Poornam Viswanathan life and biography

Poornam Viswanathan (1921 - 2008) was a theater artist and film actor in Tamil film industry. He started performing on stage at age 18. He worked as a reader in All India radio. He acted in Tamil movies such as Varusham 16, Thillu Mullu, Keladi Kanmani, Moondram Pirai, Aasai, Mahanadi and Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu. He has a son and two daughters and died on 1 October 2008.

Mr. Viswanathan was known for his remarkable performances in Tamil theatre and films. In every role he played, he paid great attention to dialogue delivery and body language.

He started performing on stage when he was 18. He later moved to New Delhi for a few years, where he was part of the South Indian Troupe,' with renowned critic Subbudu. Mr.Viswanathan, who worked as news reader at All India Radio there, deemed it a matter of great pride to have announced the news of India obtaining independence in the first news bulletin broadcast on August 15, 1947.

He was transferred to Chennai in 1964. His portrayal of roles in plays scripted by Marina, such as Thanikuduthanam,' Oor vambu,' and Kaal kattu,' won him great acclaim. Mr. Viswanathan, who had acted in plays written by Sujatha, was deeply affected by the writer's passing away this February. His powerful portrayal of characters in plays such as Kadavul vandirundar,' Adimaigal' and Oonjal' were hailed by the audience. His passion for theatre made him start a troupe of his own, Poornam New Theatres.'

He served the Press Information Bureau in Chennai as assistant information officer and later served as editor of Thittam' and senior correspondent of Yojana' magazines brought out by the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry. He penned several plays and short stories. He was very interested in the fine arts and was often spotted at sabhas during the December music festival.

Filmography:

Tamil movies

Ninaithale Inikkum
Varumayin Niram Sivappu
Thillu Mullu
Moondram Pirai
Aan Paavam
Varusham 16
Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal
Kan Simittum Neram
Mahanadhi
Meera
Aasai
Vithi
Keladi Kanmani

Malayalam movies

Chithram (1988)
Aryan (1988)

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