Kothamangalam Subbu
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Kothamangalam Subbu, a famous, Padmashri-winning poet, lyricist, writer, actor and director from Tamil Nadu who had written the cult classic of Tamil iterature Thillana Mohanambal. Subbu was a part of the giant Gemini Studios of Chennai (formerly Madras), South India for over three decades and a close associate of SS Vasan, who ran Ananda Vikatan and formed Gemini Studios.
As a writer Subbu's most well-known work is Thillana Mohanambal that assumed the form of the Tamil blockbuster starring Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. He has won the Padma Shri for his novel. Thillana Mohanambal was a weekly series in the Ananda Vikatan, and was later made into a movie. The novel and the movie were a great success. Known for his vast knowledge of music and satirical writing style, his tongue-in-cheek writing won the appreciation of many. He has written Rao Bahadur Singaram, Bandanallur Bama, Ponnivanathu Poonguyil, Miss Radha, Manju Virattu (His collection of short stories)
Subuu has directed the epic film Avvaiyar in which the great artiste of those days Smt K.B.Sunderambal acted in the lead role. He, along with his wife Sundari Bai, played a role in the movie as the husband of an incorrigible lady who refuses to serve Avvaiyar with food. Subbu also directed Kannamma En Kadhali, featuring his wife Sundari Bai. Subbu acted as a hero in Miss Malini which was remade in Hindi as Mr. Sampath. Miss Malini was an adaptation of RK Narayan's Mr Sampath. Dasi Aparanji was the movie in which Subbu and Sundari Bai played the lead roles. Kothamangalam Subbu has also acted in Thiruneelakantar, Pavam Mannippu.
Kothamangalam Subbu has written several novels using the pen name of Kalaimani and also penned Gandhi Mahan Kathai which narrates the life of Mahatma Gandhi in folklore form. Ananda Vikatan is currently republishing the works of this writer, lyricist, director and actor.
His wife Sundari Bai was also a popular actor, known for her versatility is essaying character roles. She has acted in Kannamma En Kadhali, Sumathy En Sundari, Chandralekha, Bama Rukmani and Avvaiyar.
