as Deeksha
2002 Charlie Chaplin Susi Tamil
Manasella Neene Renuka Kannada
Nakshathrakkannulla Rajakumaran
Avanundoru Rajakumari		 Aswathy Malayalam
Style Viji Tamil
2003 Maa Bapu Bommaku Pellanta Mohana Telugu
Parasuram Meena Tamil
Whistle Anjali Tamil
Vikadan Gowri Tamil
2011 Vaanam Herself Tamil Special appearance in the song "Who Am I?"
2012 Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi Fitness Instructor Tamil Special appearance in the song "Azhaipaya Azhaipaya"
2015 Vai Raja Vai Gayathri Tamil
Idhu Enna Maayam Herself Tamil Special appearance in the song "Irukkirai"
2016 Tharai Thappattai Herself Tamil Guest appearance in song "Aarambam Aavadhu"
2019 Aruvam Scientist Tamil
2020 Yaadhumagi Nindraai Thamarai Tamil Film released on ZEE5
2021 Rang De Arjun's sister Telugu

Director

Producer

Choreographer

  • Jayam Kondaan (2008)
  • Poi Solla Porom (2008)
  • Panchamirtham (2008)
  • Kanthaswamy (2009)
  • Kola Kolaya Mundhirika (2009)
  • Daddy Cool (2009)
  • Madrasapattinam (2010)
  • Tamil Padam (2010)
  • Anwar (2010)
  • Osthe (2011)
  • Makeup Man(2011)
  • Salt N' Pepper (2011)
  • I Love Me (2012)
  • Scene Onnu Nammude Veedu (2012)
  • No.66 Madurai Bus (2012)
  • Aravaan (2012)
  • Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi (2012)
  • Deiva Thirumagal (2013)
  • Samsaaram Aarogyathinu Haanikaram (2013)
  • SIM (2013)
  • Thalaivaa (2013)
  • Memories (2013)
  • Anjaan (2014)
  • To Noora with Love (2014)
  • Iyobinte Pusthakam (2014)
  • Nimirndhu Nil (2014)
  • Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014)
  • 100 Days of Love (2015)
  • Kadavul Paathi Mirugam Paathi (2015)
  • Chandrettan Evideya (2015)
  • Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)
  • As I'm Suffering From Kadhal (2017)
  • Thalaivi (2021)
  • Maha

Television

References

  1. ^ "Gayathri Raghuram quits politics". IndiaGlitz.com. 6 May 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  2. ^ "Tamil Nadu: Right Wing Activists Attack Dissenting Cine Artists". NewsClick. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Discontent brews in Tamil Nadu BJP over revamp as key posts go to new entrants". The Times of India. 10 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Suspended TN BJP leader Gayathri Raghuram quits the party: How her statement is troubling Annamalai?". 3 January 2023.
  5. ^ gayathri raghuram vs redpix reporter - heated argument, retrieved 6 December 2021
  6. ^ "Suja Manoj - Film Connection Students". Film.rrfedu.com. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  7. ^ "Kala master: she is 'sagala kala vallavi'". Asian Tribune. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  8. ^ 26 November 2018 (26 November 2018). "Actor Gayathri Raghuram booked for drunken driving". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 August 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "Actor Gayathri Raghuram booked for drunk driving in Chennai". thenewsminute.com. 26 November 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  10. ^ "Gayathri Raghuram's statement on drunken drive controversy". Behindwoods. 26 November 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  11. ^ a b "Actor's tweets against BJP chief irk cadre". dtNext.in. 30 November 2018. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  12. ^ "Twitter suspends BJP leader Gayathri Raghuram's account". The Times of India. 26 October 2020. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  13. ^ a b c d "Gayathri Raguram interview: Dancing to her own beat". Silverscreen. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  14. ^ "The name is 'Gayathri Raghuram'". The Times of India. 19 July 2009. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  15. ^ https://movies.fullhyderabad.com/repallelo-radha/telugu/repallelo-radha-movie-reviews-456-2.html [bare URL]
  16. ^ "Arts & Culture". Tamilguardian.com. 3 April 2002. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  17. ^ "Charlie Chaplin". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 March 2002. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  18. ^ "Whistle". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 September 2003. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  19. ^ "Parasuram". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 July 2018. [dead link]
  20. ^ V Lakshmi (8 March 2010). "I want to try my hand at direction: Gayathri". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  21. ^ "Gayathri Raghuram turns director". Deccan Chronicle. 4 December 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  22. ^ "Kamal Haasan's Bigg Boss Tamil begins: Meet the 15 contestants of the show, see photos". The Indian Express. 26 June 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  23. ^ "Action sought against Gayathri Raghuram". The New Indian Express. 13 July 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  24. ^ "Bigg Boss Tamil: Another group demands action against Gayathri Raghuram for abusive language". Hindustan Times. 14 July 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  25. ^ "So, where are the Bigg Boss Tamil contestants of Season 1 now?". The Times of India. 11 June 2018.
  26. ^ "ஓடிடி தளத்தில் நேரடியாக வெளியாகவுள்ள காயத்ரி ரகுராம் இயக்கியுள்ள படம்". Dinamani. 13 June 2020.
  27. ^ "யாதுமாகி நின்றாய்". Maalaimalar. 22 February 2017.
  28. ^ "இன்று வெளியாகியுள்ள என் படத்தை அனைவரும் கண்டுகளியுங்கள்: காயத்ரி ரகுராம் வேண்டுகோள்!". Dinamani. 19 June 2020.
  29. ^ "Film personalities who joined Tamil Nadu BJP given party posts". Deccan Chronicle. 26 November 2015. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  30. ^ "Thalaivaa Choreographer Joins BJP !". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  31. ^ "Major reshuffle of office bearers in Tamil Nadu BJP; VP Duraisamy becomes state vice president". 3 July 2020.
  32. ^ "அண்ணாமலை-காயத்ரி ரகுராமுக்கு இடையே திடீர் மோதல்..! கட்சி தலைமையிடம் புகார்? நடந்தது என்ன?". 4 February 2022.
  33. ^ "கலை, கலாச்சார பிரிவு தலைவர் காயத்ரி ரகுராமின் உத்தரவினை ரத்து செய்தார் பாஜக மாநில தலைவர் அண்ணாமலை".
  34. ^ "காயத்ரி ரகுராம் அதிரடி நீக்கம் ... பாஜக தலைவர் அண்ணாமலையின் அடுத்த அதிரடி - தமிழ்நாடு".
  35. ^ "அண்ணாமலையுடன் ஏற்பட்ட மோதலால் பதவி பறிக்கப்பட்ட நடிகை காயத்ரி ரகுராமுக்கு பாஜவில் மீண்டும் பதவி: வெளிநாடு, அண்டை மாநில தமிழ் வளர்ச்சி பிரிவின் தலைவராக நியமனம்". Dinakaran (in Tamil). 12 June 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  36. ^ "காயத்ரி ரகுராம் சஸ்பெண்ட்; சூர்யா சிவாவுக்கு தடை - சர்ச்சை ஆடியோ; அண்ணாமலை நடவடிக்கை - நடந்தது என்ன?". vikatan.com/ (in Tamil). 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  37. ^ "'யாராலும் தடுக்க முடியாது': இடைநீக்கத்திற்கு காயத்ரி ரகுராம் பதில்". Dinamani (in Tamil). 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  38. ^ "Suspended TN BJP leader Gayathri Raghuram resigns from party". daijiworld.com. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  39. ^ "பாஜகவில் இருந்து விலகிய நடிகை காயத்ரி ரகுராம் அதிமுகவில் இணைந்தார்...!". dailythanthi (in Tamil). 19 January 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  40. ^ "Former Tamil actor Gayathri Raghuram joins AIADMK after leaving BJP". indiatoday. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  41. ^ "அதிமுகவில் இணைந்த காயத்ரி ரகுராமுக்கு பதவி : எடப்பாடி பழனிசாமி அறிவிப்பு". news18tamil (in Tamil). 2 March 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2024.

Hawaii

External links

  • Gayathri Raguram at IMDb