Meet star kid who used to work in a factory, began career with flops, is now pan-India star; He is…, father is…
Popular South actor Suriya has delivered numerous hit films throughout his career. He has showcased his powerful acting in movies like Vikram Vedha, Jai Bhim, Singam, and Rakta Charitra. This superstar of the Tamil film industry has won millions of hearts with his remarkable performances. He celebrates his birthday on July 23. On this special occasion, let’s take a look at some lesser-known stories about him that you probably haven’t heard before.
Who is actor Suriya?
Suriya was born on 23rd July 1975 to veteran Tamil actor Sivakumar and his wife, Lakshmi. He studied at Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan School and St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, and later earned a degree from Loyola College, Chennai. Before making his debut in Tamil cinema, Suriya worked at a clothing factory for a brief period. His brother, Karthik Sivakumar (popularly known as Karthi), is also a well-known actor in the Tamil film industry.
Suriya’s father Sivakumar is one of the great actors of Indian cinema. He has done a wide range of roles in Tamil. Suriya also has a sister Brindha, who is a singer and voice over artist.
Although the Tamil film industry and his fans know him as Suriya, that isn’t his real name. The handsome actor’s real name is Saravanan Sivakumar. The name “Suriya” was given to him by director Mani Ratnam to avoid confusion with another actor named Saravanan. Interestingly, Mani Ratnam is also known for frequently naming the lead characters in his films “Suriya.”
How did Suriya and Jyothika meet?
In 2006, Suriya married Tamil actress Jyothika. It is said that the two were initially very good friends. Over time, their friendship blossomed into love, eventually leading to marriage. They appeared together in several films, including Kaakha Kaakha, Perazhagan, and Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, among others.
The couple has two children, a daughter named Diya and a son named Dev. After their marriage, Jyothika took a break from acting but made a successful comeback with the 2015 film 36 Vayadhinile.
Suriya’s acting journey, from flops to hits
Suriya made his debut in Tamil cinema with the 1997 film Nerrukku Ner, directed by Vasanth and produced by Mani Ratnam. However, his first four years in the industry were not very successful. His big break came in 2001 with the drama film Nandha, in which he played the role of an ex-convict. The film was a commercial success and received critical acclaim. Suriya also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Nandha.
In 2003, Suriya played the role of a police officer in Kaakha Kaakha, which received a highly positive response. Following films like Pithamagan, Perazhagan, Aaytha Ezhuthu, Ghajini, and Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, he established himself as one of the top superstars of South Indian cinema.
This talented actor has won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award three times in his career. In addition to acting, Suriya has also explored film production and playback singing.
Suriya and Jyothika’s net worth
Suriya’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs 240 crore, according to a report by the Financial Express, and he lives a luxurious lifestyle. His wife and actress Jyothika, jointly owns assets worth Rs 537 crore, as per the report.
News