Radha Ravi

Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan Ravi is an Indian actor and politician who played supporting roles throughout his career.

He is the son of actor M. R. Radha and the uncle of Vasu Vikram and half-brother of Radhika.

He is a former chief member of the Tamil Nadu Film Artistes' Association.

He is known for his roles as antagonists in Tamil films and a he acted in the serial Chellamae.

He is also known for his controversial criticism of other film personalities.

His first Tamil film was Manmadha Leelai (1976), after Kamal Haasan recommended his name to K. Balachander.

In 1980, he started his own troupe Nadikavel Theatres.

His first time before the camera was for a Kannada film Rahasya Rathri (1980), produced by actor Bharathi's father for BNK Pictures in 1976.

Director Rama Narayanan gave his career a boost, while T. Rajendar was instrumental in casting him as a villain in Uyirullavarai Usha (1983).

But it was actor S. S. Chandran who made him speak like his father in that film and made the world sit up and take notice.

He later modified himself into one of the most versatile character-actors the Tamil industry has ever produced.

He made notable performances in films such as Vaidehi Kathirunthal (1984), Uyarndha Ullam (1985), Guru Sishyan (1988),

Rajadhi Raja (1989), Solaikuyil (1989), Chinna Thambi (1991), Annaamalai (1992), Uzhaippali (1993), Pooveli (1998), Padayappa (1999), Oru Murai Sollividu (2004), Iraivi (2016) and Sarkar (2018).

He tried his hand in production with films such as Thai Maasam Poo Vasam (1990), Idhu Namma Bhoomi (1992), Chinna Muthu (1994) and Ilaignar Ani (1994).

Apart from being a renowned actor, he is an eminent leader.

He heads the Lions Club of Chennai and holds the post of secretary in Nadigar Sangam, which he headed a few years ago.

Radha Ravi became known for his vocal criticism of the actions of other film personalities.

On a few occasions, he has spoken out against the actions of several artists.

He has also spoken out against larger organizations, such as the Film Employees Federation of South India.

His comments were widely reported in the media and became controversial.

Radha Ravi has also made misogynistic remarks on multiple occasions in public.

Once he said he would have opportunity to rape Aishwarya Rai if he had known Hindi.

He was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Saidapet in 2001 as a member of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

He is one of the current state executive member of Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party.

Radha Ravi was born to the well-known actor M. R. Radha and Dhanalakshmi Ammal.

He has one brother, M. R. R. Vasu, and three sisters, Rashya, Rani and Rathikala.

Having started his career as a theatre artiste, he still associates himself with plays.

He is a man with diverse interests.

He played the role of Julius Caesar in a Tamil drama when he was in the ninth standard.

During his New College days, both his friends, Jailani and Rafee helped him to pursue his passion for theatre.

He performed for V. K. Ramasamy troupe, M. R. R. Vasu troupe, T. K. Chandran troupe and the UAA troupe.

He criticised Asin Thottumkal on her visit to Sri Lanka, where the heavily opposed civil war took place, in 2010 for the filming of Ready.

He was quoted as saying: "Sangam won't spare actress Asin's recent visit to Sri Lanka to take part in the shooting of her upcoming Hindi film Ready opposite Salman Khan".

However, Sarathkumar, president of the Nadigar Sangam, stated that "it's the prerogative of the artiste to go to whichever country they wanted".

He faced controversy over his criticism against Academy Award-winner A. R. Rahman for being involved in more Bollywood productions and composing film scores in foreign studios, rather than in Tamil Nadu, saying: "I would like to make it clear that Rahman's debut was Roja and not Slumdog Millionaire. He was introduced by Kavithalaya Productions, a Tamil film production company. But today, he has declined to acknowledge it by giving priorities merely to Hindi films".

In March 2019, during a trailer release function for Kolaiyuthir Kaalam, he made misogynistic comments towards the film's lead actress Nayanthara, leading to his suspension from the DMK.

He slut-shamed Nayanthara again in 2021.

Radha Ravi has faced multiple accusations at the Dubbing Union and he had been accused of falsely claiming Datukship by the Government of Malacca, Malaysia.

The Melakan government has confirmed that they never conferred Datuk title to Mr Radha Ravi.

The building of Tamil Nadu Film Dubbing Association, of which Mr Radha Ravi is the long time president, is named as "Dato Radha Ravi Complex".