Arvind Swamy
{{Short description|Indian actor, film director, entrepreneur (born 1970)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Arvind Swamy
| image = Aravind Swamy at 63rd Filmfare Awards 2016 (South) Press Meet.jpg
| caption = Swamy at the 63rd Filmfare Awards South in 2016
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1970|6|18}}
| birth_place = Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India
| education = Loyola College, Chennai (BCom)
Wake Forest University (MA)
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|Film director| Entrepreneur}}
| years_active = {{ubl | 1991–2000 | 2013–present}}
| spouse = {{plainlist|
- {{marriage|Gayathri Ramamurthy|1994|2010|reason=div}}
- {{marriage|Aparna Mukherjee|2012}}
}}
| children = 2
| father = V. D. Swami
}}
Arvind Swamy (born 18 June 1970{{Cite web|date=18 June 1970|title=Happy Birthday Arvind Swamy: Five unknown facts about the megastar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/happy-birthday-arvind-swamy-five-unknown-facts-about-the-megastar/photostory/83605124.cms|access-date=29 August 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829174559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/happy-birthday-arvind-swamy-five-unknown-facts-about-the-megastar/photostory/83605124.cms|url-status=live}}) is an Indian actor, film director and entrepreneur known for his work in Tamil cinema and a few Hindi cinema, Telugu cinema and Malayalam cinema.{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/arvind-swami-interview-nationalism-gst-demonetisation-and-more-71084 |title=The Arvind Swami interview: Nationalism, GST, demonetisation and more |website=Thenewsminute.com |date=4 November 2017 |access-date=30 December 2017 |archive-date=22 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122055737/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/arvind-swami-interview-nationalism-gst-demonetisation-and-more-71084 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news-interviews/Mahesh-Manjrekar-to-remake-Kaksparsh-in-Hindi-and-Tamil-with-Arvind-Swamy-and-Tisca-Chopra/articleshow/28789072.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |title=Mahesh Manjrekar to remake Kaksparsh in Hindi and Tamil with Arvind Swamy and Tisca Chopra |access-date=23 February 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810224206/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news-interviews/Mahesh-Manjrekar-to-remake-Kaksparsh-in-Hindi-and-Tamil-with-Arvind-Swamy-and-Tisca-Chopra/articleshow/28789072.cms |url-status=live }} He was introduced as an actor by Mani Ratnam with the blockbuster film Thalapathi (1991) and subsequently starred in successful films such as Roja (1992), Bombay (1995), Minsara Kanavu (1997), Thani Oruvan (2015), and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018). He made his debut as a director in the Netflix anthology series Navarasa (2021) in which his segment was named Project Agni(Adbhutha-Wonder).{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/navarasa-movie-review-netflix-delivers-a-potpourri-of-greats-and-duds-arvind-swami-stands-out-101628259049400.html|title=Navarasa movie review: Netflix delivers a potpourri of greats and duds, Arvind Swami stands out|date=6 August 2021|newspaper=Hindustan Times|access-date=17 November 2021|archive-date=17 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117073843/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/navarasa-movie-review-netflix-delivers-a-potpourri-of-greats-and-duds-arvind-swami-stands-out-101628259049400.html|url-status=live}} He is a recipient of three Filmfare Award South, one Tamil Nadu State Film Award and two SIIMA Awards.
Swamy also starred in other regional film industries, including Telugu and Malayalam films where he has done films such as Mounam (1995), Daddy (1992) and Devaraagam (1996). He has also appeared in Hindi, making his debut appearance as lead actor in Saat Rang Ke Sapne (1998).{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2013/arvind-swamy-bollywood-again-125831.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129110741/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2013/arvind-swamy-bollywood-again-125831.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 November 2013 |title=Arvind Swamy Goes To Bollywood Again |date=27 November 2013 |website=Entertainment.oneindia.in |access-date=30 December 2017 }} He briefly worked as a television presenter as the host of the third season of Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi (2012–2016) on Star Vijay.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiantvinfo.com/neengalum-vellalam-oru-kodi-season-3/|title=Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi Season 3 On Vijay TV From 30 May 2016|website=Indiantvinfo.com|date=17 May 2016|access-date=17 November 2021|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129135658/https://www.indiantvinfo.com/neengalum-vellalam-oru-kodi-season-3/|url-status=live}}
Early life
Aravind Swamy was born in a Tamil Brahmin Iyer family to Industrialist V. D. Swamy and Bharatanatyam dancer Vasantha.{{cite news|last=Bhattacharya|first=Roshmila|date=1 August 2015|title=Arvind Swamy: I found stardom stifling|newspaper=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Arvind-Swamy-I-found-stardom-stifling/articleshow/48304309.cms|access-date=29 August 2021|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902104303/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Arvind-Swamy-I-found-stardom-stifling/articleshow/48304309.cms|url-status=live}} Swamy studied at the Sishya School and later in Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, P. S. Senior Secondary School and completed his schooling in 1987.{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/arvind-swamy/biography.html|title=Exclusive biography of #ArvindSwamy and on his life.|website=FilmiBeat.xom|access-date=17 November 2021|archive-date=2 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102063804/https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/arvind-swamy/biography.html|url-status=live}} He then graduated from Loyola College, Madras in 1990 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He then went to the United States to do his master's degree in international business{{Cite news|last=Joshi|first=Namrata|date=25 April 2016|title=The return journey|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/entertainment/the-return-journey/article8518600.ece|access-date=29 August 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730170534/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/entertainment/the-return-journey/article8518600.ece|url-status=live}} from Wake Forest University in North Carolina. {{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/arvind-swami-was-once-rajinikanths-competitor-suffered-paralysis-then-built-a-business-worth-3300-crore-101729494710580.html|title = This actor was once Rajinikanth's competitor, suffered paralysis, then built a business worth ₹3300 crore}}
Arvind Swamy wished to be a doctor. In college, he used to be a model for pocket money.{{cite news|last=Kamath|first=Sudhish|date=31 January 2013|title=Return of the heartthrob|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/return-of-the-heartthrob/article4360849.ece|url-status=live|access-date=31 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208191848/http://www.thehindu.com:80/features/cinema/return-of-the-heartthrob/article4360849.ece|archive-date=8 February 2017}} In his Loyola Theatre Society, he wasn't well received and was asked to get off stage. Later on Mani Ratnam saw him in an advertisement and called for a meeting. Then Santosh Sivan introduced him to the basics of film-making.
Career
=1991–1996: Early career and breakthrough=
Swamy made his debut in Mani Ratnam's action drama film, Thalapathi (1991), where he played a young district collector pitted against a don and his own biological brother. Subsequently, Mani Ratnam signed him on to play the lead role in his 1992 political drama film Roja (1992). Roja and Bombay (1995) won awards at the State and National Film Awards. His performance in Bombay was called "soulful" by Time Magazine. Swamy has won several awards, popular and critical, for his films. He has been described as one of the first few actors in India who is able to achieve pan-Indian appeal. He lent his voice for the Tamil dubbed version of the adult Simba in Disney's The Lion King (1994).{{cite web |url=http://www.moviemitra.com/directors/directors.html?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=21&sobi2Id=85 |title=Welcome moviemitra.com |website=Moviemitra.com |access-date=30 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110224855/http://www.moviemitra.com/directors/directors.html?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=21&sobi2Id=85 |archive-date=10 November 2017 |url-status=dead }} His next project was Indira (1995), followed by the Telugu film Mounam (1995) and Malayalam movie Devaraagam (1996).
=1997–2000: Career challenges and sabbatical=
He starred in Rajiv Menon's Minsaara Kanavu alongside Kajol and Prabhu Deva, which won four National Film Awards besides high box office reviews.{{cite news |title=Southern Spice: A chat with Arvind Swamy |url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/celebrity/southern-spice-a-chat-with-arvind-swamy-1.1139581 |access-date=31 January 2013 |newspaper=Gulf News |date=30 January 2013 |archive-date=30 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130185250/http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/celebrity/southern-spice-a-chat-with-arvind-swamy-1.1139581 |url-status=live }} During the making of the film, Arvind Swami was critical of Menon changing the script to prioritise Prabhu Deva's role. The film eventually performed well at the box office after a slow start, with Arvind Swami eventually stating he was happy to be a part of the film.{{cite web | url=http://www.filmfare.com/site/may97/sspecial.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990503053105/http://www.filmfare.com/site/may97/sspecial.htm | archive-date=3 May 1999 | title=South Special }} His next film, Pudhayal (1997), again saw him portray a role with a cast headlined by another actor, Mammootty. In the film, Arvind wore uncharacteristically loud clothes and portrayed a comedy-oriented role for the first time in his career. Working on the two films meant that he missed out on the opportunity of acting in Mani Ratnam's Iruvar (1997). He appeared in his first Hindi film through Priyadarshan's Saat Rang Ke Sapne (1998) produced by Amitabh Bachchan. Co-starring Juhi Chawla, Arvind portrayed the role of a village do-gooder.
In the late 1990s, several of Arvind Swami's films ran into production troubles. Three of his Tamil films, Gandhi Krishna's Engineer, Azhagam Perumal's Mudhal Mudhalaaga and Mahendran's Sasanam were all stalled after completing a few production schedules. The former two, which featured him opposite Hindi actresses Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor, respectively, eventually did not have a theatrical release. Sasanam, which he worked on without remuneration, had a delayed release in 2006. Two prominent Hindi films that he signed during the period, Mahesh Bhatt's venture with Aishwarya Rai, and Anupam Kher's directorial debut film co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, also eventually were dropped. His final two releases before his sabbatical, En Swasa Kaatre (1999) and Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya (2000) also took several years to complete, with long delays during the production phase.{{cite web | url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/08spice.htm | title=Rediff on the NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry | access-date=12 April 2023 | archive-date=12 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412222727/https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/08spice.htm | url-status=live }}
Swamy eventually stopped acting in films post-2000, after playing a guest role in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey, and opted to concentrate on his business interests. As the director of V D Swamy and Company, he continued to engage in international trade and construction businesses. In 2000, he became the president of InterPro Global, and the chairman and managing director of Prolease India, engaged in transaction processing.{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/An-Actor-and-a-businessman/articleshow/28287933.cms |title=An Actor, and a businessman |work=The Times of India |date=14 November 2002 |access-date=15 December 2012 |archive-date=9 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209013824/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/An-Actor-and-a-businessman/articleshow/28287933.cms |url-status=live }} He was in charge of operations and technology for the delivery of many processes across different verticals globally. He then founded Talent Maximus in 2005, a company engaged in payroll processing and temporary staffing in India. In 2005, he had an accident and injured his spine. He experienced partial paralysis of his leg and suffered in pain for many years. The treatment took another 4–5 years.
=2013–present: Back to films=
After his successful treatment, Mani Ratnam called him once more to play a role in one of his films, Kadal (2013) for which Swamy dropped 15 kilograms.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/entertainment/the-return-journey/article8518600.ece|title=The return journey|first=Namrata|last=Joshi|date=25 April 2016|access-date=17 November 2021|website=Thehindu.com|archive-date=5 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005153821/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/entertainment/the-return-journey/article8518600.ece|url-status=live}} In 2013, he provided the voice-over for Santhosh Sivan's film Ceylon.{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Arvind-Swami-in-Santosh-Sivans-Ceylon/articleshow/20424701.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621233629/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-04/news-interviews/39740234_1_ceylon-film-kadal |url-status=live |archive-date=21 June 2013 |work=The Times of India |title=Arvind Swami in Santosh Sivan's 'Ceylon' |date=4 June 2013}}
In 2015, he played the iconic negative role of Sidharth Abhimanyu in Thani Oruvan, for which he was highly praised and received positive reviews and many awards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150829/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-thani-oruvan-thriller-hardly-misses-note|title=Movie review 'Thani Oruvan': A thriller that hardly misses a note|first=anupama|last=subramanian|date=30 August 2015|website=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830200442/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150829/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-thani-oruvan-thriller-hardly-misses-note|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlykollywood.com/nayanthara-and-arvind-swami-win-awards-at-ciff/|title=Nayanthara and Arvind Swami win awards at CIFF|date=14 January 2016|website=Only Kollywood|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902075259/https://www.onlykollywood.com/nayanthara-and-arvind-swami-win-awards-at-ciff/|url-status=live}}
In 2016, he reprised the same role in Telugu in the film Dhruva with Ram Charan, a remake of Thani Oruvan, for which he got appreciation from the Telugu audience.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/tollywood-movie-review/dhruva-movie-review-ram-charan-teja-arvind-swami-star-rating-4418568/|title=Dhruva movie review: Ram Charan Teja, Arvind Swami steal the show|website=Indianexoress.com|date=9 December 2016|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719023031/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/tollywood-movie-review/dhruva-movie-review-ram-charan-teja-arvind-swami-star-rating-4418568/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/dhruva-review-telugu-movie-20932|title=Dhruva review. Dhruva Telugu movie review, story, rating|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830200441/https://www.indiaglitz.com/dhruva-review-telugu-movie-20932|url-status=live}} Later that year, he appeared in a Hindi film, Dear Dad.[https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/dear-dad-movie-review-arvind-swamys-father-son-drama-is-the-most-realistic-and-hard-hitting-film-this-year/ Dear Dad movie review: Arvind Swamy's father son drama should not be missed! – Bollywood News & Gossip, Movie Reviews, Trailers & Videos at] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043656/https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/dear-dad-movie-review-arvind-swamys-father-son-drama-is-the-most-realistic-and-hard-hitting-film-this-year/ |date=6 March 2019 }}. Bollywoodlife.com (13 May 2016). Retrieved 26 August 2019. The game show Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi recruited Swamy for its third season, which started airing on 30 May 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.medianews4u.com/vijay-tv-set-launch-nvok-season-3-aravind-swamy-30th-may/|title=Vijay TV set to launch NVOK Season 3 with Aravind Swamy from 30th May|website=Medianews4u.com|date=25 May 2016|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830200444/https://www.medianews4u.com/vijay-tv-set-launch-nvok-season-3-aravind-swamy-30th-may/|url-status=live}}
In 2017, he played the title role of Bogan, co-starring Jayam Ravi, for which he again got an outstanding response from critics and audience.{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/bogan-movie-review-jayam-ravi-arvind-swamys-flawless-performance-leaves-critics-impressed-1807127/|title=Jayam Ravi & Arvind Swamy's flawless performance leaves critics impressed!|first=Maggie|last=Davis|date=3 February 2017|website=India.com|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830200440/https://www.india.com/entertainment/bogan-movie-review-jayam-ravi-arvind-swamys-flawless-performance-leaves-critics-impressed-1807127/|url-status=live}}
In 2018, he acted in Bhaskar Oru Rascal, playing the character Mammootty did in the original.[https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/baskar-oru-rascal/bhaskar-oru-rascal-review.html Baskar Oru Rascal (aka) Bhaskar Oru Rascal review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043608/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/baskar-oru-rascal/bhaskar-oru-rascal-review.html |date=6 March 2019 }}. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 26 August 2019. The film was followed by Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018). The film was released to positive reviews which also got him the Filmfare Award.Purushothaman, Kirubhakar (27 September 2018) [https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/chekka-chivantha-vaanam-review-mani-ratnam-demolishes-gangster-cinema-1350325-2018-09-27 Chekka Chivantha Vaanam Review: Mani Ratnam demolishes gangster cinema – Movies News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306053733/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/chekka-chivantha-vaanam-review-mani-ratnam-demolishes-gangster-cinema-1350325-2018-09-27 |date=6 March 2019 }}. India Today. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
In 2021, he acted in A. L. Vijay's directorial biographical-political drama Thalaivii opposite Kangana Ranaut. He portrayed the character of actor-politician M. G. Ramachandran in the film. He returned to Malayalam cinema after 25 years with Ottu (2022).{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/arvind-swami-kunchacko-bobans-rendagam-to-release-on-september-2/articleshow/93556499.cms | title=Arvind Swami & Kunchacko Boban's Rendagam to release on September 2 | website=The Times of India | access-date=16 October 2022 | archive-date=14 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814121444/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/arvind-swami-kunchacko-bobans-rendagam-to-release-on-september-2/articleshow/93556499.cms | url-status=live }} Arvind Swami stays true to the character and delivers a natural performance.{{Cite web|url=https://chennaivision.com/rendagam-movie-review/#:~:text=Analysis%3A,a%20few%20characters%20lack%20intent.|title =Rendagam movie review}}{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/rendagam/movie-review/94393836.cms|title =Rendagam}} In 2023, he was seen in the bilingual film Custody with Naga Chaitanya and Krithi Shetty in lead roles.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/movie-makers-launch-a-glimpse-of-arvind-swamys-look-from-custody/articleshow/98382811.cms|title =Movie makers launch a glimpse of Arvind swamy's look from 'Custody'}} In 2024, the Tamil drama film, Meiyazhagan, where he co -starring with Karthi has opened to positive reviews and strong box office performance.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/meiyazhagan-box-office-collection-day-2-karthi-and-aravind-swamys-film-surpasses-rs-10-crore/articleshow/113778981.cms|title = 'Meiyazhagan' box office collection day 2: Karthi and Aravind Swamy's film surpasses Rs 10 crore}}
Unreleased and shelved films
In the late 2010s, several of Arvind Swamy's films were delayed or shelved as a result of production troubles and the actor's insistence to have his salary settled. Production on Sathuranga Vettai 2 began in July 2016, but remains unreleased following a payment dispute with the film's producer Manobala.{{cite web | url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2021/12/13/arvind-swami-to-dub-for-sathuranga-vettai-2-this-week-payment-dues-cleared | title=Arvind Swami to dub for Sathuranga Vettai 2 this week, payment dues cleared | website=DT Next | date=13 December 2021 | access-date=12 April 2023 | archive-date=4 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204085717/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2021/12/13/arvind-swami-to-dub-for-sathuranga-vettai-2-this-week-payment-dues-cleared | url-status=live }} Vanangamudi was conceptualised by director Selva in 2014, with the shoot taking place in a slow manner over the course of nine years.{{cite web | url=http://www.onlykollywood.com/arvind-swami-makes-a-comeback-in-director-selvaa-vanangamudi/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216054221/http://www.onlykollywood.com/arvind-swami-makes-a-comeback-in-director-selvaa-vanangamudi/ | archive-date=16 February 2017 | title=Arvind Swami to make a comeback in director Selva's next | date=31 May 2014 }} Likewise, Engineer, Naragasooran, The Leader, and Kallapart began their shoot in mid-2017 through mid-2023, but these films never had a theatrical release.{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/arvind-swamy-and-regina-cassandras-kallapart-teaser-is-out-now/articleshow/92019481.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr | title=Arvind Swamy and Regina Cassandra's 'Kallapart' teaser is out now! | newspaper=The Times of India | access-date=12 April 2023 | archive-date=24 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424040314/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/arvind-swamy-and-regina-cassandras-kallapart-teaser-is-out-now/articleshow/92019481.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/arvind-swami-takes-a-dig-at-gautham-menon-here-s-what-the-director-has-to-say-about-entire-issue/story-RbfF0Dk6L3cpJGdvoxh3eN.html | title=Arvind Swami takes a dig at Gautham Menon. Here's what the director has to say about entire issue | date=29 March 2018 | access-date=12 April 2023 | archive-date=12 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412222459/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/arvind-swami-takes-a-dig-at-gautham-menon-here-s-what-the-director-has-to-say-about-entire-issue/story-RbfF0Dk6L3cpJGdvoxh3eN.html | url-status=live }} Other projects such as the Hindi-Tamil bilingual remake of Marathi film Kaksparsh and Santhosh Jayakumar's Pulanaivu were shelved despite entering production.{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/jun/19/arvind-swami-santhosh-p-jayakumar-film-titled-pulanaivu-1992082.html | title=Arvind Swami-Santhosh P Jayakumar film titled 'Pulanaivu' | date=19 June 2019 | access-date=12 April 2023 | archive-date=12 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412222459/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/jun/19/arvind-swami-santhosh-p-jayakumar-film-titled-pulanaivu-1992082.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/sourthern-superstar-arvind-swamy-to-make-a-comeback-to-bollywood-307668/ | title=Sourthern superstar Arvind Swamy to make a comeback to Bollywood! | date=15 January 2014 | access-date=12 April 2023 | archive-date=12 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412222458/https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/sourthern-superstar-arvind-swamy-to-make-a-comeback-to-bollywood-307668/ | url-status=live }}
Personal life
Swamy married Gayathri Ramamurthy in June 1994 and has one daughter Adhira, born in 1996, and a son Rudra, born in 2000.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=26 April 2016|title=Arvind Swamy opens up on his comeback to cinema|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2016-04-26/Arvind-Swamy-opens-up-on-his-comeback-to-cinema/224339|access-date=2021-09-06|publisher=The Hans India|language=en|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906120856/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2016-04-26/Arvind-Swamy-opens-up-on-his-comeback-to-cinema/224339|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=|first=|last2=|last3=|first3=|title=Arvind Swamy to pay wife Rs 75L divorce settlement|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/arvind-swamy-to-pay-wife-rs-75l-divorce-settlement/articleshow/7026180.cms|access-date=2021-09-06|website=The Times of India|date=2 December 2010|language=en|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906120912/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/arvind-swamy-to-pay-wife-rs-75l-divorce-settlement/articleshow/7026180.cms|url-status=live}} The couple lived separately for seven years until 2010, when they filed for divorce.{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/movies/aravind-swamy-s-happy-divorce-news-tamil-kmcj5Jdfabj.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203133507/http://sify.com/movies/aravind-swamy-s-happy-divorce-news-tamil-kmcj5Jdfabj.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2010 |title=Aravind Swamy's 'happy' divorce |website=Sify |access-date=2 December 2010}}{{Cite web|title=Arvind Swamy, wife file for divorce|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2010/dec/02/arvind-swamy-wife-file-for-divorce-207527.html|access-date=2021-09-06|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906120856/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2010/dec/02/arvind-swamy-wife-file-for-divorce-207527.html|url-status=live}} He was granted the custody of his children.{{cite news|date=2 December 2010|title=Arvind Swamy to pay wife Rs 75 divorce settlement|work=The Times of India|agency=TNN|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Arvind-Swamy-to-pay-wife-Rs-75L-divorce-settlement/articleshow/7026180.cms|access-date=2 December 2010|archive-date=4 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204143529/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Arvind-Swamy-to-pay-wife-Rs-75L-divorce-settlement/articleshow/7026180.cms|url-status=live}} He married Aparna Mukerjee in 2012.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-18|title=Happy Birthday Arvind Swamy: Five unknown facts about the megastar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/happy-birthday-arvind-swamy-five-unknown-facts-about-the-megastar/photostory/83605124.cms|access-date=2021-09-06|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829174559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/happy-birthday-arvind-swamy-five-unknown-facts-about-the-megastar/photostory/83605124.cms|url-status=live}}
Filmography
= As an actor =
== Films ==
{{Pending films key}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+List of films and roles | ||||
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Language ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Thalapathi | Arjun | rowspan="2" |Tamil | credited as Arvind |
| rowspan="2"|1992 | Roja
| Rishi Kumar | Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil | ||
| Daddy | Anand | Malayalam | ||
| rowspan="2"|1993 | Marupadiyum | Gowri Shankar | rowspan="6" | Tamil | credited as Arvind |
| Thalattu | Kuzhanthai | credited as Arvind | ||
| rowspan="2"|1994 | Paasamalargal | Raj | ||
| Duet | Himself | Guest appearance | ||
| rowspan="3"|1995 | Bombay | Shekhar Narayanan Pillai | Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil | |
| Indira | Thiyagu | |||
| Mounam | Kiran | Telugu | ||
| 1996 | Devaraagam | Vishnu | Malayalam | |
| rowspan="2"|1997 | Minsara Kanavu | Thomas Thangadurai | rowspan="2" | Tamil | |
| Pudhayal | Kodiesvaran | |||
| 1998 | Saat Rang Ke Sapne | Mahipal Sharma | Hindi | |
| 1999 | En Swasa Kaatre | Arun Raj | rowspan="2" | Tamil | |
| rowspan="2"|2000 | Alaipayuthey | Ram | Guest appearance | |
| Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya | Mohit Kumar | Hindi | release was delayed by three years | |
| 2006 | Sasanam | Muthiah | rowspan="3" | Tamil | The film began production in the mid-1990s but was only released in 2006 due to production trouble |
| rowspan="1"|2013 | Kadal | Sam Fernando | ||
| 2015 | Thani Oruvan | Dr. Siddharth Abhimanyu/ Pazhani Sengalvarayan | {{br list | Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain|Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Villain — Male | IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Performance in Negative Role}} | |
| rowspan="2"|2016 | Dear Dad | Nitin Swaminathan | Hindi | |
| Dhruva | Dr. Siddharth Abhimanyu/ Venkanna Chengalarayudu | Telugu | {{br list | Nominated–SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu | Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu}} | |
| 2017 | Bogan | Aadhitya Maravarman (Bogan) | rowspan="3" | Tamil | |
| rowspan="2"|2018 | Bhaskar Oru Rascal | Bhaskar | ||
| Chekka Chivantha Vaanam | Varadarajan (Varadan) Senapathi | {{br list | Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil | Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil}} | ||
| 2021 | Thalaivii | M. G. Ramachandran | {{br list | Tamil | Hindi}} | {{br list | Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil| SIIMA Award For Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Tamil}} |
| rowspan="2" |2022 | Ottu | rowspan="2" |David | Malayalam | |
| Rendangam
|Tamil | | ||||
| 2023 | Rajashekhar (Raazu) | {{br list | Tamil | Telugu}} | ||
| rowspan="2"| 2024 | Singapore Saloon | Himself | rowspan="2"| Tamil | Cameo appearance{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/singapore-saloon-social-media-review-the-rj-balaji-starrer-is-a-fun-blaster-say-netizens/articleshow/107138193.cms?from=mdr|title='Singapore Saloon' social media review: The RJ Balaji starrer is a fun blaster, say Netizens|newspaper=The Times of India|date=25 January 2024|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129014700/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/singapore-saloon-social-media-review-the-rj-balaji-starrer-is-a-fun-blaster-say-netizens/articleshow/107138193.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}} |
| Meiyazhagan
| Arunmozhi Varman "Arul" | | ||||
| 2025 | {{pending film|Gandhi Talks}} | Boseman | Silent | Completed |
== Web series ==
{{Pending series key}}
== Television ==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+List of television shows and roles |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role(s) ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{refh}} |
|---|
| 2016
! scope="row" | Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi | Host | | style="text-align:center;" | |
= As narrator =
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+List of films and roles | |||
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Language ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan=1 |2013
| Ceylon | Narrator | {{br list | Tamil | English}} | Narrator |
| rowspan=1 |2016
| Uriyadi | Narrator | Tamil | Narrator |
| rowspan=1 |2024
| Kanguva | Narrator | Tamil | Narrator |
= As dubbing artist =
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of dubbing credits |
| scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Actor ! scope="col" | Character ! scope="col" | Dub Language ! scope="col" | Original Language ! scope="col" | Original Year Release ! scope="col" | Dub Year Release ! class="unsortable" scope="col" | Notes |
|---|
| Pudhiya Mugam
|Major Shiva/Raja |Tamil |Tamil |1993 |1993 | | |
| The Lion King
|Matthew Broderick (voice) |Tamil |English |1994 |1994 | |
| Dil Se..
|Amarkant Varma (Amar) |Tamil |Hindi |1998 |1998 |Dubbed Tamil film title: Uyire... |
| The Lion King
|Chiwetel Ejiofor (voice) |Scar |Tamil |English |2019 |2019 | |
| Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
|Tamil |Telugu |2019 |2019 | |
= As playback singer =
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|id=0841552|name=Arvind Swamy}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Swami, Arvind}}
Category:Indian male film actors
Category:Indian male voice actors
Category:Male actors from Chennai
Category:Wake Forest University alumni
Category:Indian television presenters
Category:Don Bosco schools alumni