Discovering Sathyaraj: The Versatile Actor Who Faced Shah Rukh Khan and Became a Pan-Indian Sensation

South Indian cinema is currently enjoying immense popularity, with its films captivating audiences worldwide. This success has significantly benefited the actors involved, including Sathyaraj. Sathyaraj’s breakthrough role as Kattappa in the pan-Indian film Baahubali brought him international recognition. However, many are unaware that before his Baahubali fame, he played a role in Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s Chennai Express, where he portrayed Deepika’s father. His performance was well-received, and he shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan. Sathyaraj is a prominent figure in South Indian cinema, known for his ability to create a powerful impact through his acting, even in supporting roles. He recently played a key role in Rajinikanth’s film Coolie, where he portrayed Rajinikanth’s close friend. Born in Coimbatore on October 3, 1954, the actor is celebrating his 71st birthday. As a child, he was a devoted fan of M. G. Ramachandran and Bollywood star Rajesh Khanna. Despite initial opposition from his mother, he pursued his passion for acting and has become a celebrated star. Sathyaraj’s career includes over 250 films, with several Hindi films among them. His Hindi debut was in Chennai Express, and he has since appeared in films like Radhe Shyam, Munja, Sikandar, and the upcoming film Thama alongside Ayushmann Khurrana.