# Raju Sundaram

Basuva Rajeev Sundaram (born 6 September 1968) is an Indian dance choreographer, actor and film director, who works primarily in Tamil and Telugu films. He appeared as an actor in films like Jeans (1998), 123 (2002), I Love You Da (2002), Quick Gun Murugun (2009); and directed one film, Aegan (2008).
He won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for his work in the song "Pranamam Pranamam" song from the film Janatha Garage (2016) and "Everest Anchuna" song from the film Maharshi (2019).

## Personal life

Sundaram is the son of dancer Mugur Sundar, and the elder brother of choreographers Prabhu Deva and Nagendra Prasad.

## Career

Sundaram began his career assisting as a choreographer for his father Mugur Sundar's projects, before going on to lead troupes. He was a dancer in "Rukkumani Rukkumani" from Mani Ratnam's Roja (1992) and in Aasai (1995). He also regularly featured in cameo appearances in songs featuring his brother Prabhu Deva, with the pair making appearances in Shankar's early films Gentleman (1993) and Kadhalan (1994). After being the lead choreographer for a few Kannada films, his first break came through Mani Ratnam's Thiruda Thiruda (1993), where he was given the chance to design dances for three songs. He then went on to become a choreographer of Tamil directors Mani Ratnam and Shankar, and worked on Amitabh Bachchan's album, Aby Baby (1996).
Shankar then offered Sundaram an acting opportunity in his romantic comedy Jeans (1998), where Sundaram played a full-length role. He played the lead in the sports drama I Love You Da (2002) alongside his former girlfriend and actress Simran. The Hindu stated the film proves "serious acting is simply not his cup of tea". After working on an unreleased film titled Colombus, he then went on to feature in the trilingual One Two Three (2003) alongside Jyothika and his brothers. The film opened to mixed reviews and did not perform well at the box office. He has since primarily operated as a choreographer, making a few exceptions by starring in comic roles in Jeeva's Unnale Unnale (2007), Prabhu Deva's Engeyum Kadhal (2011) and in the Telugu film, Action 3D (2013).

## Filmography
### Choreographer

List of film choreography credits :
| Year | Title | Language |
| 1992 | Chembaruthi | Tamil |
| 1992 | Pandiyan | Tamil |
| 1992 | Bol Radha Bol | Hindi |
| 1993 | Walter Vetrivel | Tamil |
| 1993 | Aagraham | Telugu |
| 1993 | Uzhaippali | Tamil |
| 1993 | Gentleman | Tamil |
| 1993 | Udan Pirappu | Tamil |
| 1993 | Kizhakke Varum Paattu | Tamil |
| 1993 | Thiruda Thiruda | Tamil |
| 1993 | Senthoorapandi | Tamil |
| 1993 | Gandharvam | Malayalam |
| 1994 | Sethupathi IPS | Tamil |
| 1994 | Indhu | Tamil |
| 1994 | Jai Hind | Tamil |
| 1994 | Duet | Tamil |
| 1994 | Rasigan | Tamil |
| 1994 | Ulavaali | Tamil |
| 1994 | Kadhalan | Tamil |
| 1994 | May Madham | Tamil |
| 1994 | Karuththamma | Tamil |
| 1994 | Criminal | Telugu Hindi |
| 1995 | Gundaraj | Hindi |
| 1995 | Bombay | Tamil |
| 1995 | Coolie | Tamil |
| 1995 | Karnaa | Tamil |
| 1995 | Chinna Vathiyar | Tamil |
| 1995 | Aasai | Tamil |
| 1995 | Makkal Aatchi | Tamil |
| 1995 | Neela Kuyil | Tamil |
| 1995 | Ayudha Poojai | Tamil |
| 1995 | Barsaat | Hindi |
| 1995 | Thotta Chinungi | Tamil |
| 1996 | Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya | Telugu |
| 1996 | Majhdhaar | Hindi |
| 1996 | Love Birds | Tamil |
| 1996 | Sengottai | Tamil |
| 1996 | Indian | Tamil |
| 1996 | Kadhal Desam | Tamil |
| 1996 | Mr. Romeo | Tamil |
| 1996 | Nethaji | Tamil |
| 1996 | Tu Chor Main Sipahi | Hindi |
| 1996 | Krishna | Hindi |
| 1997 | Sakthi | Tamil |
| 1997 | Mrityudata | Hindi |
| 1997 | Bhai | Hindi |
| 1997 | Raasi | Tamil |
| 1997 | Nerukku Ner | Tamil |
| 1997 | Ratchagan | Tamil |
| 1997 | Auzaar | Hindi |
| 1997 | Ziddi | Hindi |
| 1998 | Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai | Hindi |
| 1998 | Jeans | Tamil |
| 1998 | Aval Varuvala | Tamil |
| 1998 | Harichandra | Tamil |
| 1998 | Barood | Hindi |
| 1998 | Sollamale | Tamil |
| 1998 | Kannedhirey Thondrinal | Tamil |
| 1998 | Kadhal Kavithai | Tamil |
| 1999 | Thulladha Manamum Thullum | Tamil |
| 1999 | En Swasa Kaatre | Tamil |
| 1999 | Love You Hamesha | Hindi |
| 1999 | Ethirum Pudhirum | Tamil |
| 1999 | Poomagal Oorvalam | Tamil |
| 1999 | Vaali | Tamil |
| 1999 | Anantha Poongatre | Tamil |
| 1999 | Nenjinile | Tamil |
| 1999 | Kadhalar Dhinam | Tamil |
| 1999 | Poovellam Kettuppar | Tamil |
| 1999 | Kannodu Kanbathellam | Tamil |
| 1999 | Nee Varuvai Ena | Tamil |
| 1999 | Jodi | Tamil |
| 1999 | Kannupada Poguthaiya | Tamil |
| 1999 | Taj Mahal | Tamil |
| 2000 | Millennium Stars | Malayalam |
| 2000 | Dada Sahib | Malayalam |
| 2000 | Pukar | Hindi |
| 2000 | Kannukkul Nilavu | Tamil |
| 2000 | Good Luck | Tamil |
| 2000 | Sandhitha Velai | Tamil |
| 2000 | Kandukondain Kandukondain | Tamil |
| 2000 | Kushi | Tamil |
| 2000 | Appu | Tamil |
| 2000 | Pennin Manathai Thottu | Tamil |
| 2000 | Parthen Rasithen | Tamil |
| 2000 | Maayi | Tamil |
| 2000 | Rhythm | Tamil |
| 2000 | Priyamaanavale | Tamil |
| 2000 | Snegithiye | Tamil |
| 2001 | Albela | Hindi |
| 2001 | Aks | Hindi |
| 2001 | Daddy | Telugu |
| 2001 | Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar | Hindi |
| 2001 | Friends | Tamil |
| 2001 | Badri | Tamil |
| 2001 | Poovellam Un Vasam | Tamil |
| 2001 | Vedham | Tamil |
| 2001 | Samudhiram | Tamil |
| 2001 | 12B | Tamil |
| 2001 | Shajahan | Tamil |
| 2001 | Kadal Pookkal | Tamil |
| 2001 | Majunu | Tamil |
| 2002 | Punnagai Desam | Tamil |
| 2002 | Red | Tamil |
| 2002 | Kamarasu | Tamil |
| 2002 | Thamizhan | Tamil |
| 2002 | 123 | Tamil |
| 2002 | Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai | Hindi |
| 2002 | Indra | Telugu |
| 2002 | Youth | Tamil |
| 2002 | Run | Tamil |
| 2002 | Arputham | Tamil |
| 2002 | I Love You Da | Tamil |
| 2003 | Aasai Aasaiyai | Tamil |
| 2003 | Parasuram | Tamil |
| 2003 | Paarai | Tamil |
| 2003 | Thithikudhe | Tamil |
| 2003 | Boys | Tamil |
| 2003 | Alai | Tamil |
| 2003 | Thirumalai | Tamil |
| 2003 | Anjaneya | Tamil |
| 2003 | Enakku 20 Unakku 18 | Tamil Telugu |
| 2003 | Soori | Tamil |
| 2003 | Tagore | Telugu |
| 2004 | Udhaya | Tamil |
| 2004 | Ghilli | Tamil |
| 2004 | Aethiree | Tamil |
| 2004 | Madhurey | Tamil |
| 2004 | Chellamae | Tamil |
| 2004 | Run | Hindi |
| 2004 | Attagasam | Tamil |
| 2004 | Donga Dongadi | Telugu |
| 2004 | Malliswari | Telugu |
| 2004 | Kyun! Ho Gaya Na... | Hindi |
| 2004 | Gudumba Shankar | Telugu |
| 2004 | Sye | Telugu |
| 2004 | Shankar Dada MBBS | Telugu |
| 2004 | Hulchul | Hindi |
| 2005 | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero | Hindi |
| 2005 | Thirupaachi | Tamil |
| 2005 | Ji | Tamil |
| 2005 | Maayavi | Tamil |
| 2005 | Chandramukhi | Tamil |
| 2005 | Sachein | Tamil |
| 2005 | Ullam Ketkumae | Tamil |
| 2005 | Anniyan | Tamil |
| 2005 | Ponniyin Selvan | Tamil |
| 2005 | Oru Naal Oru Kanavu | Tamil |
| 2005 | Athadu | Telugu |
| 2005 | Ghajini | Tamil |
| 2005 | No Entry | Hindi |
| 2005 | Dil Jo Bhi Kahey... | Hindi |
| 2005 | Majaa | Tamil |
| 2005 | Sandakozhi | Tamil |
| 2005 | Jai Chiranjeeva | Telugu |
| 2006 | Kalvanin Kadhali | Tamil |
| 2006 | Kusthi | Tamil |
| 2006 | Lakshmi | Telugu |
| 2006 | Happy | Telugu |
| 2006 | Unakkum Enakkum | Tamil |
| 2006 | Varalaru: The History of Godfather | Tamil |
| 2006 | Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam | Tamil |
| 2006 | Bangaram | Telugu |
| 2006 | Stalin | Telugu |
| 2006 | Rakhi | Telugu |
| 2007 | Pokkiri | Tamil |
| 2007 | Godava | Telugu |
| 2007 | Unnale Unnale | Tamil |
| 2007 | Desamuduru | Telugu |
| 2007 | Sivaji: The Boss | Tamil |
| 2007 | Thottal Poo Malarum | Tamil |
| 2007 | Aarya | Tamil |
| 2007 | Marudhamalai | Tamil |
| 2007 | Lakshyam | Telugu |
| 2007 | Yamadonga | Telugu |
| 2007 | Tulasi | Telugu |
| 2008 | Dhaam Dhoom | Tamil |
| 2008 | Aegan | Tamil |
| 2009 | Villu | Tamil |
| 2009 | Ayan | Tamil |
| 2009 | Ek Niranjan | Telugu |
| 2009 | Wanted | Hindi |
| 2010 | Aasal | Tamil |
| 2010 | Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai | Tamil |
| 2010 | Kacheri Arambam | Tamil |
| 2010 | Paiyaa | Tamil |
| 2010 | Don Seenu | Telugu |
| 2010 | Sura | Tamil |
| 2010 | Khaleja | Telugu |
| 2010 | Enthiran: The Robot | Tamil |
| 2010 | Brindavanam | Telugu |
| 2011 | Kaavalan | Tamil |
| 2011 | Mappillai | Tamil |
| 2011 | Engeyum Kadhal | Tamil |
| 2012 | Vettai | Tamil |
| 2012 | Billa II | Tamil |
| 2012 | Julai | Telugu |
| 2013 | Alex Pandian | Tamil |
| 2013 | Singam II | Tamil |
| 2013 | Chennai Express | Hindi |
| 2013 | Pattathu Yaanai | Tamil |
| 2013 | Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara | Tamil |
| 2013 | All in All Azhagu Raja | Tamil |
| 2013 | Endrendrum Punnagai | Tamil |
| 2013 | Biriyani | Tamil |
| 2013 | Bhai | Telugu |
| 2014 | Jilla | Tamil |
| 2014 | Bramman | Tamil |
| 2014 | Ennamo Nadakkudhu | Tamil |
| 2014 | Kochadaiiyaan | Tamil |
| 2014 | Anjaan | Tamil |
| 2014 | Sigaram Thodu | Tamil |
| 2014 | Mukunda | Telugu |
| 2014 | Kaaviya Thalaivan | Tamil |
| 2015 | Srimanthudu | Telugu |
| 2015 | Bajrangi Bhaijaan | Hindi |
| 2015 | Anegan | Tamil |
| 2015 | Kaaki Sattai | Tamil |
| 2015 | Inimey Ippadithaan | Tamil |
| 2015 | Kaaval | Tamil |
| 2015 | Run Raja Run | Telugu |
| 2015 | Jil | Telugu |
| 2015 | Puli | Tamil |
| 2015 | Size Zero | Telugu Tamil |
| 2015 | Temper | Telugu |
| 2016 | Nannaku Prematho | Telugu |
| 2016 | Saagasam Enra Veerachayal | Tamil |
| 2016 | Thozha | Telugu Tamil |
| 2016 | Natpadhigaram 79 | Tamil |
| 2016 | 24 | Tamil |
| 2016 | Express Raja | Telugu |
| 2016 | Enakku Innoru Per Irukku | Tamil |
| 2016 | Janatha Garage | Telugu |
| 2016 | Remo | Tamil |
| 2016 | Rekka | Tamil |
| 2016 | Kaashmora | Tamil |
| 2016 | Brahmotsavam | Telugu |
| 2016 | Balle Vellaiyathevaa | Tamil |
| 2017 | Bogan | Tamil |
| 2017 | Kadamban | Tamil |
| 2017 | Kaadhali | Telugu |
| 2017 | Winner | Telugu |
| 2017 | Kodi Veeran | Tamil |
| 2017 | Sakka Podu Podu Raja | Tamil |
| 2018 | Mannar Vagera | Tamil |
| 2018 | Junga | Tamil |
| 2018 | Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava | Telugu |
| 2018 | Sandakozhi 2 | Tamil |
| 2018 | Bharat Ane Nenu | Telugu |
| 2019 | Irupathiyonnaam Noottaandu | Malayalam |
| 2019 | Saaho | Telugu Hindi |
| 2019 | Rustum | Kannada |
| 2019 | Maharshi | Telugu |
| 2019 | Pailwaan | Kannada |
| 2019 | Sanga Thamizhan | Tamil |
| 2019 | Seeru | Tamil |
| 2019 | Hero | Tamil |
| 2020 | Darbar | Tamil |
| 2020 | Ka Pae Ranasingam | Tamil |
| 2021 | Kalathil Santhippom | Tamil |
| 2021 | Krack | Telugu |
| 2021 | Tughlaq Durbar | Tamil |
| 2021 | Raajavamsam | Tamil |
| 2021 | Republic | Telugu |
| 2021 | Maanaadu | Tamil |
| 2021 | Kotigobba 3 | Kannada |
| 2022 | Varalaru Mukkiyam | Tamil |
| 2022 | The Legend | Tamil |
| 2022 | Coffee with Kadhal | Tamil |
| 2023 | Varisu | Tamil |
| 2023 | Bagheera | Tamil |
| 2023 | Bommai | Tamil |
| 2024 | The Greatest of All Time | Tamil |
| 2024 | Devara: Part 1 | Telugu |
Key :
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |

### Director

List of film directing credits :
| Year | Title | Language |
| 2008 | Aegan | Tamil |

### Actor

List of film acting credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
| 1998 | Jeans | Madhesh | Tamil | |
| 1999 | En Swasa Katre | Raju | Tamil | Special appearance |
| 2002 | Manasella Neene | Arun | Kannada | |
| 2002 | I Love You Da | Raju | Tamil | |
| 2003 | 123 | Pazhani | Tamil | |
| 2006 | Pellaina Kothalo | Prakash | Telugu | |
| 2007 | Unnale Unnale | Raju | Tamil | |
| 2009 | Quick Gun Murugun | Rowdy MBA | English | |
| 2011 | Engeyum Kaadhal | Raju | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Julai | Himself | Telugu | Special appearance |
| 2013 | Mirchi | Himself | Telugu | Special appearance |
| 2013 | Action 3D | Purush | Telugu | |
| 2015 | Isai | Himself | Tamil | Special appearance |
| 2017 | Yaanum Theeyavan | Pasupathy | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Padi Padi Leche Manasu | Goon | Telugu | Special appearance |
| 2024 | Maa Nanna Superhero | | Telugu | |

### Dancer

List of film dancing credits :
| Year | Film | Song | Language | Notes |
| 1991 | Assembly Rowdy | "Turpu Kondallo" | Telugu | |
| 1991 | Idhayam | "Ohh Party Nalla" | Tamil | |
| 1992 | Roja | "Rukumani Rukumani" | Tamil | |
| 1992 | Suriyan | "Thoongu Moonchi" | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Enga Thambi | "Ithu Maanodum" | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Gentleman | "Chikku Bukku" | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Lockup Death | "Current Banthu" | Kannada | |
| 1994 | Police War | "Teenage Papa" | Telugu | |
| 1994 | Jai Hind | "Bodhai Yeri Pochu" | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Kadhalan | "Kadhalikkum Pennin" | Tamil | |
| 1995 | Mounam | "Dhammaro Abbaya Raro" | Telugu | |
| 1995 | Aasai | "Shockkadikuthu Sona" | Tamil | |
| 1997 | Ullaasam | "Valibam Vaazha Sollum" | Tamil | |
| 1998 | Sollamale | "Allamma Samba" | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Kadhal Kavithai | "Aalana Naal Mudhala" | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Circle Inspector | "Urmila Urmila" | Kannada | |
| 1999 | Kya Soorat Hai | "Kya Soorat Hai" | Hindi | Music Video, song from Bombay Vikings band |
| 1999 | En Swasa Kaatre | "Jumbalaka" | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Ethirum Pudhirum | "Thottu Thottu" | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Anantha Poongatre | "Meenatchi Meenatchi" | Tamil | |
| 1999 | Poovellam Kettuppar | "CBI Enge", "O Senorita" | Tamil | |
| 2000 | Sandhitha Velai | "Muniyamma" | Tamil | |
| 2000 | Pennin Manathai Thottu | "Saltkotta" | Tamil | |
| 2000 | Maayi | "Thennagam Aalum" | Tamil | |
| 2000 | Rhythm | "Ayyayyo Pathikichu" | Tamil | |
| 2000 | Chamundi | "Usarvalli Kshnakondu" | Kannada | |
| 2001 | Aks | "Banda Bindas" | Hindi | |
| 2001 | Poovellam Un Vaasam | "Yukta Mookhey" | Tamil |
| 2003 | Alai | "Alai Adikuthu" | Tamil | |
| 2005 | Ullam Ketkumae | "Mazhai Mazhai" | Tamil | |
| 2005 | Anniyan | "Kumari" | Tamil | |
| 2005 | Modati Cinema | "Ninnyna Nadyna" | Telugu | |
| 2009 | Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam | "Evade Subramanyam" | Telugu | |
| 2010 | Pa. Ra. Palanisamy | "Singari Mava" | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Vettai | "Dhum Dhum" | Tamil | |
| 2013 | Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara | "En Veettula" | Tamil | |
| 2013 | Endrendrum Punnagai | "Ennatha Solla" | Tamil | |
| 2014 | Ennamo Nadakkudhu | "Money Money" | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Thozha | "Door Number One" | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Natpadhigaram 79 | "Sollu Sollu Chellamma" | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Devi | "Chal Maar" | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Abhinetri | "Chal Maar" | Telugu | |
| 2016 | Tutak Tutak Tutiya | "Chal Maar" | Hindi | |
| 2016 | Remo | "Tamilselvi" | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Kaashmora | "Dhikku Dhikku Sir" | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Bogan | "Damaalu Dumeelu" | Tamil | |
| 2019 | Sangathamizhan | "Oh My God" | Tamil | |
| 2021 | Tughlaq Durbar | "Arasiyal Kedi" | Tamil |

## Awards
### Won

* 1994 Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Choreographer -Kadhalan
* 1997 Dinakaran Award for Best Dance Director – Many movies
* 1998 Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Choreographer – Jeans
* 1998 Dinakaran Award for Best Dance Director – Many movies
* 1999 Dinakaran Award for Best Dance Master – Many movies
* 1999 Cinema Express Award for Best Dance Master – Many movies
* 2000 Dinakaran Award for Best Dance Master – Many movies
* 2004 Dinakaran-Medimix Award for Best Choreographer – Ghilli
* 2004 Filmfare Award for Best Choreography – South – Ghilli
* 2009 Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Choreographer – Villu
* 2010 Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Choreographer – Paiyaa
* 2010 Filmfare Award for Best Choreography – South - Brindavanam
* 2011 Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Choreographer – Engeyum Kadhal
* 2013 Edison Award for Best Choreographer – Biriyani
* 2016 National Film Award for Best Choreography-Janatha Garage (for "Pranaamam")
* 2019 National Film Award for Best Choreography-Maharshi (for "Everest Anchuna")
* 2007 Vijay Award for Best Choreographer – Unnale Unnale
* 2010 Vijay Award for Best Choreographer – Enthiran
* 2011 Vijay Award for Best Choreographer – Engeyum Kadhal
* 2014 South Indian International Movie Award for Best Dance Choreographer – Anjaan
* 2014 Vijay Award for Best Choreographer – Kaaviya Thalaivan

## Legacy

Choreographers and artists L. L. Cool Jayanth, Ashok Raja, Dinesh, Sridhar, Shobi Paulraj, Baba Bhaskar, Kalyan, Johny, Noble Paul, Prem Rakshith, Jani, Lalitha Shobi, Sathish Krishnan, Viji Sathish, Poppy, Japan Kumar, Sindhuja, Nanditha Jennifer, Raja, Shanthi Arvind, Anusha Swamy, Boopathy & Vasanthi had worked as dancers and assistants to him.