S A Ashokan

Early life

Ashokan was born as Anthony in Trichy. He showed interest in stage plays and frequently took part in oratorical and writing competitions during his childhood. He finished his degree at St. Joseph College, Trichy.

Career

After completing his degree, Anthony met director T. R. Ramanna who introduced him to the film industry. Anthony changed his name to Ashokan upon Ramanna's request, and maintained the same name for life. Ashokan made his acting debut in a minor role in the film Avvaiyar. He was given positive role in the film Penn Kulathin Ponvilakku (1959) as an admirer of a woman whom he considers as sister. He gained attention of general public with the film Kappalottiya Thamizhan in 1961, where he portrayed the role of Collector Ash. Later films which featured him in the lead, were however moderately successful. Active mostly in the 1960s and 1970s, he acted mainly in villainous roles, but also did character roles opposite many leading actors of those times.

Ashokan's performance as a helpless traveller who gets conned in Vallavanukku Vallavan, and as the historical Indian character Duryodhana in the mythology film Karnan were well received. He was regularly cast in supporting roles as an elder brother or as the father or father-in-law or as the main villain in 59 films with M. G. Ramachandran in the lead role right from Baghdad Thirudan in 1960 to Ninaithadhai Mudippavan in 1975. Some of the popular films with MGR-S.A.Ashokan combination are Arasilangkumari, Thaai Sollai Thattadhe, Thayai Kátha Thanayan, Kudumba Thalaivan, Panathottam, Koduthu Vaithaval, Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum, Periya Idathu Penn, Anandha Jodhi, Panakkara Kudumbam, Needhikkuppin Paasam, Kaanchi Thalaivan, Parisu,Vettaikaaran (1964 film), Dheiva Thaai, Thozhilali, Panam Padaithavan, Aayirathil Oruvan (1965 film), Kanni Thaai, Thazhampoo, Anbe Vaa, Naan Aanaiyittal, Mugaraasi, Chandhrodhayam, Thaali Bhagyam, Thanipiravi, Parakkum Paavai, Petralthan Pillaiya, Thaikku Thalaimagan, Arasa Kattalai, Kaavalkaaran (1967 film),Vivasayee,Ragasiya Police 115,Thaer Thiruvizha, Kudiyirundha Koyil, Kannan En Kadhalan, Oli Vilakku, Kanavan, Pudhiya Bhoomi, Kadhal Vaaganam, Adimaippenn,Nam Naadu (1969 film), Maattukara Velan, En Annan, Thalaivan (1970 film), Thedi Vandha Mappillai, Engal Thangam, Kumari Kottam, Rickshawkaran, Neerum Neruppum, Oru Thaai Makkal, Sange Muzhangu, Nalla Neram, Raman Thediya Seethai (1972 film), Idhaya Veenai, Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, Pattikaattu Ponnaiya, Netru Indru Naalai, Ninaithadhai Mudippavan. His performance as Professor Bhairavan in the M. G. Ramachandran starrer Ulagam Sutrum Valiban was considered a "landmark performance". Some of his other well-known performances include the role of Soorapadman in Kandan Karunai (1967), an intriguing character role in the AVM Studios hit Veera Thirumagan, and important roles in Attukara Allamelu, Adimai Penn, Anbe Vaa, Kaanji Thalaivan, Vivasayee and Raman Thediya Seethai.

Other work

Ashokan also worked as a singer in the film Iravum Pagalum, for the song Iranthavanai Somanthavanum. The film also marked actor Jaishankar's debut. He introduced filmmaker A C Trilokchander to AVM Studios, and this helped the filmmaker to make his mark. Ashokan, along with Jaishankar, and a troupe of popular artistes, often toured all over Tamil Nadu with the purpose of conducting cultural programs.

Personal life

Ashokan was married to Mary Gnanam (originally named Saraswathi), despite her parents' disapproval. They had two sons. On 11 November 1982, he died when his son Vincent Asokan was still young. Vincent is now an actor, portraying villainous roles in Tamil films.