S A Ashokan

S. A. Ashokan, born as Antony, was a Tamil film actor during the 60s and 70s. He was born in Tiruchirappalli, in Tamil Nadu. His date of birth is unknown. He worked in several Tamil movies such as  Naanum Oru Penn Naanum Oru Penn is a drama series which airs on th >> Read More... (1963), and Anbe Vaa This serial named “Anbe Vaa” is all about a true l >> Read More... (1966). He portrayed villainous characters quite well. He also played the roles of eccentric and intriguing characters, especially in supporting roles.

As a child, Asokan was quite keen about stage plays. He also participated in several oratorical and writing competitions. He has a degree from the noted college, St. Joseph’s, in Tiruchirappalli.

After finishing his degree, T. R. Ramanna introduced him to the film industry. Ramanna was an acclaimed film director. He played an important part in his life and upon his request, Antony changed his name to Asokan. He kept this name for the rest of his life.

Asokan played a minor role in the film ‘Avvaiyar’, which was his debut movie. But his career got a kick start when he bagged a role in the film, Kappalottiya Thamizhan (1961). In this movie, he portrayed the role of a collector called Ash.

However, his career as a lead actor was not quite notable. The films in which Asokan played the lead role were not quite well-received by the audience. On the whole, he acted as a villainous character. He also did character roles opposite many acclaimed actors of those days.

Asokan has played several personas in many distinguished films. In Vallavanukku Vallavan, he played the role of a helpless traveler who gets conned. In ‘ Karnan Karnan is a mythological serial that is aired on P >> Read More... ’, he portrayed the role of Duryodhan from Mahabharata. These films were well received, and Ashokan’s fame increased. His landmark performance was his role as Professor Bhairavan in Ulagam Sutrum Valiban. This was directed by M. G. Ramachandran.

Other than acting, Asokan had many other interests such as singing. In the film Iravum Pagalum, it was Asokan who sang the song ‘Iranthavanai Sumanthavanum’. Asokan was a kind-hearted and helpful person. He promoted filmmaker, A. C. Trilok Chander, by introducing him to AVM Studios. Asokan, Jaishankar and an ensemble of performing artists, conducted several cultural programs. They performed all around Tamil Nadu.

Asokan married Mary Gnanam (born Saraswati), in spite of her family’s objection. The couple had two sons, Vincent and Amalraj. Vincent Asokan Vincent Asokan is a Tamil actor who is popular for >> Read More... is an engineering graduate. Like his father, he plays the role of an antagonist in most films.

Asokan died on 11th November, 1982, due to his second heart attack. His wife, Mary, also passed away a few years after his death. His son, Amalraj, is also deceased.

S.A. Ashokan performed various supporting roles as an elder brother, father or father-in-law, or the main villain in 59 films, with M G Ramachandran in the role from Baghdad Thirudan in 1960 to Ninaithadhai Mudippavan in 1975. His famous movies with MG Ramachandran were Arasilangkumari, Thaai Sollai Thattadhe, Thayai Katha Thanayan, Kudumba Thalaivan, Panathottam, Koduthu Vaithaval, Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum, Periya Idathu Penn Periya Idathu Penn is a Tamil television show whic >> Read More... , Anandha Jodhi, Panakkara Kudumbam, Needhikkuppin Paasam, Kaanchi Thalaivan, Vettaikaaran (1964 film), Dheiva Thaai, Thozhilali, Panam Padaithavan, Kanni Thaai, Thazhampoo, Anbe Vaa, Mugaraasi, Chandhrodhayam, Thaali Bhagyam, Thanipiravi, Parakkum Paavai, Petralthan Pillaiya, Thaikku Thalaimagan, Arasa Kattalai, Kaavalkaaran (1967 film), Vivasayee, Ragasiya Police 115, Thaer Thiruvizha, Kannan En Kadhalan, Oli Vilakku, Kanavan, Kadhal Vaaganam, Adimaippenn, Nam Naadu (1969 film), Maattukara Velan, En Annan, and  Thalaivan (1970 film). His other notable movies were Thedi Vandha Mappillai, Engal Thangam, Kumari Kottam, Rickshawkaran, Neerum Neruppum, Oru Thaai Makkal, Sange Muzhangu Sange Muzhangu is a Tamil Television series aired >> Read More... , Nalla Neram Nalla Neram is a Tamizh TV serial that is aired on >> Read More... , Raman Thediya Seethai (1972 film), Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, Netru Indru Naalai, Pattikaattu Ponnaiya and Ninaithadhai Mudippavan. Some of his well-known performances in the films are Kundan Karunai, Attukara Allamelu, Adimai Penn, Anbe Vaa, Kaanji Thalaivan, Vivasayee, and Raman Thediya Seethai. 

Ashokan Family Tree (Infographic Family Tree)