Veteran actor Srikanth passes away

Actor Srikanth, known for playing lead and supporting roles in close to 200 films, passed away on Tuesday morning, at the age of 82.

Srikanth, who started his career as an employee in the American Consulate, was also a drama artiste. Identified by director CV Sridhar, Srikanth made his debut with the film Vennira Aadai in 1965.

Though he made his debut as a romantic hero, he soon shed this image and aimed to establish himself as a versatile character artiste instead. To this end, he began taking up supporting roles. He played the submissive husband in Sivaji Ganesan's Vietnam Veedu and as a person with a mental disorder in Raja Veetu Pillai. His journey with K Balachandar, which started in Naanal, continued with films like Bama Vijayam, Poova Thalaiya, Ethir Neechal, Navagraham and Nootrukku Nooru.

He made a successful transition to negative roles with Selva Magal in 1967 and it paved the way for more such characters in projects like Gnana Oli, Gomatha Engal Kulamatha, Vairam, Vasantha Maligai, Anbu Thangai and Vani Rani.

Despite his successful run in cinema, he continued to be a part of drama troupes and participated in live performances during the weekends. He was also known for his comical strength in films like Ethir Neechal, Bama Vijayam, Yaarukku Mappilai Yaro, Kasethan Kadavulada and Kasi Yathirai, which all turned out to be hits.

Perhaps his most popular character is Jagan, the rebellious son of a strict police officer played by Sivaji Ganesan, in Thangapadhakkam, a performance that was lauded by critics and audience alike.

Over the years, the veteran actor shared screen space with Muthuraman, Jai Shankar and Kamal Haasan. He also played the principal antagonist in Rajini's first film as the lead, Bairavi. The actor also worked with veteran directors like AC Thirulogachander, Muktha Srinivasan and A Bhimsingh.

The 1974 film Dikkatra Parvathi, which was directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao with Srikanth in the lead, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil that year.

The actor's last on-screen appearance was the 2009 Vignesh-starrer Kudiyarasu.