T. P. Rajalakshmi
Thiruvaiyaru Panchapakesa Rajalakshmi (11 November 1911[1] – 1964[2]) fondly known as "Cinema Rani T.P.R", was an Indian actress, first female director of South India, filmmaker, singer, producer & social reformist.
Her work Miss Kamala was a revolutionary movie that conveyed a strong woman equality message to society.
Rajalakshmi was born on November 11, 1911, in the town of Saliyamangalam in the then Tanjore district of the Madras Presidency.
Due to her family's reported inability to pay the dowry, Rajalakshmi was sent back to her mother's house just a few days after the marriage commenced.
She could quickly learn and sing any kind of song, and instantly act out stories she observed.
This special quality of Rajalakshmi was reportedly recognized by Sankaradas Swamigal, and she joined his drama troupe.
Rajalakshmi went on to reportedly perform the lead role in Pavalakkodi and other stage plays produced by Sankaradas Swamigal.
[12][13] It is also notable that Periyaar addresses Rajalakshmi as Thangachi (meaning Sister in Tamil)- says Mrs.Kamala- daughter of T.P.Rajalakshmi in one of the press interviews.
TPR also permitted her brothers and their families too to reside at her palace "Raj Mahal" that was located at No.
As a wealthy woman, she continued her roles in several films and she had a strong welcome by the people for her movies and songs.
In order to support her family, Rajalakshmi joined a drama troupe and acted in stage plays.
Many directors and producers requested Rajalakshmi to provide her call sheet for the upcoming films.
The movie reel of Kalidas was brought to the theatres as a procession by Tamil audiences in Chennai.
All along the way, people lit Agarbathis and broke coconut, welcoming the Film Reel of the First Talkie movie starring their favourite Cinema Rani T.P.
A staunch patriot, Rajalakshmi was associated with the Freedom Movement and the Indian National Congress.
Heavily mauled by the censors, this film fared badly at the box office but she did not mind the loss for her, rather she felt it was her contribution to the Freedom Movement.
Noted star Durga Khote wore it for the Marathi version without a murmur of protest.
However, Rajalakshmi threatened to walk out of the movie, and left with no option, a 1930s – Poona-fashion "jumper" blouse was used for the replacement of the katcham.
The Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J.Jayalalitha stated, "Tamil Nadu feels pride in gifting to the Indian Cinemas, the first female director, producer and heroine honored with the title – CINEMA RANI T. P.
[17] The Nadigar Sangam of South India / South Indian Artistes Association led by Actor Nassar, Poochi Murugan, Vishal & Karthi Sivakumar honored TPR by constituting an award in her name (T .P .Rajalakshmi award) for the forthcoming generations in the 63rd Annual General Body Meet.
Star Vijay TV honored Cinema Rani TPR in Neeya Naana show, hosted by Gopinath.
Podhigai TV conducted a special star cast interview of Cinema Rani T. P. R's daughter- Kamala along with veteran Cine Actor, Mohanraman in the show named Muthal Thiruppam.
She conveyed good social messages and morals to people through her films & stage plays.
She sung patriotic songs against British in her stage plays and was imprisoned by the British government several times for doing so, she conveyed social awareness messages through her films and stage plays against Sati, female infanticide & favouritism towards a particular caste or religion.
