# M. N. Rajam

Madurai Narasimha Achary Rajam is an Indian actress, who works mainly in Tamil cinema. She made her stage acting debut at the age of seven, and film acting debut as a child artist in 1949. Rajam played the vamp role in the Tamil classic Ratha Kanneer (1954), opposite M. R. Radha. Since then Rajam had acted with several leading actors including MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, M. R. Radha, S.S. Rajendran, M. N. Nambiar and N. S. Krishnan. She married popular Tamil playback singer A. L. Raghavan on 2 May 1960. Her performances in films like, Rathak Kaneer, Pennin Perumai, Pudhayal, Thanga Padumai, "Nadodi Mannan", "Pasa Malar", Thaali Bhagyam and "Arangetram" were critically acclaimed. She played supporting roles in films since 1970 to 1990. She started working in TV serials from 1995 and continues to work in films till 2014. In 1958 Rajam was booked by M. G. Ramachandran for his second directorial venture Ponniyin Selvan. One of the first screen adaptations of Kalki Krishnamurthy's Ponniyin Selvan, the film had a huge ensemble cast consisting of Vyjayanthimala, Savitri, Gemini Ganesan, Padmini, Saroja Devi and Nagesh. . In the film, she was given the role of Nandhini, the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. However, in mid-1958 the film was shelved for unknown reasons.

## Filmography

1940s
| Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
| 1949 | Nallathambi | Girl at orphanage | N. S. Krishnan, P. Bhanumathi | Child Artist |
| 1949 | Mangayarkarasi | Heavenly Maiden | P. U. Chinnappa | |
1950s
| Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
| 1952 | En Thangai | Servant Girl | C. S. Pandian, M. G. Ramachandran | |
| 1952 | Mappillai | Nurse | T. R. Ramachandran, P. V. Narasimha Bharathi | |
| 1952 | Penn Manam | | T. K. Shanmugam | |
| 1953 | Manidhanum Mirugamum | | Sivaji Ganesan, Madhuri Devi | |
| 1954 | Ratha Kanneer | Kantha | M. R. Radha | |
| 1955 | Doctor Savithri | Vanaja | Veenai S. Balachander | |
| 1955 | Kanavaney Kankanda Deivam | Mallika | Gemini Ganesan, Anjali Devi | |
| 1955 | Maheswari | | Gemini Ganesan, K. Savithri | |
| 1955 | Mangaiyar Thilakam | Prabha | Sivaji Ganesan | |
| 1955 | Methavigal | | K. A. Thangavelu | |
| 1955 | Needhipathi | | S. V. Sahasranamam, Gemini Ganesan, K. R. Ramasamy, Rajasulochana | |
| 1955 | Town Bus | Pankajam | N. N. Kannappa, Anjali Devi | |
| 1955 | Ulagam Palavidham | | T. K. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Lalitha | |
| 1955 | Kathanayaki | | K. A. Thangavelu, Padmini | |
| 1956 | Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum | Bulbul | K. Sarangapani, M. G. Ramachandran, P. Bhanumathi | |
| 1956 | Kula Dheivam | | M. K. Mustafa | |
| 1956 | Marma Veeran | Mohini | J. P. Chandrababu, Sriram, Vyjayanthimala, Rajasulochana | |
| 1956 | Mathar Kula Manickam | | K. A. Thangavelu, A. Nageswara Rao, Anjali Devi, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
| 1956 | Moondru Pengal | | | |
| 1956 | Naane Raja | | Sivaji Ganesan, M. K. Mustafa | |
| 1956 | Naan Petra Selvam | Dr. Sumathi | M. N. Nambiar, Sivaji Ganesan, G. Varalakshmi | |
| 1956 | Nalla Veedu | | Sivaji Ganesan | |
| 1956 | Paasavalai | | M. K. Radha, G. Varalakshmi | |
| 1956 | Pennin Perumai | Neela | Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
| 1956 | Rambaiyin Kaadhal | Princess Suguna | K. A. Thangavelu, P. Bhanumathi | |
| 1956 | Rangoon Radha | Thangam | Sivaji Ganesan, P. Bhanumathi, S. S. Rajendran, Rajasulochana | |
| 1956 | Sadhaaram | | Gemini Ganesan, P. Bhanumathi | |
| 1957 | Baagyavathi | Bama | Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini | |
| 1957 | Mahadhevi | Princess Mangamma | P. S. Veerappa, M. G. Ramachandran, Savithri | |
| 1957 | Makkalai Petra Magarasi | Thangam | M. N. Nambiar, Sivaji Ganesan, P. Bhanumathi | |
| 1957 | Mallika | | Gemini Ganesan, Padmini | |
| 1957 | Mudhalali | Kokilam | S. S. Rajendran, T. K. Ramachandran, Devika | |
| 1957 | Pudhaiyal | Menaka | Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini | |
| 1957 | Samaya Sanjeevi | | T. R. Ramachandran | |
| 1958 | Annaiyin Aanai | Sundari | M. N. Nambiar, Sivaji Ganesan, Savithri | |
| 1958 | Kanniyin Sabatham | | M. N. Nambiar, K. R. Ramasamy, Anjali Devi, Rajsulochana | |
| 1958 | Kaathavaraayan | Aravathi | J. P. Chandrababu, Sivaji Ganesan, Savithri | |
| 1958 | Mangalya Bhagyam | | | Guest Role |
| 1958 | Nadodi Mannan | Queen Manohari | M. G. Ramachandran, P. Bhanumathi, B, Saroja Devi | |
| 1958 | Nalla Idathu Sambandham | Maragatham | Prem Nazir, M. R. Radha, Sowcar Janaki | |
| 1958 | Neelavukku Niranja Manasu | | T. K. Ramachandran | |
| 1958 | Padhi Bhakti | Marikozhundhu | Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
| 1958 | Pathi Bakthi | | Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | Telugu |
| 1958 | Periya Kovil | | Prem Nazir | |
| 1958 | Pillai Kaniyamudhu | | S. S. Rajendran, E. V. Saroja | |
| 1958 | Piya Milan | Mohini | J. P. Chandrababu, Sriram, Vyjayanthimala, Rajasulochana | |
| 1958 | Samopoorna Ramayanam | Shurpanakha | N. T. Rama Rao, P. V. Narasimha Bharathi, Sivaji Ganesan | |
| 1958 | Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum | Saradha | S. S. Rajendran, Prem Nazir, Rajasulochana | |
| 1958 | Thedi Vandha Selvam | | S. S. Rajendran, Rajasulochana | |
| 1958 | Thirumanam | Mullai | Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
| 1959 | Abalai Anjugam | | T. R. Mahalingam, Sowcar Janaki | |
| 1959 | Alli Petra Pillai | | | |
| 1959 | Kalyanikku Kalyanam | Suseela | S. S. Rajendran, Prem Nazir | |
| 1959 | Amudhavalli | | T. R. Mahalingam | |
| 1959 | Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal | | S. S. Rajendran | |
| 1959 | Naan Sollum Ragasiyam | Kala | Sivaji Ganesan, Anjali Devi | |
| 1959 | Nalla Theerpu | Veena | Gemini Ganesan, Jamuna | |
| 1959 | Orey Vazhi | | Prem Nazir | |
| 1959 | Pennkulathin Ponvilakku | | Gemini Ganesan | |
| 1959 | Pudhumai Penn | | S. S. Rajendran | |
| 1959 | Sabhash Ramudu | Jayasri | N. T. Rama Rao, Kanta Rao | Telugu |
| 1959 | Sabhash Ramu | Jayasri | N. T. Rama Rao, Kanta Rao | |
| 1959 | Sivagangai Seemai | | P. S. Veerappa, S. S. Rajendran, Kumari Kamala | |
| 1959 | Thanga Padhumai | Princess | M. N. Nambiar, Sivaji Ganesan | |
| 1959 | Thaiyaipola Pillai Noolaipola Selai | | Prem Nazir | |
| 1959 | Uzhavukkum Thozhilukkum Vandhanai Seivom | | Prem Nazir | |
1960s
| Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
| 1960 | Baghdad Thirudan | | M. G. Ramachandran, Vyjayanthimala | |
| 1960 | Deivapiravi | Thilagam | S. S. Rajendran, Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini | |
| 1960 | Ellorum Innaattu Mannar | | M. N. Nambiar, Gemini Ganesan, B. Sarojadevi | |
| 1960 | Irumanam Kalanthal Thirumanam | | Prem Nazir, Ragini | |
| 1960 | Kavalai Illaadha Manithan | Sivakami | T. R. Mahalingam | |
| 1960 | Maa Babu | Maya | A. Nageswara Rao, Savithri | Telugu |
| 1960 | Paavai Vilakku | Uma | Sivaji Ganesan, Sowcar Janaki, Pandari Bai, Kumari Kamala | |
| 1960 | Petra Manam | | Sivaji Ganesan, S. S. Rajendran | |
| 1960 | Raja Desingu | Sengkamalam | K. A. Thangavelu, M. G. Ramachandran, S. S. Rajendran | |
| 1960 | Thangam Manasu Thangam | | S. S. Rajendran, Prem Nazir | |
| 1960 | Thangarathinam | Seethai | Prem Nazir, S. S. Rajendran, C. R. Vijayakumari | |
| 1960 | Thilakam | Thilakam | Prem Nazir | |
| 1960 | Uthami Petra Rathinam | | T. K. Ramachandran, K. Balaji, Malini | |
| 1960 | Veerakkanal | Porkodi | Gemini Ganesan, Anjali Devi | |
| 1960 | Vidivelli | | K. Balaji, Sivaji Ganesan, B. Saroja Devi | |
| 1961 | Anbu Magan | Maya | A. Nageswara Rao, Savithri | |
| 1961 | Anumanam | | S. S. Rajendran, Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini | Telugu |
| 1961 | Kumara Raja | | J. P. Chandrababu | |
| 1961 | Mamiyarum Oru Veetu Marumagale | | S. S. Rajendran | |
| 1961 | Pasamalar | Dr. Malathy | Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri | |
| 1961 | Thirudadhe | | M. G. Ramachandran, B. Sarojadevi | |
| 1962 | Pirandha Naal | | Prem Nazir | |
| 1962 | Vadivukku Valaikaappu | | Sivaji Ganesan, K. Savithri | |
| 1962 | Raani Samyuktha | Bhawani | M. G. Ramachandran, Padmini | |
| 1966 | Thaali Bhagyam | Kamalam | S. V. Subbaiah, M. G. Ramachandran, B. Saroja Devi | |
| 1968 | Kallum Kaniyagum | | T. M. Soundararajan, A. L. Raghavan | |
1970s
| Year | Title | Role | Co-Star |
| 1973 | Arangetram | Visalam | S. V. Subbaiah |
| 1973 | Vandhale Magarasi | Mangamma | V. S. Raghavan |
| 1973 | Ponvandu | Kamala | Jaishankar |
| 1973 | Veettukku Vandha Marumagal | | A. V. M. Rajan |
| 1974 | Athaiya Mamiya | Sumathi | Jaishankar |
| 1974 | Avalukku Nigar Avale | | Ravichandran |
| 1974 | Engamma Sapatham | | R. Muthuraman, Sivakumar |
| 1974 | Kanmani Raja | | Sivakumar |
| 1974 | Naan Avanillai | | Gemini Ganesan, Kamal Haasan |
| 1974 | Ore Saatchi | | A. V. M. Rajan, P. R. Varalakshmi |
| 1974 | Pathu Madha Bandham | | |
| 1974 | Raja Nagam | | |
| 1974 | Sivagamiyin Selvan | | Sivaji Ganesan |
| 1975 | Aan Pillai Singam | | |
| 1975 | Karotti Kannan | | Sreekanth |
| 1975 | Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu | | R. Muthuraman, Vijayakumar |
| 1976 | Akka | | K. R. Vijaya |
| 1976 | Annakili | | Sivakumar |
| 1976 | Mayor Meenakshi | | |
| 1976 | Oorukku Uzhaippavan | Vanisri's mother | |
| 1978 | Mangudi Minor | | Vijayakumar, Rajinikanth |
| 1976 | Nandha En Nila | | Vijayakumar, Sumithra |
| 1976 | Varaprasadham | | Ravichandran, Jayachitra, Vijayakumar |
| 1977 | Gaayathri | Gaayathri's Mother | Rajinikanth, Sridevi, Jaishankar |
| 1977 | Thaliya Salangaiya | | R. Muthuraman, Vanisri |
| 1977 | Ilaya Thalaimurai | Vanisri's Mother | Sivaji Ganesan |
| 1978 | Kaatrile Varum Geetham | | R. Muthuraman |
| 1979 | Kannil Theriyum Kathaikal | | Sarathbabu |
| 1979 | Mayandi | | Jaishankar |
| 1979 | Thisai Maariya Paravaigal | | Sarath Babu |
| 1979 | Velum Mayilum Thunai | Prohit's Wife | M. R. Radha, Baby Sudha |
1980s
| Year | Title | Role | Co-Star |
| 1984 | Nanayamillatha Nanayam | | Visu |
| 1985 | Andha Oru Nimidam | | Kamal Haasan |
| 1985 | Urimai | | Suresh, Nalini |
| 1986 | Nilave Malare | Rajesh's aunt | Rajesh, Rahman, Nadhiya |
| 1987 | Thirumathi Oru Vegumathi | Kokila's mother | Visu, S. V. Shekhar |
| 1987 | Valayal Satham | | Murali |
| 1988 | Penmani Aval Kanmani | R. Dilip's mother | Visu, R. Dilip |
| 1988 | Urimai Geetham | Prabhu's mother | Prabhu, Karthik |
| 1989 | Thendral Sudum | Baby sitter | Radhika, Nizhalgal Ravi |
1990s
| Year | Title | Role | Co-Star |
| 1990 | Ethir Kaatru | Anand Babu's mother | Ra. Sankaran |
| 1991 | Aatha Un Koyilile | Kasthuri's mother | T. K. S. Chandran |
| 1991 | Thayamma | | Pandiyan |
| 1993 | Aadhityan | | R. Sarathkumar |
| 1993 | En Idhaya Rani | Parvathi | Anand Babu |
| 1997 | Ullaasam | | Ajit Kumar |
| 1998 | Maru Malarchi | Ranjit's mother | Mammootty |
2000s
| Year | Title | Role | Co-Star | Notes |
| 2001 | Kutty | Ramesh Aravind's mother | Ramesh Aravind, Kausalya | |
| 2002 | Pammal K. Sambandam | Grand-aunt | Kamal Haasan, Simran, Abbas, Sneha | |
| 2003 | Winner | Sivagami | M. N. Nambiar, Prashanth | |
| 2003 | Winner | Sivagami | M. N. Nambiar, Prashanth | Telugu |
| 2005 | Anbe Vaa | Grandmother | M. S. Viswanathan | |
| 2005 | Thirupaachi | Trisha's grandmother | Vijay, Trisha | |
| 2006 | Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi | Vadivelu's mother | Vennira Aadai Moorthy, Vadivelu | |
| 2007 | Marudhamalai | Nila's grandmother | Arjun, Nila | |