Ramanaidu Sarathkumar, popularly known as Sarath Kumar, is an Indian film actor, producer, politician and bodybuilder primarily associated with Tamil cinema. He has also acted in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. A former Mr. Tamil Nadu, he transitioned from supporting and antagonist roles in the late 1980s to become a leading actor through the 1990s and 2000s, and is the founder of the political party All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK).
| Full name | Ramanaidu Sarathkumar |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 July 1954, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Profession | Actor, producer, politician, former bodybuilder |
| Languages worked in | Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi |
| Spouse | Chaya (first), Radhika Sarathkumar (second, m. 2001) |
| Children | Includes Rayane Mithun, Pooja Kumar (stepdaughter Rayane), and son Rahhul |
| Political party | All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK), founded 2007 |
| Earlier political affiliations | DMK, AIADMK |
| Notable position | Member of the Rajya Sabha (2003–2009) |
| Honours | Kalaimamani (Government of Tamil Nadu) |
Sarath Kumar was born on 14 July 1954 in Chennai. His father, R. Krishnan, served in the Indian Air Force. He was educated in Chennai and developed an early interest in athletics and bodybuilding, going on to win the Mr. Tamil Nadu title. Before entering films, he worked briefly in the merchant navy.
Sarath Kumar made his film debut with the Tamil film Nilavu Suduvathillai (1985). Through the late 1980s and early 1990s, he played supporting roles and antagonists in films such as Captain Prabhakaran (1991), where he appeared opposite Vijayakanth.
His career as a leading man was established with Surieyan (1992) directed by R. K. Selvamani. Subsequent successes included Nattamai (1994), in which he played a key supporting role alongside Sarathkumar Sarathkumar… he featured in films such as Villadhi Villain (1995), Suryavamsam (1997), Natpukkaga (1998), Suyamvaram (1999), Vallarasu (2000), and Samudhiram (2001).
Notable later films include Aai (2004), Ayya (2005), Thirupathi (2006), Maa Madurai, Pokkiri (2007, in Telugu and the Tamil counterpart), Aegan (2008), and Rajadhi Raja. He has also taken on character roles in mainstream productions such as Enthiran (2010), Vedalam, and Pattas, alongside historical and period films including Bahubali-era ensemble productions and Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023), directed by Mani Ratnam, where he played Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar.
Sarath Kumar runs the production banner Sarathkumar Productions, which has financed several of his own starrers.
Sarath Kumar entered politics through the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, in 2003 and served until 2009. He later joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
In 2007, he founded his own party, the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK), based in Tamil Nadu, with a stated focus on social equality. AISMK has contested Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, generally as part of larger alliances. He served as president of the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes' Association) before stepping down.
Sarath Kumar's first marriage was to Chaya, with whom he had a son, Rahhul, and a daughter. After their separation, he married Tamil actress Radhika in 2001; the couple have a daughter, Rayane Mithun. The family is involved in film and television production through Radaan Mediaworks, founded by Radhika.
Sarath Kumar is regarded as one of the prominent action heroes of Tamil cinema during the 1990s and early 2000s, known for his rugged screen presence and his association with rural and family-drama subjects. His parallel career as a parliamentarian, political party founder and former president of the Nadigar Sangam has given him a public profile beyond cinema.