Sarathkumar Ramanathan, popularly known as Sarathkumar, is a well-known Indian actor, politician, journalist, and former bodybuilder. Born on July 14, 1954, Sarathkumar has made significant contributions to the Tamil film industry and Indian politics. His personal life, particularly his marriages, has often been a topic of public interest. Sarathkumar’s first wife was Chaya Sarathkumar.
Early Life and Career of Sarathkumar
Sarathkumar was born in New Delhi, India, into a Tamil-speaking family. He graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Loyola College, Chennai. Before entering the film industry, Sarathkumar worked as a journalist and later became the owner of the newspaper “Dinakaran”. His entry into cinema began with minor roles, but his perseverance and talent quickly elevated him to leading roles in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films.
Sarathkumar’s film career took off with the Tamil film “Pulan Visaranai” (1990), where his performance was highly praised. Over the years, he has acted in over 130 films, earning numerous awards and accolades. In addition to his acting career, Sarathkumar has also been actively involved in politics, serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Tamil Nadu.
Marriage to Chaya Sarathkumar
Sarathkumar’s first marriage was to Chaya in 1984. Chaya, who led a relatively private life, supported Sarathkumar during the early stages of his career. The couple had two daughters, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Pooja Sarathkumar. Varalaxmi followed in her father’s footsteps and became an actress in the Tamil film industry, making her debut with the film “Podaa Podi” in 2012.
Despite their shared history and the family they built together, Sarathkumar and Chaya’s marriage faced difficulties. The couple eventually divorced in 2000 after 16 years of marriage. The reasons for their separation were not widely publicized, as both Sarathkumar and Chaya preferred to keep their private matters out of the spotlight.
Life After Divorce
After his divorce from Chaya, Sarathkumar married actress Raadhika in 2001. Raadhika, a prominent actress in Tamil cinema, had a son named Rahul from her previous marriage to actor Prathap Pothen. Together, Sarathkumar and Raadhika have a son named Rahul Sarathkumar, born in 2004. Raadhika and Sarathkumar’s marriage has been a high-profile one, given their significant contributions to Indian cinema and television.
Chaya Sarathkumar, on the other hand, chose to stay away from the public eye following her divorce. Her focus remained on her daughters and their upbringing. Varalaxmi, in particular, has spoken about the support and encouragement she received from her mother throughout her career.
Impact on Family and Career
Sarathkumar’s separation from Chaya did not affect his commitment to his children. He has maintained a close relationship with his daughters, especially Varalaxmi, who often speaks fondly of her father. Varalaxmi’s career in the film industry has been supported by both her parents, and she continues to make a name for herself in Tamil cinema.
Sarathkumar’s personal life, marked by his marriages and relationships, has often been intertwined with his professional career. His ability to balance his personal challenges with his professional commitments is a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Conclusion
Sarathkumar’s first wife, Chaya Sarathkumar, played a significant role in his early life and career. Their marriage, which lasted for 16 years, produced two daughters who have also made their mark in their respective fields. Despite their separation, Sarathkumar’s commitment to his family has remained steadfast, and his subsequent marriage to Raadhika has been another chapter in his eventful personal life. As Sarathkumar continues to contribute to cinema and politics, his personal story adds depth to his public persona, making him a respected and multifaceted individual in Indian society.
