The 1950s were a decisive decade in the Tamil Theater. A major change for being was a change in social themes and drawing-rums drama from historical and mythological themes (a head). In the final stages of his active theater life, with the legendary Nawab Rajamanikam, it seemed that it was below for historical and mythological styles. After this he continued to flourish for more than three decades, followed by the theater and film actor, Manohar’s efforts, whose birth centenary is being celebrated this year.
On June 29, 1925, Rajalakshmi and R. Subramania Iyer, an inspector of the postal department, Manohar was named Laxminarsimhan at birth. Since his father Ather was in a transferable job, Lakshimasimhan had given his early education at various places including Namakkal and Bellary before going to Madras, where he at Muthia Chestiar School and later T. Studied at Ramakrishna Mission High School in the city. He did his BA from Pachappa’s college. After working with the Imperial Tobacco Company for a while, he quit his job and joined the Department of Posts.
RS Manohar in drama Atipidam, Photo Credit: Courtesy: S. Shivaprasad
Laxminarsimhan’s interest in the theater returned to her school days, when she acted in one-act plays. His first major drama was RoyaltyRamakrishna Mission was enacted by the students of High School. He then acted in some more plays while studying in Pachaiyappa. The story of naming Manohar is also well known-he replaced the popular drama for the lead actor at the last minute, Manohara, And got stuck in the name.
Manohar continued to perform on stage while working, and was connected to mandals such as the Agmore Dramatic Society, Nataraja Amateur and Yamia. In 1951, his performance in drama Marumalarchi Krishnaswamy and director RM Krishnaswamy attracted the attention of the script writer who was looking for a new face for his upcoming film RajambalManohar fit the bill and thus began a successful tenure on the big screen. He performed in over 200 films – Kadhi kannyaram, Vallavanuku vallavan, Ayirathil Oruvan, Adimai pen And Ulgam sutram veliban – Just for a few names. Despite sharing the screen with the two biggest heroes of the era – MGR and Sivaji Ganesan – Manohar made his own place in cinema, but the stage remained their first love.
In the 1969 Tamil film, MG Ramachandran and J. Manohar with Jayalalithaa Name Nadu.
Photo Credit: Hindu Archives
Manohar launched national theaters on 14 November 1954. Interestingly, first some products like Inbanaal, alavukku meerinaal And Ulgam Sirikkirdhu Were based on social subjects.However, Ilnkeshwaran Its biggest hit was in the mythological style. It was written by the Thuraiyur idol. Premier in Madras in 1956, India also had a tremendous run in countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore – around 2,000 shows were done in the next three decades. It was based on a version of Ramayana, Which portrayed Ravana as Sita’s father and also attracted his share of controversies. Manohar produced such plays Indrajit, Narcasuran, Sisupalan, Chankya Sabadam, Malik Kafur, Droneer, Sorarapadman, Kadaga Mudharan, Okthar and Vishwamitrar. Overall, there were 31 plays in national cinemas and about 7,950 shows for its credit. The audience was held on stage as acting by grandeur in Throll. The special effects employed to portray the scenes also surprised them. Different rehearsal sessions spread for two to three days were organized to execute trick scenes specifically for the technical team.
From RS Manohar’s game Thirunavukarasar Staged at Music Academy on 24 August 1994. Photo Credit: Sreedharan N
Seeing the performance of Ilnkeshwaran In 1980, in Madras and influenced by special influences, famous advertisement-man Bharat Dabholkar invited Manohar to Bombay to collaborate with him Last tango in heavenA drama written by him.The audience there was also fully deployed with Manohar’s stagecraft and the play had a successful run of about 70 shows. Manohar continuously worked towards giving the audience a unique experience, introducing a technique called Drumsope, where the sets were spread over the entire stage with a stereophoneic sound system.
National theaters completed their Silver Jubilee in 1979. Justice S. Chairman with Mohan, V. A committee with Amberumner Chetty was formed as a committee, secretary and dignitaries as CR Patabiraman, Maam Ramaswamy, VG Pannerdas and Solkar Janki and a grand ceremony was formed in April 1980.
In 1991, Manohar was received by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa appointed the secretary of Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, who praised her plays. It was also at his behest that he staged Thirunvukkarasar In 1994. Presiding over a demonstration in November that year, he titled Nadaga Cammal On that. Music for production was composed by violin Mestro Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, who was then the president of Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram. In 1992, the government also produced Welicham, A drama on prohibition under the guidance of Manohar.
The experienced actor is receiving the Nataka Kavler Award from former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran. , Photo Credit: Courtesy: S. Shivaprasad
Manohar was also given with the title Nataka Thilakam, Nataka Kala Chakravarti And Nataka KavlerHe died in 2006. Today, his memory and heritage were his nephew S. Shivprasad and Grand-Beti S. Sruthi is kept alive, who revived some of his plays like Droneer, Kadaga Mudharan And Chankya Sabdham,
Published – July 18, 2025 02:55 pm IST
