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{{Short description|Tamil poet and politician}} | |||
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}} | {{EngvarB|date=August 2014}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}} | ||
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| term_start = 2018 | | term_start = 2018 | ||
| term_end = Present | | term_end = Present | ||
| spouse = | | spouse = Kannikaravi | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Snekan''' (born '''Sivaselvam''') is a Tamil poet | '''Snekan''' (born '''Sivaselvam''') is a Tamil poet, politician, lyricist, and actor who has worked in the Tamil film industry. In the year 2018 he entered politics with Makkal Needhi Maiam and contested in the Lok Sabha election. In [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], he contested on behalf of Makkal Needhi Maiam as a candidate for Virugambakkam Constituency. Born as the eighth son in a farmer family with 6 elder brothers and 1 elder sister, Snekan, a qualified Intermediate teacher, started to write songs in the year 2000. After serving as an assistant to poet [[Vairamuthu]], he began working as a lyricist in the film ''Putham Pudhiya Poove'' and has written lyrics for more than 2500 songs and has worked in more than 750 films. Snekan has since also appeared in films as an actor and made his acting debut with ''[[Yogi (2009 film)|Yogi]]'' (2009).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/I-could-not-refuse-Ameers-offer-Snehan/article16001946.ece |title=I could not refuse Ameer's offer: Snehan |newspaper=The Hindu |date=15 March 2010 |via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> | ||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
Sivaselvam was born in a small village in the [[Thanjavur district]], the youngest of 8 sons into an [[Agriculture|agricultural family]].<ref name="co">{{cite web |url=http://archives.chennaionline.com/chennaicitizen/2003/07july04th.asp |title=Snehan – a gift from 'Sami' |publisher=chennaionline.com |access-date=3 September 2009}}</ref> He later changed his name to Snekan, because it translates literally to "man of love"<ref name="bw">{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/Interview4/snehan/tamil-cinema-interview-snehan.html |title=Behindwoods :Interviews - Snehan |website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> | |||
==Cinema career== | ==Cinema career== | ||
Moving to [[Chennai]], Snekan first worked as a protégé to noted poet and lyricist [[Vairamuthu]] for five years. Later, he worked as the editor of Ilanthendral, a monthly magazine for three years. At the book release function of his works ''Mudhal Adhyayam'' and ''Innum Pengal Azhaga Irukkirargal'' in 1995, he was asked by [[K. Balachander]] to write songs in films and he got the chance from music director [[S. A. Rajkumar]] to write lyrics for the film ''Putham Puthu Poove'', which eventually did not have a theatrical release. He has since written more than 2500 songs for more than 500 films, working with various directors and music composers in the [[Tamil film industry]].<ref name="co"/> He first garnered acclaim for his songs in the art film ''[[Penngal]]'' (2000) and the dubbed film ''[[9 Nelalu|Kandein Seethaiyai]]'' (2001), before making a breakthrough with his song "Avaravar Vazhkaiyil" from [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]]'s family drama ''[[Pandavar Bhoomi]]'' (2001). Other successful early songs written by Snekan were from the album ''[[Dhaya (film)|Dhaya]]'' and the dance number "Chumma Chumma" in ''[[Charlie Chaplin (2002 film)|Charlie Chaplin]]'' (2002) which was picturised on [[Prabhu Deva]] and [[Gayathri Raghuram]].<ref name="co"/> He received further acclaim in the early 2000s with his collaboration with [[Ameer (director)|Ameer]] and [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] in ''[[Mounam Pesiyadhe]]'' (2002) and then for the "Kalyanamdhaan Kattikittu" song in [[Harris Jayaraj]]'s album ''[[Saamy]]'' (2003).<ref name="co"/> His work in Ameer's ''[[Raam (2005 film)|Raam]]'' (2005) also won critical acclaim, with the song "Aarariro" earning him plaudits.<ref name="bw"/> He later released more books including ''Ippadium Irukkalam'' and ''Puthagam''.<ref name="bw"/> | Moving to [[Chennai]], Snekan first worked as a protégé to noted poet and lyricist [[Vairamuthu]] for five years. Later, he worked as the editor of Ilanthendral, a monthly magazine for three years. At the book release function of his works ''Mudhal Adhyayam'' and ''Innum Pengal Azhaga Irukkirargal'' in 1995, he was asked by [[K. Balachander]] to write songs in films and he got the chance from music director [[S. A. Rajkumar]] to write lyrics for the film ''Putham Puthu Poove'', which eventually did not have a theatrical release. He has since written more than 2500 songs for more than 500 films, working with various directors and music composers in the [[Tamil film industry]].<ref name="co"/> He first garnered acclaim for his songs in the art film ''[[Penngal]]'' (2000) and the dubbed film ''[[9 Nelalu|Kandein Seethaiyai]]'' (2001), before making a breakthrough with his song "Avaravar Vazhkaiyil" from [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]]'s family drama ''[[Pandavar Bhoomi]]'' (2001). Other successful early songs written by Snekan were from the album ''[[Dhaya (film)|Dhaya]]'' and the dance number "Chumma Chumma" in ''[[Charlie Chaplin (2002 film)|Charlie Chaplin]]'' (2002) which was picturised on [[Prabhu Deva]] and [[Gayathri Raghuram]].<ref name="co"/> He received further acclaim in the early 2000s with his collaboration with [[Ameer (director)|Ameer]] and [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] in ''[[Mounam Pesiyadhe]]'' (2002) and then for the "Kalyanamdhaan Kattikittu" song in [[Harris Jayaraj]]'s album ''[[Saamy]]'' (2003).<ref name="co"/> His work in Ameer's ''[[Raam (2005 film)|Raam]]'' (2005) also won critical acclaim, with the song "Aarariro" earning him plaudits.<ref name="bw"/> He later released more books including ''Ippadium Irukkalam'' and ''Puthagam''.<ref name="bw"/> | ||
He then turned actor for the film action drama ''[[Yogi (2009 film)|Yogi]]'', for which he has also written all the lyrics, as his friend and lead actor of the film, [[Ameer Sultan]], gave him the opportunity. For the same film, Snekan became a playback singer as well, lending his vocals to a song. Portraying a rustic character named Sadayan, the character was well received by audiences.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/snehan-grabs-2-at-a-time-tamil-news-52454.html |title=Snehan grabs 2 at a time! - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com }}</ref> Following his appearance in ''Yogi'', Snekan chose to pursue a career as an actor and looked for roles where he would play the protagonist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/snehan-set-to-become-hero-tamil-news-50283.html |title=Snehan set to become hero - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com }}</ref> In order to prepare for his stint as an actor, he trained under stunt choreographer Power Pandian to practise action scenes and learnt salsa dancing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/lyricist-snehan-turns-hero-news-tamil-lespESjbciesi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907170233/http://www.sify.com/movies/lyricist-snehan-turns-hero-news-tamil-lespESjbciesi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2017-09-07 |title=Lyricist Snehan turns hero! }}</ref> His next release, the crime thriller ''[[Uyarthiru 420]]'' (2011), saw him appear in the lead role in which his voice was dubbed by [[Sanjeev (Tamil actor, born 1975)|Sanjeev]] opposite [[Meghana Raj]] but the film fared poorly at the box office and received negative reviews. In regard to his performance, a critic from [[Sify]] wrote, "the chemistry between the lead pair is zero" and added, "though Snekan attempts and succeeds to be stylish in the songs, his wooden face, long hair, patchy makeup and dark glasses in almost every frame is a big let down".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/uyirthiru-420-review-tamil-pcmacObgbeebf.html |title=Review : (2011) |website=www.sify.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/aug-11-03/uyarthiru-420-review.html |title=UYARTHIRU 420 REVIEW - UYARTHIRU 420 MOVIE REVIEW |website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> | He then turned actor for the film action drama ''[[Yogi (2009 film)|Yogi]]'', for which he has also written all the lyrics, as his friend and lead actor of the film, [[Ameer Sultan]], gave him the opportunity. For the same film, Snekan became a playback singer as well, lending his vocals to a song. Portraying a rustic character named Sadayan, the character was well received by audiences.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/snehan-grabs-2-at-a-time-tamil-news-52454.html |title=Snehan grabs 2 at a time! - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com |date=9 December 2009 }}</ref> Following his appearance in ''Yogi'', Snekan chose to pursue a career as an actor and looked for roles where he would play the protagonist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/snehan-set-to-become-hero-tamil-news-50283.html |title=Snehan set to become hero - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com |date=26 September 2009 }}</ref> In order to prepare for his stint as an actor, he trained under stunt choreographer Power Pandian to practise action scenes and learnt salsa dancing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/lyricist-snehan-turns-hero-news-tamil-lespESjbciesi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907170233/http://www.sify.com/movies/lyricist-snehan-turns-hero-news-tamil-lespESjbciesi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2017-09-07 |title=Lyricist Snehan turns hero! }}</ref> His next release, the crime thriller ''[[Uyarthiru 420]]'' (2011), saw him appear in the lead role in which his voice was dubbed by [[Sanjeev (Tamil actor, born 1975)|Sanjeev]] opposite [[Meghana Raj]] but the film fared poorly at the box office and received negative reviews. In regard to his performance, a critic from [[Sify]] wrote, "the chemistry between the lead pair is zero" and added, "though Snekan attempts and succeeds to be stylish in the songs, his wooden face, long hair, patchy makeup and dark glasses in almost every frame is a big let down".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/uyirthiru-420-review-tamil-pcmacObgbeebf.html |title=Review : (2011) |website=www.sify.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/aug-11-03/uyarthiru-420-review.html |title=UYARTHIRU 420 REVIEW - UYARTHIRU 420 MOVIE REVIEW |website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> | ||
In 2013, Snekan began working on a historical film titled ''Raja Raja Chozhanin Porval'' directed by R. S. Amudheswar, which would feature music by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The team began shoot in mid-2013 and planned to bring in actresses [[Shriya Saran]], [[Sneha (actress)|Sneha]] and newcomer Naatiya to play leading female roles opposite Snekan. However, the film was subsequently shelved after it ran into financial trouble.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/ilaiyaraaja-to-compose-in-temple-with-fans-watching/ |title=Ilaiyaraaja to compose in temple with fans watching |first=India |last=Syndicate }}</ref> In 2015, he then started work on a film titled ''Bommi Veeran'' directed by Ramesh Maharajan, where he would portray a [[kattaikkuttu]] dancer. Like his previous film, the film ran intro financial trouble and the shoot remains on hold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.chennaipatrika.com/post/2016/03/05/Lyricist-Snehan-plays-Kattaikkuttu-performer-in-Bommi-Veeran.aspx |title=Lyricist Snehan plays Kattaikkuttu performer in Bommi Veeran |last=edkarthick |website=entertainment.chennaipatrika.com}}</ref> | In 2013, Snekan began working on a historical film titled ''Raja Raja Chozhanin Porval'' directed by R. S. Amudheswar, which would feature music by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The team began shoot in mid-2013 and planned to bring in actresses [[Shriya Saran]], [[Sneha (actress)|Sneha]] and newcomer Naatiya to play leading female roles opposite Snekan. However, the film was subsequently shelved after it ran into financial trouble.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/ilaiyaraaja-to-compose-in-temple-with-fans-watching/ |title=Ilaiyaraaja to compose in temple with fans watching |first=India |last=Syndicate |date=28 August 2013 }}</ref> In 2015, he then started work on a film titled ''Bommi Veeran'' directed by Ramesh Maharajan, where he would portray a [[kattaikkuttu]] dancer. Like his previous film, the film ran intro financial trouble and the shoot remains on hold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.chennaipatrika.com/post/2016/03/05/Lyricist-Snehan-plays-Kattaikkuttu-performer-in-Bommi-Veeran.aspx |title=Lyricist Snehan plays Kattaikkuttu performer in Bommi Veeran |last=edkarthick |website=entertainment.chennaipatrika.com}}</ref> | ||
In 2017, Snekan took part in the Tamil reality television show ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil (Season 1)|Bigg Boss]]'' hosted by [[Kamal Haasan]] and finished as the runner-up.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsx.com/entertainment/74623-bigg-boss-tamil-highlights-of-week-11 |title=Bigg Boss Tamil Week 11: Snehan disheartened; Vaiyapuri elected leader - NewsX |date=7 September 2017 }}</ref> During the show, Snekan announced a proposal to build a library in interior Tamil Nadu with the prize money, if the audience were to vote for him to win the show. Despite his failure to win the show, he began work on the library in Tanjore during November 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/snehan-keeps-the-bigg-boss-promise/articleshow/61832827.cms|title=Snehan keeps the Bigg Boss promise - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> He later announced that he would appear in the lead role in a film titled ''Panangkaattu Nari'' opposite his fellow Bigg Boss contestant, [[Oviya]], but the project did not develop.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/290318/oviya-teams-up-with-snehan.html|title=Oviya teams up with Snehan|first=Anupama|last=Subramanian|date=29 March 2018|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> | In 2017, Snekan took part in the Tamil reality television show ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil (Season 1)|Bigg Boss]]'' hosted by [[Kamal Haasan]] and finished as the runner-up.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsx.com/entertainment/74623-bigg-boss-tamil-highlights-of-week-11 |title=Bigg Boss Tamil Week 11: Snehan disheartened; Vaiyapuri elected leader - NewsX |date=7 September 2017 }}</ref> During the show, Snekan announced a proposal to build a library in interior Tamil Nadu with the prize money, if the audience were to vote for him to win the show. Despite his failure to win the show, he began work on the library in Tanjore during November 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/snehan-keeps-the-bigg-boss-promise/articleshow/61832827.cms|title=Snehan keeps the Bigg Boss promise - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> He later announced that he would appear in the lead role in a film titled ''Panangkaattu Nari'' opposite his fellow Bigg Boss contestant, [[Oviya]], but the project did not develop.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/290318/oviya-teams-up-with-snehan.html|title=Oviya teams up with Snehan|first=Anupama|last=Subramanian|date=29 March 2018|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> | ||
==Political career== | ==Political career== | ||
On 21 February 2018, during the launch of [[Kamal Haasan]]'s political party [[Makkal Needhi Maiam]] (MNM) at the Othakadai Grounds in [[Madurai]], Snekan officially joined the party and became the party's executive committee member. Snekan made his speech and said, "The crowd in front of me has gathered only for the love of Kamal Haasan. This is the real, Thaanaa Serndha Koottam. Kamal sir, will be the best friend for every citizen in the State. ''[[Kaniyan Pungundranar|Yaadhum Oorey, Yaavarum Keleer]]''. Let us spread love to all with the fullest happiness".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/lyricist-snehan-joins-kamal-haasans-political-party.html|title=Lyricist Snehan joins Kamal Haasan's political party|date=21 February 2018|website=Behindwoods}}</ref><ref>https://www.maiam.com/events-details.php?eid=122</ref> Snekan wrote the lyrics of the party's anthem "Idhu Nammavar Padai".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/jul/13/kamal-haasan-formally-takes-charge-as-party-president-names-key-functionaries-1842647.html|title=Kamal Haasan formally takes charge as party president, names key functionaries|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> At the [[2019 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu]], he contested from [[Sivaganga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sivaganga]] as a candidate of the Makkal Needhi Maiam.<ref>{{Cite | On 21 February 2018, during the launch of [[Kamal Haasan]]'s political party [[Makkal Needhi Maiam]] (MNM) at the Othakadai Grounds in [[Madurai]], Snekan officially joined the party and became the party's executive committee member. Snekan made his speech and said, "The crowd in front of me has gathered only for the love of Kamal Haasan. This is the real, Thaanaa Serndha Koottam. Kamal sir, will be the best friend for every citizen in the State. ''[[Kaniyan Pungundranar|Yaadhum Oorey, Yaavarum Keleer]]''. Let us spread love to all with the fullest happiness".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/lyricist-snehan-joins-kamal-haasans-political-party.html|title=Lyricist Snehan joins Kamal Haasan's political party|date=21 February 2018|website=Behindwoods}}</ref><ref>https://www.maiam.com/events-details.php?eid=122</ref> Snekan wrote the lyrics of the party's anthem "Idhu Nammavar Padai".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/jul/13/kamal-haasan-formally-takes-charge-as-party-president-names-key-functionaries-1842647.html|title=Kamal Haasan formally takes charge as party president, names key functionaries|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> At the [[2019 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu]], he contested from [[Sivaganga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sivaganga]] as a candidate of the Makkal Needhi Maiam.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/karti-chidambaram-h-raja-among-26-in-sivaganga-turf/article26684888.ece|title=Karti Chidambaram, H. Raja among 26 in Sivaganga turf|newspaper=The Hindu|date=30 March 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> | ||
In 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, he is contesting on behalf of Makkal Needhi Maiam as a candidate for Virugambakkam Constituency | In 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, he is contesting on behalf of Makkal Needhi Maiam as a candidate for Virugambakkam Constituency | ||
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|2019 | |2019 | ||
|[[17th Lok Sabha]] | |[[17th Lok Sabha]] | ||
|style="background-color: {{Makkal Needhi Maiam | |style="background-color: {{party color|Makkal Needhi Maiam}}" | | ||
|[[Makkal Needhi Maiam ]] | |[[Makkal Needhi Maiam ]] | ||
|[[Sivaganga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sivaganga]] | |[[Sivaganga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sivaganga]] | ||
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====As lyricist==== | ====As lyricist==== | ||
{{colbegin}} | {{colbegin}} | ||
* ''Putham Puthu Poove'' (1997) | * ''[[Putham Puthu Poove]]'' (1997) | ||
* ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' (2000) | * ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' (2000) | ||
* ''[[Pandavar Bhoomi]]'' (2001) | * ''[[Pandavar Bhoomi]]'' (2001) | ||
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* ''[[Kadhal 2 Kalyanam]]'' (2011) | * ''[[Kadhal 2 Kalyanam]]'' (2011) | ||
* ''[[Kazhugu (2012 film)|Kazhugu]]'' (2012) | * ''[[Kazhugu (2012 film)|Kazhugu]]'' (2012) | ||
* ''[[Soorarai Pottru]]'' (2020) | |||
* ''[[Udanpirappe]]'' (2021) | |||
* ''[[Anandham Vilayadum Veedu]]'' (2021) | |||
{{colend}} | {{colend}} | ||
;Television | ;Television | ||
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* "Ambalaikkum Pombalaikkum" (''Kazhugu'') | * "Ambalaikkum Pombalaikkum" (''Kazhugu'') | ||
* "Kaatu Payale" (''Soorarai Pottru'') | * "Kaatu Payale" (''Soorarai Pottru'') | ||
* "Karambakudi Kanaga" (''Udanpirappe'') | |||
{{colend}} | {{colend}} | ||
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* ''[[Uyarthiru 420]]'' (2011) | * ''[[Uyarthiru 420]]'' (2011) | ||
* ''[[Comali]]'' (2019) | * ''[[Comali]]'' (2019) | ||
* '' | *''[[Bhoomi (2021 film)|Bhoomi]]'' (2021) | ||
*''Anandham Vilayadum Veedu'' (2021) | |||
* '' | |||
;Television | ;Television | ||
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[[Category:Poets from Tamil Nadu]] | [[Category:Poets from Tamil Nadu]] | ||
[[Category:Makkal Needhi Maiam politicians]] | [[Category:Makkal Needhi Maiam politicians]] | ||
[[Category:Bigg Boss Tamil contestants]] | [[Category:Bigg Boss (Tamil TV series) contestants]] | ||
[[Category:1978 births]] | [[Category:1978 births]] | ||