T. R. Rajakumari – first “Dream Girl” of Indian Film Industry
T. R. Rajakumari – first “Dream Girl” of Indian Film Industry
Not many may be versed that Hema Malini is not the first ‘Dream Girl’.
But the first ever Dream Girl was an actress from the South
T.R.Rajakumari who captivated audiences with her beauty and acting prowess.
Her sharp features and magnetic presence on screen earned her the title of “Dream Girl” long before Hema Malini took on that mantle in Bollywood
Her recording-breaking film ran in theatres for 114 weeks. Whoever used to see her would get mesmerised. She has shared screen space with many major stars, including Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, T. R. Mahalingam, K. R. Ramasamy, P. U. Chinnappa, M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan.
She also established a film production company with her brother under the banner of “R. R. Pictures” and produced filmslike Vaazhapirandhavan, Koondukkili , Gul-E-Bagaavali Paasam Periya Idathu Penn Panam Padaithavan and Parakkum Paavai
Her last film as an actress was Vanambadi released in 1963.
Rajkumari is also the National Awardee, who used to sing in trains and weddings before one film changed her career.
Born on May 5, 1922, in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, T. R. Rajakumari came from a lineage of musicians. Her mother and grandmother were both accomplished singers which obviously inspired her to follow the same path. She initially aspired to be a singer and took formal training in Carnatic music, a classical music tradition of South India. However, her journey eventually led her to the film industry, where her talents found a new medium of expression.
It was her role in the 1944 film Haridas that truly established her as a leading lady and gave her the title of ‘Dream Girl of Tamil Cinema’. She was paired with MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. Haridas was indeed a phenomenal success, and its record-breaking run of 114 weeks in Madras (now Chennai) theaters is a testament to how beloved T. R. Rajakumari was at that time. In that era, an extended run in theaters was rare!
She passed away in 1999 died due to prolonged illness.
News Edit KV Raman
