About Chithra Lakshmanan
The Story
Sub-Editor
CHITHRA LAKSHMANAN started his career as a Journalist. In the year 1967 he joined VIDIVELLI, a tamil weekly as a sub editor and following to that he joined in a daily named “THAYIN MANIKKODY” for which the Sahitya Akademi award winner JAYA KANTHAN was the editor.
Thirai Kadhir
He started a monthly magazine called “THIRAI KADHIR” in the year of 1970 which was edited and published by him. All most all the novelists in Tamil including Ashoka mithran, Sujatha,Rajendrakumar,Pushpa Thanga durai,Chithralaya Gopu,Lakshmi, Sivashankari, Vasanthi, Indumathi and Anuradha Ramanan wrote novels in his magazine.
Collaboration with Director Bharathiraja
Later when his friend Mr. BHARATHIRAJAA became the director CHITHRA LAKSMANAN had the opportunity of working with him as an associate director and worked more than 25 films with him in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi languages.
Maiden Venture
His maiden venture as a Film Producer was MANN VASANAI directed by Mr. BHARATHIRAJAA. Ms. Revathi and Pandian were introduced in that film which ran for more than 300 days.
As an Actor
Chitra Lakshmanan embarked on his acting career in the film "Japanil Kalyanaraman" and has since amassed an impressive filmography of over 100 credits. He has garnered significant acclaim for his roles in commercially successful films like "Boss Engira Bhaskaran," "Unnai Ninaithu," and "Aranmanai." Additionally, he made his television debut in the serial "Ganga Yamuna Saraswathi" and has continued to act in numerous serials throughout his career.
Gayathri Films
He produced number of films with Padma Bhushan Sri Sivaji Ganesan, Padma Bhushan Sri Kamal Haasan, Mr.Vijayakanth, Mr. Sathyaraj, Mr. Prabhu, Mr. Karthick, Mr.Mohan and many others.
100th day function of JALLIKKATTU
In the year of 1987 Bharath Ratna Dr. M.G.Ramachandran, the then chief minister of Tamilnadu presided over the 100th day function of JALLIKKATTU produced by him.
Leadership Roles
- Served as Secretary of the Tamil Film Producers Council for 4 years.
- Held executive committee positions in:
- South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce
- Film Federation of India
- Tamil Film Directors Association
Recognition
- Selected as a jury member for the National Film Awards and Indian Panorama in 2002.
- Nominated as a board member for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2002, serving for two years.
Apart from films he scripted and designed a tele serial titled REKHA I.P.S which was telecasted in KALAIGNAR TV for one year
He wrote the book 80 YEARS OF TAMIL CINEMA and the first edition of the book was released in the year of 2011. It is an sincere effort in documenting the History of Tamil cinema with some rare pictures and interesting informations hitherto unheard about Tamil cinema evolution in the particular period between 1931 to 2011. The books wrote by him includes “NENJAM MARAPPATHILLAI” with three parts.
He has been awarded the prestigious KALAIMAMANI award by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 2019.
Subscribe to his channels for insightful conversations on Tamil cinema.
He currently manages four dedicated YouTube channels:
- Touring Talkies: This channel focuses exclusively on cinema.
- Social Talkies: This channel is dedicated to exploring various social causes.
- Touring Cinemas: This channel features classic cinema content.
- Aanmeega Talkies: This channel delves into the realm of spirituality.