J. P. Chandrababu: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Indian comedian and actor}}
{{redirect|Chandrababu|the politician|N. Chandrababu Naidu}}
{{redirect|Chandrababu|the politician|N. Chandrababu Naidu}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = J. P. Chandrababu
| name               = J. P. Chandrababu
| image = J. P. Chandrababu.jpg
| image             = J. P. Chandrababu.jpg
| image_size =
| caption           = Casual Poster of CB
| caption = Casual Poster of CB
| birth_name         =  
| birth_name =
| birth_date         = {{birth date|df=y|1927|8|5}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1927|8|5}}
| birth_place       = [[Tuticorin]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]]<br/>(now [[Thoothukudi]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India)
| birth_place = [[Tuticorin]], India
| yearsactive       = 1947{{emdash}}1973
| residence =
| occupation         = Comedian, Actor, Playback singer, Film director
| yearsactive   =
| death_date         = {{death date and age|df=y|1974|3|8|1927|8|5}}
| occupation   = Comedian, actor, director, playback singer, singer and dancer
| death_place       = [[Madras]] (now [[Chennai]]),<br/>[[Tamil Nadu]], India
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|1974|3|8|1927|8|5}}
| death_place   = [[Chennai]], Tamil Nadu, India
}}
}}
'''Joseph Panimayadas Chandrababu Rodriguez ''' (1927–1974) was an Indian film comedian, actor, director, singer and dancer, whose [[Charlie Chaplin|Chaplinesque]] style on-screen movements and singing style made him popular from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. He had a mastery of the [[Madras Bashai]], a dialect unique to the Madras region.
'''Joseph Panimayadas Chandrababu Rodriguez ''' (1927–1974) was an Indian actor, comedian, playback singer and film director. whose [[Charlie Chaplin|Chaplinesque]]-style on-screen movements and singing style made him popular from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. He had a mastery of the [[Madras Bashai]], a dialect unique to the Madras region. His slapstick style of comedy has been emulated by subsequent actors. Many of his songs have remained popular.
His slapstick style of comedy has been emulated by subsequent actors. Many of his songs have remained popular.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Chandrababu was born to a wealthy and eminent [[Christians|Christian]] [[Paravar]] family in 1927 at [[Tuticorin]], India. His father, a freedom fighter, ran a paper called ''Sudhandhira Veeran'' which, along with the family assets, was seized by the British government in 1929 when he was arrested for participating in the [[satyagraha]] movement. He and the family were exiled to [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]] on his release, where his father worked for a Tamil newspaper. Chandrababu was educated at [[St. Joseph's College, Colombo|St. Joseph's College]], Grandpass, Colombo and [[Aquinas College, Colombo|Aquinas College]] prior to his family moving once more, this time to [[Chennai]] in 1943. Here they lived in [[Triplicane]], where his father worked for the [[Dinamani]] newspaper.<ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/books/the-tragic-story-of-a-comedian-jp-chandrababu/article4313909.ece |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 February 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222090616/http://www.thehindu.com/books/the-tragic-story-of-a-comedian-jp-chandrababu/article4313909.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
Chandrababu was born to a wealthy and eminent [[Christians|Christian]] [[Paravar]] family in 1927 at [[Tuticorin]], India. His father, a freedom fighter, ran a paper called ''Sudhandhira Veeran'' which, along with the family assets, was seized by the British government in 1929 when he was arrested for participating in the [[satyagraha]] movement. He and the family were exiled to [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]] on his release, where his father worked for a Tamil newspaper. Chandrababu was educated at [[St. Joseph's College, Colombo|St. Joseph's College]], Grandpass, Colombo and [[Aquinas College, Colombo|Aquinas College]] prior to his family moving once more, this time to [[Chennai]] in 1943. Here they lived in [[Triplicane]], where his father worked for the [[Dinamani]] newspaper.<ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/books/the-tragic-story-of-a-comedian-jp-chandrababu/article4313909.ece |title=The tragic story of a comedian, J.P. Chandrababu - the Hindu |website=[[The Hindu]] |date=17 January 2013 |access-date=18 February 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222090616/http://www.thehindu.com/books/the-tragic-story-of-a-comedian-jp-chandrababu/article4313909.ece |url-status=live |last1=Kolappan |first1=B. }}</ref>


==Film career==
==Film career==
Chandrababu was very passionate about acting despite opposition from his family members. His friend Ganapathy was the only person who motivated his acting skills. From his childhood, he was an expert in singing and whenever he got together with his friends or family, Chandrababu was asked to sing. Sri Lanka had a very western outlook in those times and Chandrabubu picked up on western styles of singing and dancing while there.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> In these early years Chandrababu made acquaintances of the actors [[Sriram]], [[B. Ramakrishnaiah Panthulu|B. R. Panthulu]] and, through them, [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]]. They appreciated his talent in singing and mimicry of Hollywood stars such as [[Charles Boyer]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} He made his debut with a small role in the 1947 film ''[[Dhana Amaravathi]]''<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> but struggled thereafter to obtain parts.
Chandrababu was very passionate about acting despite opposition from his family members. His friend Ganapathy was the only person who motivated his acting skills. From his childhood, he was an expert in singing and whenever he got together with his friends or family, Chandrababu was asked to sing. Sri Lanka had a very western outlook in those times and Chandrabubu picked up on western styles of singing and dancing while there.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> In these early years Chandrababu made acquaintances of the actors [[Sriram]], [[B. R. Panthulu]] and, through them, [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]]. He made his debut with a small role in the 1947 film ''[[Dhana Amaravathi]]''<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> but struggled thereafter to obtain parts.


He had spent many days starving himself and searching for a chance in films. In 1952, he attempted suicide by ingesting [[copper sulphate]] crystals in the canteen of [[Gemini Studios]]. He had written a suicide note explaining his reasons, which included that he had been unable to meet the director [[S. S. Vasan]], and that his body was to be handed over to [[B. S. Ramaiah]], the director of his only film at that date. Suicide was a criminal offence and so he was arrested. But when his case came to trial the judge asked him to prove his acting ability. Chandrababu rendered a [[Shakespeare]]an monologue that so impressed the judge that he was not jailed.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> One of those who had assisted him in being taken to hospital at the time of his attempted suicide was [[Gemini Ganesan]]. When Vasan came to know of this episode he gave Chandrababu a small role in the 1952 film ''[[Moondru Pillaigal]]'', which impressed Vasan so much that he predicted a successful career.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> for him. Chandrababu also filmed ''[[Chinna Durai (1952 film)|Chinna Durai]]'' and ''[[Mohana Sundaram]]'' in the same year.  It is claimed that, as of 2016, he remained the only person capable of yodelling in south Indian cinema,.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> Chandrababu loved western music and learned the art of yodelling by listening to singers such as [[Gene Autry]] and [[Hank Williams]]. In ''[[Chinna Durai (1952 film)|Chinna Durai]]'', produced and directed by [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]], he sang the song ''Poda Raja Podi Nadaya'', the first time that [[yodel]]ling had been heard in a South Indian film.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}Chandrababu was paid Rs 200 for his role in ''[[Mohana Sundaram]]''.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} At his peak he was to command over Rs 100,000, becoming the first South Indian comedy actor to command such a sum.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/>
He had spent many days starving himself and searching for a chance in films. In 1952, he attempted suicide by ingesting [[copper sulphate]] crystals in the canteen of [[Gemini Studios]]. He had written a suicide note explaining his reasons, which included that he had been unable to meet the director [[S. S. Vasan]], and that his body was to be handed over to [[B. S. Ramaiah]], the director of his only film at that date. Suicide was a criminal offence and so he was arrested. But when his case came to trial the judge asked him to prove his acting ability. Chandrababu rendered a [[Shakespeare]]an monologue that so impressed the judge that he was not jailed.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> One of those who had assisted him in being taken to hospital at the time of his attempted suicide was [[Gemini Ganesan]]. When Vasan learned of this episode he gave Chandrababu a small role in the 1952 film ''[[Moondru Pillaigal]]'', which impressed Vasan so much that he predicted a successful career.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> for him. Chandrababu also filmed ''[[Chinna Durai (1952 film)|Chinna Durai]]'' and ''[[Mohana Sundaram]]'' in the same year.  It is claimed that, as of 2016, he remained the only person capable of yodelling in south Indian cinema,.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/> Chandrababu loved western music and learned the art of yodelling by listening to singers such as [[Gene Autry]] and [[Hank Williams]]. In ''[[Chinna Durai (1952 film)|Chinna Durai]]'', produced and directed by [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]], he sang the song ''Poda Raja Podi Nadaya'', the first time that [[yodel]]ling had been heard in a South Indian film.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}Chandrababu was paid Rs 200 for his role in ''[[Mohana Sundaram]]''.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} At his peak he was to command over Rs 100,000, becoming the first South Indian comedy actor to command such a sum.<ref name="Hindu20090925"/>


When [[A. V. Meiyappan]] filmed ''[[Sahodhari]]'', he found that it lacked an ingredient that would ensure box office success. Chandrababu was called and after watching the film he added a comedy track for himself, wrote it and also sang the song ''Naan oru muttalunga'', converting the film into a hit. It was Chandrababu who first spoke and popularised the Madras Baashai in films. He learned this dialect from the rickshaw pullers and street vendors near his home in Triplicane and later in [[Mir Sahib Pet]].
When [[A. V. Meiyappan]] filmed ''[[Sahodhari]]'', he found that it lacked an ingredient that would ensure box office success. Chandrababu was called and after watching the film he added a comedy track for himself, wrote it and also sang the song ''Naan oru muttalunga'', converting the film into a hit. It was Chandrababu who first spoke and popularised the Madras Baashai in films. He learned this dialect from the rickshaw pullers and street vendors near his home in Triplicane and later in [[Mir Sahib Pet]].


''[[Sabaash Meena]]'' was one of the best Tamil comedy movies of its time, in which Chandrababu acted with [[Sivaji Ganesan]], in dual roles. Chandrababu also established himself as a good singer. He was a playback singer rendering voice for himself in films. He lent his voice for [[S. Balachander]] for the song ''Kalyanam Kalyanam... Ullasamagave Ulagathil'' in ''[[Penn (film)|Penn]]'' and for [[Sivaji Ganesan]] for the song ''Jolly Life Jolly Life'' in ''[[Kalyanam Panniyum Brammachari]]''. Another song for Gundu Karuppaiah is ''I Love You I Love You'' in ''[[Andhaman Kaidhi]]''.
''[[Sabaash Meena]]'' was one of the best Tamil comedy movies of its time, in which Chandrababu acted with [[Sivaji Ganesan]], in dual roles. Chandrababu also established himself as a good singer. He was a playback singer rendering voice for himself in films. He lent his voice for [[S. Balachander]] for the song ''Kalyanam Kalyanam... Ullasamagave Ulagathil'' in ''[[Penn (film)|Penn]]'' and for [[Sivaji Ganesan]] for the song ''Jolly Life Jolly Life'' in ''[[Kalyanam Panniyum Brammachari]]''. Another song for comedian T.N. Sivadhanu is ''I Love You I Love You'' in ''[[Andhaman Kaidhi]]''.
 
He sang under almost all of the music directors of the 1950s till the 1960s namely [[K. V. Mahadevan]], [[T. G. Lingappa]], [[G. Govindarajulu Naidu]], [[S. V. Venkatraman]], [[R. Sudharsanam]], [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]], [[G. Ramanathan]], [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], [[Vedha (music director)|Vedha]], [[S. Rajeswara Rao]], [[T. R. Pappa]], [[P. R. Mani]], [[C. N. Pandurangan]], Meenakshi Subramanyam and [[M. S. Viswanathan]].
 
He sang along duets mostly with [[K. Jamuna Rani]] and [[L. R. Eswari]]. Other singers include [[A. G. Rathnamala]], [[Jikki]], [[A. P. Komala]], [[T. M. Soundararajan]], [[P. B. Sreenivas]], [[A. L. Raghavan]], [[P. Suseela]], [[P. Leela]], [[Soolamangalam Sisters|Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi]], [[K. Rani (singer)|K. Rani]] and [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]].


==Marriage==
==Marriage==
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== Financial misfortune and death ==
== Financial misfortune and death ==
Chandrababu had arranged with a financier, to direct his first film ''[[Maadi Veettu ezhai]]'' with [[M. G. Ramachandran]] as the hero. Eventually, he failed on this venture as [[M. G. Ramachandran|Ramachandran]] failed to cooperate with him. The film project was also dropped. The reasons for Ramachandran's non-cooperation is well explained by script writer [[Aroordhas]], in his 2002 memoirs ''Naan Muham Paartha Cinema Kannadigal''. It's because Chandrababu became abusive towards Ramachandran's elder sibling [[M. G. Chakrapani]]. Chandrababu's final attempt was to direct and act in ''[[Thattungal Thirakkappadum]]''in 1966; it was highly acclaimed for its [[cinematography]] but was not a box office success. It should be recorded that despite his indifference to the self-destructive life style of Chandrababu. MGR did offer a helping hand to him, by offering him a comedy slot in his own production, ''Adimai Penn'' released in 1969.
Chandrababu had arranged with a financier, to direct his first film ''Maadi Veettu Ezhai'' with [[M. G. Ramachandran]] as the hero. Eventually, he failed on this venture as [[M. G. Ramachandran|Ramachandran]] failed to cooperate with him. The film project was also dropped. The reasons for Ramachandran's non-cooperation is well explained by script writer [[Aroordhas]], in his 2002 memoirs ''Naan Muham Paartha Cinema Kannadigal''. It's because Chandrababu became abusive towards Ramachandran's elder sibling [[M. G. Chakrapani]]. Chandrababu's final attempt was to direct and act in ''[[Thattungal Thirakkappadum]]'' in 1966; it was highly acclaimed for its [[cinematography]] but was not a box office success. MGR did offer a helping hand to him, by offering him a comedy slot in his own production, ''Adimai Penn'' released in 1969.


Due to his personal problems, Chandrababu spent his last days penniless. During his last years he stayed in the house of his good friend [[M. S. Viswanathan]], until his death on 8 March 1974. It was [[Shivaji Ganesan]] who arranged all his final rites and he was buried in [[Quibble Island]], [[Chennai]].<ref name="thehindu.com"/>
Due to his personal problems, Chandrababu spent his last days penniless. During his last years he stayed in a flat under support of A P Nagarajan, until his death on 8 March 1974. It was [[Sivaji Ganesan]] who arranged all his final rites and he was buried in [[Quibble Island]], [[Chennai]].<ref name="thehindu.com"/>
[[File:Chandrababu's grave in Quibble Island Cemetry..jpg|alt=Chandrababu's grave in Quibble Island Cemetery.|thumb|Chandrababu's grave in Quibble Island Cemetery.]]
 
== Filmography ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 1947 || ''Dhana Amaravathi'' || ||
|-
| 1951 || ''[[Mohana Sundaram]]'' || Gopu ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|1952 ||''[[Moondru Pillaigal]]'' || Music director || Simultaneously shot in Telugu as ''Mugguru Kodukulu''
|-
| ''[[Chinna Durai (1952 film)|Chinna Durai]]'' || Secretary ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|1953 ||''[[Kangal (film)|Kangal]]'' || Arivumani ||
|-
| ''[[Vazha Pirandhaval]]''|| ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1954 || ''[[Ratha Kanneer]]''||Kantha's assistant||
|-
|''[[Bedara Kannappa]]''
|Tribal dancer
|
|-
| rowspan="3"|1955 ||''[[Gulebakavali (1955 film)|Gulebakavali]]'' || Gulam ||
|-
| ''[[Maaman Magal (1955 film)|Maaman Magal]]''|| Thandavam ||
|-
| ''[[Nalla Thangal]]''|| ||
|-
| 1956 || ''[[Marma Veeran]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="5"|1957 || ''[[Mahadevi (film)|Mahadevi]]''|| Mariappan ||
|-
| ''[[Pudhaiyal]]''|| Thukkaram ||
|-
| ''[[Pudhumai Pithan (1957 film)|Pudhumai Pithan]]'' || Arivumani ||
|-
| ''[[Pathini Deivam]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Manamagan Thevai]]'' || Chandrababu ||
|-
| rowspan="4" |1958 || ''[[Pathi Bakthi]]'' || Kalaipithan ||
|-
| ''[[Kathavarayan (1958 film)|Kathavarayan]]'' || Mannaru ||
|-
| ''[[Nadodi Mannan]]'' || Sagayam ||
|-
| ''[[Sabaash Meena]]'' || Shekar & Mookan ||
|-
| rowspan="4"|1959 || ''[[Sahodhari]]'' || Anandakonar ||
|-
| ''[[Pandithevan]]'' ||  ||
|-
| ''[[Naan Sollum Ragasiyam]]'' || Doctor Shailak ||
|-
| ''[[Maragatham]]'' || Gundan ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|1960 ||''[[Kavalai Illaadha Manithan]]'' || Muthu ||
|-
| ''[[Petra Manam]]''|| ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|1961 ||''[[Sri Valli (1961 film)|Sri Valli]]'' || Valli's brother ||
|-
| ''[[Kumara Raja (1961 film)|Kumara Raja]]''|| ||
|-
| rowspan="5"|1962 || ''[[Paadha Kaanikkai]]'' || Veerasamy Pillai's son ||
|-
| ''[[Annai (1962 film)|Annai]]'' || Dayanidhi ||
|-
| ''[[Policekaran Magal]]'' || Maari ||
|-
| ''[[Bandha Pasam]]'' || Vasu ||
|-
| ''[[Senthamarai (film)|Senthamarai]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|1963 ||''[[Kadavulai Kanden]]'' || Valli's brother ||
|-
| ''[[Yarukku Sontham]]''|| ||
|-
| 1964 || ''[[Aandavan Kattalai (1964 film)|Aandavan Kattalai]]'' || Chitti Babu ||
|-
| 1966 || ''[[Thattungal Thirakkappadum]]'' || Adaikalam || Also director
|-
|1967 || ''[[Valiba Virundhu]]'' || Babu ||
|-
| 1968 || ''Nimirndhu Nil'' ||  ||
|-
| 1969 || ''Adimaippen'' ||  ||
|-
| 1970 || ''[[Paadhukaappu]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1972 || ''[[Neethi (1972 film)|Neethi]]'' || Eattu Kannaiya ||
|-
| ''[[Raja (1972 film)|Raja]]'' || Pattabiraman/Seetharaman/Janakiraman ||
|-
| 1973 || ''[[Bharatha Vilas]]'' || Doctor ||
|}


==Discography==
==Discography==
He sang under almost all of the music directors of the 1950s till the early 1970s.
=== Music composers he sang for ===
=== Music composers he sang for ===
{{columns-list |colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list |colwidth=15em|
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* [[S. Rajeswara Rao]]
* [[S. Rajeswara Rao]]
* [[G. Ramanathan]]
* [[G. Ramanathan]]
* [[R. Sudharsanam]]
* [[R. Sudarsanam]]
* [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]]
* [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]
* [[Vedha (music director)|Vedha]]
* [[Vedha (composer)|Vedha]]
* [[T. Chalapathi Rao]]
* [[T. Chalapathi Rao]]
* [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]]
* [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]]
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The following are some of Chandrababu's songs that have remained popular:
The following are some of Chandrababu's songs that have remained popular:
*''All of the songs are in Tamil, except otherwise noted.''
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year
! Year
! Film
! Film
! Language
! Song
! Song
! Music
! Music
! Co-Singer
! Co-singer
|-
|-
| 1947 || ''Dhana Amaravathi'' || [[Tamil language|Tamil]]  || Unnalazhagirku Inai Ennatthai Solvadhu || [[K. V. Mahadevan]] ||
| 1947 || ''Dhana Amaravathi'' || Unnalazhagirku Inai Ennatthai Solvadhu || [[K. V. Mahadevan]] ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1951 || rowspan=2|''[[Mohana Sundaram]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Hello My Dear Darling Hello My Rose Charming || rowspan=2|[[T. G. Lingappa]] ||
| rowspan=2|1951 || rowspan=2|''[[Mohana Sundaram]]'' || Hello My Dear Darling Hello My Rose Charming || rowspan=2|[[T. G. Lingappa]] ||
|-
|-
| Inbam Konjum Velai || [[Jikki]]
| Inbam Konjum Velai || [[Jikki]]
|-
|-
| 1952 || ''[[Andhaman Kaidhi]]'' || Tamil ||I love you..I love you.. Aasaiyanene Un Mele || [[G. Govindarajulu Naidu]] || [[A. G. Rathnamala]]<br>playback for T. N. Sivadhanu
| rowspan="2" | 1952 || ''[[Andhaman Kaidhi]]'' || I Love You..I Love You.. Aasaiyanene Un Mele || [[G. Govindarajulu Naidu]] || [[A. G. Rathnamala]]<br>playback for T. N. Sivadhanu
|-
|-
| 1952 || ''[[Chinna Durai (1952 film)|Chinna Durai]]'' || Tamil || Poda Raja Podi Nadayaa || [[T. G. Lingappa]] ||
| ''[[Chinna Durai (1952 film)|Chinna Durai]]'' || Poda Raja Podi Nadayaa || [[T. G. Lingappa]] ||
|-
|-
| 1953 || ''[[Kangal (1953 film)|Kangal]]'' || Tamil || Aalu Ganam Aanal Moolai Gaali || [[S. V. Venkatraman]] ||
| rowspan="3" | 1953 || ''[[Kangal (1953 film)|Kangal]]'' || Aalu Ganam Aanal Moolai Gaali || [[S. V. Venkatraman]] ||
|-
|-
| 1953 || ''[[Azhagi (1953 film)|Azhagi]]'' || Tamil || Onnu Rendu Moonu Photo Ready || [[P. R. Mani]] ||
| ''[[Azhagi (1953 film)|Azhagi]]'' || Onnu Rendu Moonu Photo Ready || [[P. R. Mani]] ||
|-
|-
| 1953 || ''[[Vazha Pirandhaval]]'' || Tamil || Cinema Kalaiyai Elidhaaga Enni || [[S. Rajeswara Rao]] & [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
| ''[[Vazha Pirandhaval]]'' || Cinema Kalaiyai Elidhaaga Enni || [[S. Rajeswara Rao]] & [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
|-
|-
| 1954 || ''[[Kalyanam Panniyum Brammachari]]'' || Tamil || Jolly Life Jolly Life || [[T. G. Lingappa]] || playback for [[Sivaji Ganesan]]
| rowspan="2" | 1954 || ''[[Kalyanam Panniyum Brammachari]]'' || Jolly Life Jolly Life || [[T. G. Lingappa]] || playback for [[Sivaji Ganesan]]
|-
|-
| 1954 || ''[[Penn (film)|Penn]]'' || Tamil || Kalyanam Kalyanam... Ullasamagave Ulagathil || [[R. Sudharsanam]] || playback for [[S. Balachander]]
| ''[[Penn (film)|Penn]]'' || Kalyaanam Kalyaanam... Ullasamagave Ulagathil || [[R. Sudarsanam]] || playback for [[S. Balachander]]
|-
|-
| 1955 || ''[[Gulebakavali (1955 film)|Gulebagavali]]'' || Tamil || Paraanda Mannar Ellam.... Achi Nimirndha Vandi || [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] || [[A. G. Rathnamala]]
| rowspan="3" | 1955 || ''[[Gulebakavali (1955 film)|Gulebagavali]]'' || Paraanda Mannar Ellam.... Achi Nimirndha Vandi || [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] || [[A. G. Rathnamala]]
|-
|-
| 1955 || ''[[Maaman Magal (1955 film)|Maaman Magal]]'' || Tamil || Gova Mambazhame Malgova Mambazhame || [[S. V. Venkatraman]] ||
| ''[[Maaman Magal (1955 film)|Maaman Magal]]'' || Gova Maambazhame Malgova Maambazhame || [[S. V. Venkatraman]] ||
|-
|-
| 1955 || ''[[Nalla Thangal (1955 film)|Nalla Thangal]]'' || Tamil || Unnai Kandu Mayamgaadha Pergal Undo || [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
| ''[[Nalla Thangal (1955 film)|Nalla Thangal]]'' || Unnai Kandu Mayamgaadha Pergal Undo || [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1956 || rowspan=2|''[[Marma Veeran]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || O Aiyaa O Ammaa || rowspan=2|[[Vedha (music director)|Vedha]] || [[K. Rani (singer)|K. Rani]], [[S. C. Krishnan]] & [[Jikki]]
| rowspan=2|1956 || rowspan=2|''[[Marma Veeran]]'' || O Aiyaa O Ammaa || rowspan=2|[[Vedha (composer)|Vedha]] || [[K. Rani (singer)|K. Rani]], [[S. C. Krishnan]] & [[Jikki]]
|-
|-
| Thillalangadi Kuyile Adi || [[P. Leela]]
| Thillaalangadi Kuyile Adi || [[P. Leela]]
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1957 || rowspan=2|''[[Mahadhevi]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Un Thirumugathey Oru Mugama || rowspan=2|[[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] || [[A. G. Rathnamala]]  
| rowspan="8" |1957 || rowspan=2|''[[Mahadhevi]]'' || Un Thirumugathey Oru Mugamaa || rowspan="4" |[[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] || [[A. G. Rathnamala]]  
|-
|-
| Thanthanaa Thaalam Poduvom || [[A. G. Rathnamala]]
| Thanthanaa Thaalam Poduvom || [[A. G. Rathnamala]]
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1957 || rowspan=2|''[[Pudhaiyal]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga || rowspan=2|[[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] ||
| rowspan="2" |''[[Pudhaiyal]]'' || Unakkaaga Ellam Unakkaaga ||
|-
|-
| Hello My Dear Rani || [[A. L. Raghavan]]
| Hello My Dear Rani || [[A. L. Raghavan]]
|-
|-
| 1957 || ''[[Pudhumai Pithan (1957 film)|Pudhumai Pithan]]'' || Tamil || Araichi Mani.... Thillaana Paatu Paadi Kullathaara || [[G. Ramanathan]] || [[Jikki]]
| ''[[Pudhumai Pithan (1957 film)|Pudhumai Pithan]]'' || Araichi Mani.... Thillaana Paatu Paadi Kullathaara || [[G. Ramanathan]] || [[Jikki]]
|-
|-
| 1957 || ''[[Pathini Deivam]]'' || Tamil || Aathukku Paalam Avasiyam || [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] || [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
| ''[[Pathini Deivam]]'' || Aathukku Paalam Avasiyam || [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] || [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
|-
|-
| 1957 || ''[[Manamagan Thevai]]'' || Tamil || Bambara Kannale || [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
| ''[[Manamagan Thevai]]'' || Bambara Kannaale || rowspan="2" | [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
|-
|-
| 1957 || ''[[Samaya Sanjeevi]]'' || Tamil || Paper Paper || [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
| ''[[Samaya Sanjeevi]]'' || Paper Paper ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=3|1958 || rowspan=3|''[[Padhi Bhakti]]'' || rowspan=3|Tamil || Rock Rock Rock || rowspan=3|[[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] || [[V. N. Sundaram]]
| rowspan="10" |1958 || rowspan=3|''[[Padhi Bhakti]]'' || Rock Rock Rock || rowspan=3|[[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] || [[V. N. Sundaram]]
|-
|-
| Indha Thinnai Paechu Veeranidam || [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
| Indha Thinnai Paechu Veeranidam || [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
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| Kosari Kosari ||  
| Kosari Kosari ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1958 || rowspan=2|''[[Padhi Bhakti]]'' || rowspan=2|[[Telugu language|Telugu]] || Rock Rock Rock || rowspan=2|[[T. Chalapathi Rao]] || [[V. N. Sundaram]]
| rowspan="2" |''[[Padhi Bhakti]]'' ([[Telugu language|Telugu]]) || Rock Rock Rock || rowspan=2|[[T. Chalapathi Rao]] || [[V. N. Sundaram]]
|-
|-
| Kosari Kosari ||  
| Kosari Kosari ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan=3|1958 || rowspan=3|''[[Kathavarayan (1958 film)|Kaathavaraayan]]'' || rowspan=3|Tamil || Jigu Jigu Jigu || rowspan=3|[[G. Ramanathan]] || [[Jikki]]
| rowspan="3" |''[[Kathavarayan (1958 film)|Kaathavaraayan]]'' || Jigu Jigu || rowspan=3|[[G. Ramanathan]] || [[Jikki]]
|-
|-
| Thanthaane Thane Thanthaane ||  
| Thandhane Thana Thandhane ||  
|-
|-
| Sangili Jingili.... Vaarandi Vaaraandi Kutticchaatthaan || [[S. C. Krishnan]], [[A. G. Rathnamala]] & [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
| Sangili Jingili...Vaarandi Vaaraandi Kutticchaatthaan || [[S. C. Krishnan]], [[A. G. Rathnamala]] & [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
|-
|-
| 1958 || ''[[Nadodi Mannan]]'' || Tamil || Thadukkaadhe Ennai Thadukkaadhe || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]] || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
| ''[[Nadodi Mannan]]'' || Thadukkaadhe Ennai Thadukkaadhe || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]] || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
|-
|-
| 1958 || ''[[Sabaash Meena]] '' || Tamil || Erungammaa Summaa Erungammaa || [[T. G. Lingappa]] || [[T. G. Lingappa]] & [[P. Susheela]]
| ''[[Sabaash Meena]] '' || Erungammaa Summaa Erungammaa || [[T. G. Lingappa]] || [[T. G. Lingappa]] & [[P. Susheela]]
|-
|-
| 1959 || ''[[Sahodhari]]'' || Tamil || Naan Oru Muttalunga || [[R. Sudharsanam]] ||
| rowspan="5" | 1959 || ''[[Sahodhari]]'' || Naan Oru Muttaalunga || [[R. Sudarsanam]] ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1959 || rowspan=2|''[[Pandithevan]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Nee Adinal || rowspan=2|[[C. N. Pandurangan]] & Meenakshi Subramanyam || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
| rowspan="2" |''[[Pandithevan]]'' || Nee Aadinal || rowspan=2|[[C. N. Pandurangan]] & Meenakshi Subramanyam || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
|-
|-
| Solluradha Solliputten ||  
| Solluradha Solliputten ||  
|-
|-
| 1959 || ''[[Naan Sollum Ragasiyam]]'' || Tamil || Vilaiyaadu Raajaa Vilaiyaadu || [[G. Ramanathan]] || [[A. P. Komala]]
| ''[[Naan Sollum Ragasiyam]]'' || Vilaiyaadu Raajaa Vilaiyaadu || [[G. Ramanathan]] || [[A. P. Komala]]
|-
|-
| 1959 || ''[[Maragadham]]'' || Tamil || Kunguma Poove Konjum Puraave || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]] || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
| ''[[Maragadham]]'' || Kunguma Poove Konjum Puraave || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]] || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1960 || rowspan=2|''[[Kavalai Illaadha Manithan]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Pirakkum Podhum Azhukindraai || rowspan=2|[[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] ||
| rowspan="4" |1960 || rowspan=2|''[[Kavalai Illaadha Manithan]]'' || Pirakkum Podhum Azhukindraai || rowspan=2|[[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] ||
|-
|-
| Kavalai Illaadha Manithan ||  
| Kavalai Illaadha Manithan ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1960 || rowspan=2|''[[Petra Manam]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Paadi Paadi Paadi || rowspan=2|[[S. Rajeswara Rao]] || [[Soolamangalam Sisters|Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi]]
| rowspan="2" |''[[Petra Manam]]'' || Paadi Paadi Paadi || rowspan=2|[[S. Rajeswara Rao]] || [[Soolamangalam Sisters|Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi]]
|-
|-
| Manathirkugantha Mayile ||  
| Manathirkugantha Mayile ||  
|-
|-
| 1961 || ''[[Sri Valli (1961 film)|Sri Valli]]'' || Tamil || Aiyo Machaan Mannaaru || [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
| rowspan="5" | 1961 || ''[[Sri Valli (1961 film)|Sri Valli]]'' || Aiyo Machaan Mannaaru || [[G. Ramanathan]] ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=4|1961 || rowspan=4|''[[Kumara Raja]]'' || rowspan=4|Tamil || Aan Ondru Aada Penn Ondru Paada || rowspan=4|[[T. R. Pappa]] || [[P. Leela]]
| rowspan="4" |''[[Kumara Raja (1961 film)|Kumara Raja]]'' || Aan Ondru Aada Penn Ondru Paada || rowspan=4|[[T. R. Pappa]] || [[P. Leela]]
|-
|-
| Onnume Puriyalae Ulagathile ||  
| Onnume Puriyalae Ulagathile ||  
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| Ennai Paartha Kannu || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
| Ennai Paartha Kannu || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1962 || rowspan=2|''[[Paadha Kaanikkai]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Kadhal Embathu Edhu Varai || rowspan=2|[[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] || [[P. B. Sreenivas]], [[P. Susheela]] & [[L. R. Eswari]]
| rowspan="6" |1962 || rowspan=2|''[[Paadha Kaanikkai]]'' || Kaadhal Enbadhu Edhu Varai || rowspan=2|[[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] || [[P. B. Sreenivas]], [[P. Susheela]] & [[L. R. Eswari]]
|-
|-
| Thaniyaa Thavikkira Vayasu ||  
| Thaniyaa Thavikkira Vayasu ||  
|-
|-
| 1962 || ''[[Annai (1962 film)|Annai]]'' || Tamil || Butthiyulla Manidharellaam || [[R. Sudharsanam]] ||
| ''[[Annai (1962 film)|Annai]]'' || Butthiyulla Manidharellaam || [[R. Sudarsanam]] ||
|-
|-
| 1962 || ''[[Policekaran Magal]]'' || Tamil || Porandhalum Aambalaiya Porakka Koodadhu || [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] || [[L. R. Eswari]]
| ''[[Policekaran Magal]]'' || Porandhaalum Aambalaiya Porakka Koodaadhu || rowspan="3" | [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] || [[L. R. Eswari]]
|-
|-
| 1962 || ''[[Bandha Pasam]]'' || Tamil || Eppo Vachikkalaam Eppadi Vachikkalaam || [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] ||
| ''[[Bandha Pasam]]'' || Eppo Vachikkalaam Eppadi Vachikkalaam ||
|-
|-
| 1962 || ''[[Senthamarai (film)|Senthamarai]]'' || Tamil || Thangadhamma Thangadhu Samsaram Thangadhu || [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
| ''[[Senthamarai (film)|Senthamarai]]'' || Thangaadhamma Thangaadhu Samsaaram Thangaadhu || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1963 || rowspan=2|''[[Kadavulai Kanden]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Konjam Sindhikkanum || rowspan=2|[[K. V. Mahadevan]] || [[L. R. Eswari]]
| rowspan="4" |1963 || rowspan=2|''[[Kadavulai Kanden]]'' || Konjam Sindhikkanum || rowspan="4" |[[K. V. Mahadevan]] || [[L. R. Eswari]]
|-
|-
| Ungal Kaigal Uyarattum || [[P. B. Sreenivas]]
| Ungal Kaigal Uyarattum || [[P. B. Sreenivas]]
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1963 || rowspan=2|''[[Yarukku Sontham]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Ennai Theriyalaiyaa || rowspan=2|[[K. V. Mahadevan]] ||
| rowspan="2" |''[[Yarukku Sontham]]'' || Ennai Theriyalaiyaa ||
|-
|-
| Oho Meri Bul Bul  || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
| Oho Meri Bul Bul  || [[K. Jamuna Rani]]
|-
|-
| 1964 || ''[[Aandavan Kattalai]]'' || Tamil || Sirippu Varudhu Sirippu Varudhu || [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] ||
| 1964 || ''[[Aandavan Kattalai (1964 film)|Aandavan Kattalai]]'' || Sirippu Varudhu Sirippu Varudhu || [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] ||
|-
|-
| 1965 || ''[[Aandavan Kattalai|Preminchi Pelli Chesuko]]'' || Telugu || || [[Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy]] & B. Shankar Rao ||
| 1965 || ''[[Aandavan Kattalai (1964 film)|Preminchi Pelli Chesuko]]'' (Telugu) || || [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] & B. Shankar Rao ||
|-
|-
| 1966 || ''[[Thattungal Thirakkappadum]]'' || Tamil || Kanmani Paappaa || [[M. S. Viswanathan]] ||
| 1966 || ''[[Thattungal Thirakkappadum]]'' || Kanmani Paappaa || [[M. S. Viswanathan]] ||
|-
|-
| 1967 || ''[[Thattungal Thirakkappadum|Hanthakuni Hatya]]'' || Telugu || || [[M. S. Viswanathan]] & Pamarthi ||
| rowspan="3" | 1967 || ''[[Thattungal Thirakkappadum|Hanthakuni Hatya]]'' (Telugu) || || [[M. S. Viswanathan]] & Pamarthi ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|1967 || rowspan=2|''[[Valiba Virundhu]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Ondra Kannu Doriya || rowspan=2|[[R. Sudharsanam]] ||  
| rowspan="2" |''[[Valiba Virundhu]]'' || Ondra Kannu Doriya || rowspan=2|[[R. Sudarsanam]] ||  
|-
|-
| Vaaliba Virundhu || [[T. M. Soundararajan]] & [[L. R. Eswari]]
| Vaaliba Virundhu || [[T. M. Soundararajan]] & [[L. R. Eswari]]
|-
|-
| 1968 || ''Nimirndhu Nil'' || Tamil || Pudichalum Pudhicha Puliyankomba Pudicha || [[M. S. Viswanathan]] || [[L. R. Eswari]]
| 1968 || ''Nimirndhu Nil'' || Pudichalum Pudhicha Puliyankomba Pudicha || rowspan="3" | [[M. S. Viswanathan]] || [[L. R. Eswari]]
|-
|-
| 1970 || ''[[Paadhukaappu]]'' || Tamil || Nammalki Pyari || [[M. S. Viswanathan]] || [[P. Susheela]]
| 1970 || ''[[Paadhukaappu]]'' || Nammal Ki Pyaari || [[L. R. Eswari]]
|-
|-
| 1972 || ''[[Neethi (1972 film)|Needhi]]'' || Tamil || Engaladhu Boomi || [[M. S. Viswanathan]] || [[T. M. Soundararajan]], [[P. Susheela]] & [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]]
| 1972 || ''[[Neethi (1972 film)|Needhi]]'' || Engaladhu Boomi || [[T. M. Soundararajan]], [[P. Susheela]] & [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]]
|}
|}


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[[Category:Tamil comedians]]
[[Category:Tamil comedians]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan emigrants to India]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan emigrants to India]]
[[Category:Indian male singers]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan Tamil musicians]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan Tamil actors]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan actors]]
[[Category:Tamil actors]]
[[Category:Indian Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Indian Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:People from Thoothukudi]]
[[Category:People from Thoothukudi]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Sri Lankan male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:Singers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Singers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:20th-century comedians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian comedians]]
[[Category:20th-century male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male singers]]

Latest revision as of 02:21, 18 January 2026


"Chandrababu" redirects here. For the politician, see N. Chandrababu Naidu.

J. P. Chandrababu
Casual Poster of CB
Born(1927-08-05)5 August 1927
Tuticorin, Madras Presidency, British India
(now Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India)
Died8 March 1974(1974-03-08) (aged 46)
Madras (now Chennai),
Tamil Nadu, India
OccupationComedian, Actor, Playback singer, Film director
Years active1947—1973

Joseph Panimayadas Chandrababu Rodriguez (1927–1974) was an Indian actor, comedian, playback singer and film director. whose Chaplinesque-style on-screen movements and singing style made him popular from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. He had a mastery of the Madras Bashai, a dialect unique to the Madras region. His slapstick style of comedy has been emulated by subsequent actors. Many of his songs have remained popular.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Chandrababu was born to a wealthy and eminent Christian Paravar family in 1927 at Tuticorin, India. His father, a freedom fighter, ran a paper called Sudhandhira Veeran which, along with the family assets, was seized by the British government in 1929 when he was arrested for participating in the satyagraha movement. He and the family were exiled to Colombo, Sri Lanka on his release, where his father worked for a Tamil newspaper. Chandrababu was educated at St. Joseph's College, Grandpass, Colombo and Aquinas College prior to his family moving once more, this time to Chennai in 1943. Here they lived in Triplicane, where his father worked for the Dinamani newspaper.[1]

Film career[edit | edit source]

Chandrababu was very passionate about acting despite opposition from his family members. His friend Ganapathy was the only person who motivated his acting skills. From his childhood, he was an expert in singing and whenever he got together with his friends or family, Chandrababu was asked to sing. Sri Lanka had a very western outlook in those times and Chandrabubu picked up on western styles of singing and dancing while there.[2] In these early years Chandrababu made acquaintances of the actors Sriram, B. R. Panthulu and, through them, T. R. Mahalingam. He made his debut with a small role in the 1947 film Dhana Amaravathi[2] but struggled thereafter to obtain parts.

He had spent many days starving himself and searching for a chance in films. In 1952, he attempted suicide by ingesting copper sulphate crystals in the canteen of Gemini Studios. He had written a suicide note explaining his reasons, which included that he had been unable to meet the director S. S. Vasan, and that his body was to be handed over to B. S. Ramaiah, the director of his only film at that date. Suicide was a criminal offence and so he was arrested. But when his case came to trial the judge asked him to prove his acting ability. Chandrababu rendered a Shakespearean monologue that so impressed the judge that he was not jailed.[2] One of those who had assisted him in being taken to hospital at the time of his attempted suicide was Gemini Ganesan. When Vasan learned of this episode he gave Chandrababu a small role in the 1952 film Moondru Pillaigal, which impressed Vasan so much that he predicted a successful career.[2] for him. Chandrababu also filmed Chinna Durai and Mohana Sundaram in the same year. It is claimed that, as of 2016, he remained the only person capable of yodelling in south Indian cinema,.[2] Chandrababu loved western music and learned the art of yodelling by listening to singers such as Gene Autry and Hank Williams. In Chinna Durai, produced and directed by T. R. Mahalingam, he sang the song Poda Raja Podi Nadaya, the first time that yodelling had been heard in a South Indian film.[citation needed]Chandrababu was paid Rs 200 for his role in Mohana Sundaram.[citation needed] At his peak he was to command over Rs 100,000, becoming the first South Indian comedy actor to command such a sum.[2]

When A. V. Meiyappan filmed Sahodhari, he found that it lacked an ingredient that would ensure box office success. Chandrababu was called and after watching the film he added a comedy track for himself, wrote it and also sang the song Naan oru muttalunga, converting the film into a hit. It was Chandrababu who first spoke and popularised the Madras Baashai in films. He learned this dialect from the rickshaw pullers and street vendors near his home in Triplicane and later in Mir Sahib Pet.

Sabaash Meena was one of the best Tamil comedy movies of its time, in which Chandrababu acted with Sivaji Ganesan, in dual roles. Chandrababu also established himself as a good singer. He was a playback singer rendering voice for himself in films. He lent his voice for S. Balachander for the song Kalyanam Kalyanam... Ullasamagave Ulagathil in Penn and for Sivaji Ganesan for the song Jolly Life Jolly Life in Kalyanam Panniyum Brammachari. Another song for comedian T.N. Sivadhanu is I Love You I Love You in Andhaman Kaidhi.

Marriage[edit | edit source]

Chandrababu first met Sheila, an Anglo Indian and grand daughter of Coimbatore-based filmmaker Swamikannu Vincent[3] at her residence and subsequently marriage was arranged in 1958. Famous film personalities and politicians including chief minister Kamaraj attended their marriage. The initial days of married life had gone well. One day Sheila confessed that she fell in love with another person. After learning this, Chandrababu was heartbroken and ended up in a confused state. In the subsequent days, she attempted suicide which was foiled by Chandrababu. Considering Sheila's fortune, they divorced formally. He continued to offer support to her until she left for London. After a few days, she married a doctor in London with the acceptance of Chandrababu by a letter communication. In a business mired by sycophancy, he chose not to mince his words and this restricted his opportunities[2] from the 1960s onward. After this, he had decided to take a temporary break from his film career, and he went to Delhi without informing even his close friends. He spent those days consuming alcohol. Later he restarted his career in the industry despite his failed love and marriage.

Financial misfortune and death[edit | edit source]

Chandrababu had arranged with a financier, to direct his first film Maadi Veettu Ezhai with M. G. Ramachandran as the hero. Eventually, he failed on this venture as Ramachandran failed to cooperate with him. The film project was also dropped. The reasons for Ramachandran's non-cooperation is well explained by script writer Aroordhas, in his 2002 memoirs Naan Muham Paartha Cinema Kannadigal. It's because Chandrababu became abusive towards Ramachandran's elder sibling M. G. Chakrapani. Chandrababu's final attempt was to direct and act in Thattungal Thirakkappadum in 1966; it was highly acclaimed for its cinematography but was not a box office success. MGR did offer a helping hand to him, by offering him a comedy slot in his own production, Adimai Penn released in 1969.

Due to his personal problems, Chandrababu spent his last days penniless. During his last years he stayed in a flat under support of A P Nagarajan, until his death on 8 March 1974. It was Sivaji Ganesan who arranged all his final rites and he was buried in Quibble Island, Chennai.[1]

Chandrababu's grave in Quibble Island Cemetery.
Chandrababu's grave in Quibble Island Cemetery.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1947 Dhana Amaravathi
1951 Mohana Sundaram Gopu
1952 Moondru Pillaigal Music director Simultaneously shot in Telugu as Mugguru Kodukulu
Chinna Durai Secretary
1953 Kangal Arivumani
Vazha Pirandhaval
1954 Ratha Kanneer Kantha's assistant
Bedara Kannappa Tribal dancer
1955 Gulebakavali Gulam
Maaman Magal Thandavam
Nalla Thangal
1956 Marma Veeran
1957 Mahadevi Mariappan
Pudhaiyal Thukkaram
Pudhumai Pithan Arivumani
Pathini Deivam
Manamagan Thevai Chandrababu
1958 Pathi Bakthi Kalaipithan
Kathavarayan Mannaru
Nadodi Mannan Sagayam
Sabaash Meena Shekar & Mookan
1959 Sahodhari Anandakonar
Pandithevan
Naan Sollum Ragasiyam Doctor Shailak
Maragatham Gundan
1960 Kavalai Illaadha Manithan Muthu
Petra Manam
1961 Sri Valli Valli's brother
Kumara Raja
1962 Paadha Kaanikkai Veerasamy Pillai's son
Annai Dayanidhi
Policekaran Magal Maari
Bandha Pasam Vasu
Senthamarai
1963 Kadavulai Kanden Valli's brother
Yarukku Sontham
1964 Aandavan Kattalai Chitti Babu
1966 Thattungal Thirakkappadum Adaikalam Also director
1967 Valiba Virundhu Babu
1968 Nimirndhu Nil
1969 Adimaippen
1970 Paadhukaappu
1972 Neethi Eattu Kannaiya
Raja Pattabiraman/Seetharaman/Janakiraman
1973 Bharatha Vilas Doctor

Discography[edit | edit source]

He sang under almost all of the music directors of the 1950s till the early 1970s.

Music composers he sang for[edit | edit source]

Playback singers he sang with[edit | edit source]

He sang memorable duets with mostly comical songs K. Jamuna Rani, L. R. Eswari, Jikki, P. Leela P. Susheela, A. P. Komala, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, A. G. Rathnamala, Manorama and K. Rani.

He also sang with other male singers such as T. M. Soundararajan, A. L. Raghavan, V. N. Sundaram, S. C. Krishnan, P. B. Sreenivas and T. G. Lingappa.

The following are some of Chandrababu's songs that have remained popular:

  • All of the songs are in Tamil, except otherwise noted.
Year Film Song Music Co-singer
1947 Dhana Amaravathi Unnalazhagirku Inai Ennatthai Solvadhu K. V. Mahadevan
1951 Mohana Sundaram Hello My Dear Darling Hello My Rose Charming T. G. Lingappa
Inbam Konjum Velai Jikki
1952 Andhaman Kaidhi I Love You..I Love You.. Aasaiyanene Un Mele G. Govindarajulu Naidu A. G. Rathnamala
playback for T. N. Sivadhanu
Chinna Durai Poda Raja Podi Nadayaa T. G. Lingappa
1953 Kangal Aalu Ganam Aanal Moolai Gaali S. V. Venkatraman
Azhagi Onnu Rendu Moonu Photo Ready P. R. Mani
Vazha Pirandhaval Cinema Kalaiyai Elidhaaga Enni S. Rajeswara Rao & G. Ramanathan
1954 Kalyanam Panniyum Brammachari Jolly Life Jolly Life T. G. Lingappa playback for Sivaji Ganesan
Penn Kalyaanam Kalyaanam... Ullasamagave Ulagathil R. Sudarsanam playback for S. Balachander
1955 Gulebagavali Paraanda Mannar Ellam.... Achi Nimirndha Vandi Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy A. G. Rathnamala
Maaman Magal Gova Maambazhame Malgova Maambazhame S. V. Venkatraman
Nalla Thangal Unnai Kandu Mayamgaadha Pergal Undo G. Ramanathan
1956 Marma Veeran O Aiyaa O Ammaa Vedha K. Rani, S. C. Krishnan & Jikki
Thillaalangadi Kuyile Adi P. Leela
1957 Mahadhevi Un Thirumugathey Oru Mugamaa Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy A. G. Rathnamala
Thanthanaa Thaalam Poduvom A. G. Rathnamala
Pudhaiyal Unakkaaga Ellam Unakkaaga
Hello My Dear Rani A. L. Raghavan
Pudhumai Pithan Araichi Mani.... Thillaana Paatu Paadi Kullathaara G. Ramanathan Jikki
Pathini Deivam Aathukku Paalam Avasiyam Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy T. M. Soundararajan
Manamagan Thevai Bambara Kannaale G. Ramanathan
Samaya Sanjeevi Paper Paper
1958 Padhi Bhakti Rock Rock Rock Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy V. N. Sundaram
Indha Thinnai Paechu Veeranidam T. M. Soundararajan
Kosari Kosari
Padhi Bhakti (Telugu) Rock Rock Rock T. Chalapathi Rao V. N. Sundaram
Kosari Kosari
Kaathavaraayan Jigu Jigu G. Ramanathan Jikki
Thandhane Thana Thandhane
Sangili Jingili...Vaarandi Vaaraandi Kutticchaatthaan S. C. Krishnan, A. G. Rathnamala & T. M. Soundararajan
Nadodi Mannan Thadukkaadhe Ennai Thadukkaadhe S. M. Subbaiah Naidu K. Jamuna Rani
Sabaash Meena Erungammaa Summaa Erungammaa T. G. Lingappa T. G. Lingappa & P. Susheela
1959 Sahodhari Naan Oru Muttaalunga R. Sudarsanam
Pandithevan Nee Aadinal C. N. Pandurangan & Meenakshi Subramanyam K. Jamuna Rani
Solluradha Solliputten
Naan Sollum Ragasiyam Vilaiyaadu Raajaa Vilaiyaadu G. Ramanathan A. P. Komala
Maragadham Kunguma Poove Konjum Puraave S. M. Subbaiah Naidu K. Jamuna Rani
1960 Kavalai Illaadha Manithan Pirakkum Podhum Azhukindraai Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
Kavalai Illaadha Manithan
Petra Manam Paadi Paadi Paadi S. Rajeswara Rao Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi
Manathirkugantha Mayile
1961 Sri Valli Aiyo Machaan Mannaaru G. Ramanathan
Kumara Raja Aan Ondru Aada Penn Ondru Paada T. R. Pappa P. Leela
Onnume Puriyalae Ulagathile
Moodinaalum Thiranthaalum K. Jamuna Rani
Ennai Paartha Kannu K. Jamuna Rani
1962 Paadha Kaanikkai Kaadhal Enbadhu Edhu Varai Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela & L. R. Eswari
Thaniyaa Thavikkira Vayasu
Annai Butthiyulla Manidharellaam R. Sudarsanam
Policekaran Magal Porandhaalum Aambalaiya Porakka Koodaadhu Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy L. R. Eswari
Bandha Pasam Eppo Vachikkalaam Eppadi Vachikkalaam
Senthamarai Thangaadhamma Thangaadhu Samsaaram Thangaadhu K. Jamuna Rani
1963 Kadavulai Kanden Konjam Sindhikkanum K. V. Mahadevan L. R. Eswari
Ungal Kaigal Uyarattum P. B. Sreenivas
Yarukku Sontham Ennai Theriyalaiyaa
Oho Meri Bul Bul K. Jamuna Rani
1964 Aandavan Kattalai Sirippu Varudhu Sirippu Varudhu Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
1965 Preminchi Pelli Chesuko (Telugu) Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy & B. Shankar Rao
1966 Thattungal Thirakkappadum Kanmani Paappaa M. S. Viswanathan
1967 Hanthakuni Hatya (Telugu) M. S. Viswanathan & Pamarthi
Valiba Virundhu Ondra Kannu Doriya R. Sudarsanam
Vaaliba Virundhu T. M. Soundararajan & L. R. Eswari
1968 Nimirndhu Nil Pudichalum Pudhicha Puliyankomba Pudicha M. S. Viswanathan L. R. Eswari
1970 Paadhukaappu Nammal Ki Pyaari L. R. Eswari
1972 Needhi Engaladhu Boomi T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela & Manorama

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kolappan, B. (17 January 2013). "The tragic story of a comedian, J.P. Chandrababu - the Hindu". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Guy, Randor (25 September 2009). "Actor with mercurial feet". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 May 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
  3. ↑ Guy, Randor (7 December 2004). "The Hindu : Book Review / Language Books : Pioneer filmmaker". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2015.

External links[edit | edit source]

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