Silambarasan Thesingu Rajendar, nicknamed Simbu or his initials S.T. R., is an Indian actor, filmmaker, and musician in Tamil cinema. He began his acting career by playing roles as a child artist in films directed by his father T. Rajendar, before his first lead role in Kadhal Azhivathillai (2002), under his father’s direction and produced by his mother Usha.
Early and personal life
Silambarasan was born on 3 February 1983 in Thogarapalli, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, as the eldest child of T. Rajendar and Usha Rajendar. He has a younger brother Kuralarasan, and a sister Ilakiya. From an early age, he has been a devout Hindu and an ardent follower of Lord Shiva.
Silambarasan was educated at Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai. He then studied at Loyola College, Chennai. Silambarasan starred in many of his father’s films as a child until 2002, when he acted in his father’s Kadhal Azhivathillai, his first main role as a hero.
Music
Silambarasan has frequently worked as a playback singer in the Tamil film industry. He first sang in Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala and went on to sing over 90 songs for various composers. He predominantly sings in his own films and has collaborated mostly with his friend and fellow composer Yuvan Shankar Raja. Silambarasan also wrote the lyrics for several songs of his films.
On 27 December 2011, Silambarasan released the non-film single “Love Anthem For World Peace and Love” to promote world peace.
In 2013, he sang ”Diamond Girl” in the Tollywood film Baadshah directed by Srinu Vaitla starring Jr. NTR and Kajal Aggarwal. This was his first venture into Telugu music.
He stated in the summer of 2015 that he would collaborate with Yuvan Shankar Raja to release the non-film single titled “Karma”.
He Composed a Music and Background score for the film Sakka Podu Podu Raja featuring Santhanam in the lead role.
Awards
Honors
- Kalamamani from Government of Tamil Nadu (2006)
- Honorary doctorate by Vels University (2022)
Winners
- SIIMA Award for Stylish Star of South Cinema (2012) IK
- SIIMA Award for Best Male Playback Singer (Telugu) for “Diamond Girl” from Baadshah (2014)
- ITFA Best Actor Award for Vaanam (2011)
- Edison Award for Best Actor for Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya (2010)
- Big FM Tamil Entertainment Awards – Most Entertaining Actor Award for Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya (2010)
- Isaiyaruvi Tamil Music Awards – Rising Star Lyricist for “Where is the Party” for Silambattam (2009)
- Isaiyaruvi Tamil Music Awards – Best Dancer for Silambattam (2009)
- Edison Award for Best Actor for Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (2016)
Nominations
- Vijay Award for Best Actor for Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010)
