• Tuesday, 07 October 2025

Major Sundarrajan

Born: 1935-03-17
FAN SCORE
60
POPULARITY
Fan Favorite
Last Updated on 06 Oct 2025
Major Sundarrajan Poster

Major Sundarrajan was a legendary Indian actor in the Tamil film industry, renowned for his distinctive dialogue delivery and commanding screen presence. He gained fame with the stage play and film Major Chandrakanth (1966), which earned him the prefix “Major” as part of his name. Born in Periyakulam, Theni district, Tamil Nadu, Sundarrajan seamlessly transitioned from theatre to cinema, acting in over 900 films, often portraying authoritative or urbane characters. His contribution to Tamil theatre and films has left a lasting legacy in South Indian cinema.

Major Sundarrajan was a legendary Indian actor in the Tamil film industry, renowned for his distinctive dialogue delivery and commanding screen presence. He gained fame with the stage play and film Major Chandrakanth (1966), which earned him the prefix “Major” as part of his name. Born in Periyakulam, Theni district, Tamil Nadu, Sundarrajan seamlessly transitioned from theatre to cinema, acting in over 900 films, often portraying authoritative or urbane characters. His contribution to Tamil theatre and films has left a lasting legacy in South Indian cinema.

Major Sundarrajan was a renowned Indian actor in the Tamil film industry, celebrated for his commanding dialogue delivery and versatile acting. Born as Srinivasan Sundarrajan on 17 March 1935 in Periyakulam, Theni district, Tamil Nadu, he began his journey in theatre, performing in school and college plays. After completing his degree in science, he worked in the Madras Telephones department while continuing to pursue acting in stage plays. His breakthrough came with the play Major Chandrakanth, written by K. Balachander, where he played the titular role of a retired, blind major. The role was later adapted into a film in 1966, with Sundarrajan reprising his performance, earning him the lifelong prefix “Major.” He transitioned seamlessly from theatre to cinema, acting in over 900 films, often portraying authoritative, urbane, or upper-class characters, though he also excelled in contrasting roles. His notable films include Major Chandrakanth, Gouravam, Edhir Neetchal, Bama Vijayam, and Apoorva Raagangal. Beyond cinema, he remained active in theatre and later appeared on television. Known for his elegance, sophisticated diction, and unique screen presence, Major Sundarrajan left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema. He passed away on 28 February 2003 in Chennai, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Tamil cinema’s most distinguished actors.
Major Sundarrajan was a renowned Indian actor in the Tamil film industry, celebrated for his commanding dialogue delivery and versatile acting. Born as Srinivasan Sundarrajan on 17 March 1935 in Periyakulam, Theni district, Tamil Nadu, he began his journey in theatre, performing in school and college plays. After completing his degree in science, he worked in the Madras Telephones department while continuing to pursue acting in stage plays. His breakthrough came with the play Major Chandrakanth, written by K. Balachander, where he played the titular role of a retired, blind major. The role was later adapted into a film in 1966, with Sundarrajan reprising his performance, earning him the lifelong prefix “Major.” He transitioned seamlessly from theatre to cinema, acting in over 900 films, often portraying authoritative, urbane, or upper-class characters, though he also excelled in contrasting roles. His notable films include Major Chandrakanth, Gouravam, Edhir Neetchal, Bama Vijayam, and Apoorva Raagangal. Beyond cinema, he remained active in theatre and later appeared on television. Known for his elegance, sophisticated diction, and unique screen presence, Major Sundarrajan left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema. He passed away on 28 February 2003 in Chennai, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Tamil cinema’s most distinguished actors.

Photos

No photos available.

videos

Personal details

Height 5′ 7″
Born March 17, 1935 · Periyakulam, Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India
Spouses
Shamala Sundarrajan
Other works
Actor

FAQ

His real name is Srinivasan Sundarrajan. He earned the title “Major” after his famous role in the play and film Major Chandrakanth.

He was born on 17 March 1935 in Periyakulam, Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India.

He started as a theatre actor. His breakthrough came with the play Major Chandrakanth by K. Balachander, which was later adapted into a film in 1966 with him reprising the title role.

He acted in over 900 Tamil films, mostly portraying authoritative and urbane characters, though he also played contrasting roles.

He passed away on 28 February 2003 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Did you know

Trivia

Major Sundarrajan started his career in theatre before entering films.
He gained the title “Major” after his acclaimed role in the play and film Major Chandrakanth (1966).
Known for his distinctive dialogue delivery mixing Tamil and English.
Acted in over 900 films, often portraying authoritative, urbane, or upper-class characters.

Quotes

“A good actor must convey authority not just through words but through presence.”
“Theatre teaches you the soul of cinema.”

Trademarks

Sophisticated, urbane dialogue delivery.
Authoritative or upper-class roles with a commanding presence.
Versatility: could portray contrasting characters convincingly.

Related news

No related news available.