Aari Arujunan
Aari Arujunan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Palani, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Other names | Akhil Kumar (credited name in Alaiyadikkuthu) |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Bodybuilder, Fitness Trainer |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Known for | Nedunchaalai, Maya, Bigg Boss Tamil 4 winner |
| Notable work | Nedunchaalai, Maya, Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4 |
Aari Arujunan is an actor from India known for his work in Tamil language cinema. He made his lead acting debut in Rettaisuzhi (2010), a film produced by director Shankar. He earned acclaim for portraying Murugan in the 2014 film Nedunchaalai and for his role in the supernatural thriller Maya. In 2021, he emerged as the winner of the reality television show Bigg Boss 4.
Career
Prior to entering the film industry, Aari was actively involved in theatre, performing with groups such as Magic Lantern, Theatre Nisha, and Inland Theatres.[1][2] His early appearances included minor parts in Alaiyadikkuthu (2005) and the role of Muthu in Aadum Koothu (2006).[3] His first leading role came with Rettaisuzhi, where he portrayed Murthy, a soldier returning to his hometown. The film notably featured veteran directors Balachandar and Bharathiraja as actors.
In 2011, Aari was cast opposite Shubha Phutela, the winner of Miss South India 2010, in Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey. He commented on the difficulty of playing a straightforward character due to the need for emotional subtlety.[4]
He starred as the lead in N. Krishna's romantic road trip drama Nedunchaalai (2014), set during the 1980s and requiring two years to finish production.[5] Critics lauded his authentic depiction of Murugan.[6] The film was well received by audiences and reviewers alike.[7] His comedy project Kadai Enn 6 has yet to see release.[8] The 2015 film Dharani, directed by debutant Guhan Sambandham, did not perform well commercially. However, he played an important role alongside Nayanthara in the successful supernatural thriller Maya.
Aari was selected once more by N. Krishna for the romantic comedy Maane Thene Paeye, opposite Subhashree Ganguly, but this project was discontinued during production. In 2016, he appeared in the commercial entertainer Unnodu Ka with Maya, which achieved moderate success at the box office. He also headlined the horror-comedy Nagesh Thiraiyarangam opposite Ashna Zaveri. His forthcoming ventures include the science fiction film Ellam Mele Irukkuruvan Pathuppan, a romantic thriller titled Aleka, a mythological drama named Bagavan, and an action thriller called TN-43.[9] Additionally, he played a pivotal role in Nenjuku Needhi, featuring Udhayanidhi Stalin and directed by Arunraja Kamaraj, which is an official remake of the Hindi movie Article 15.[10]
In January 2021, Aari secured victory on the reality TV series Bigg Boss Tamil 4.[11]
His latest releases include Man, co-starring Hansika Motwani, Fourth Floor featuring Deepshika and Pavithra, as well as the sequel to Goli Soda directed by Vijay Milton.
Personal life
Aari hails from Palani, Tamil Nadu. On 18 November 2015, he wed Nathiya, an HR professional based in the UK with Sri Lankan roots. Together, they have two children: a daughter named Riya (born 2016) and a son, Ranatheeran (born 2023).
Apart from acting, Aari is a dedicated bodybuilder and fitness trainer who has guided several actors such as Cheran, Ameer, Sasikumar, Parthiban, Jiiva, and Aadhi Pinisetty.
As an advocate for social causes, Aari actively promotes Tamil heritage, language preservation, and agricultural initiatives. In 2018, he initiated the Tamil Signature campaign to encourage signing official documents using Tamil script. He holds two Guinness World Records: one for the highest number of signatures on a whiteboard and another for planting nearly 30,000 saplings with the participation of 20,000 people across 15 acres in collaboration with Sathyabama University. Additionally, he took part in the 2017 Jallikattu demonstrations held in Chennai. Aari emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4, securing over 21 million votes—the highest tally in the show's history.
Film
| Year | Title | Character | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Alaiyadikkuthu | Brindha's husband | Credited under the name Akhil Kumar |
| 2008 | Aadum Koothu | Muthu | |
| 2010 | Rettaisuzhi | Murthy | |
| 2012 | Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey | Ajay | |
| 2014 | Nedunchaalai | Murugan | |
| 2015 | Dharani | Shekar | |
| Maya | Vasanth / Arjun | ||
| 2016 | Unnodu Ka | Siva | |
| 2017 | Mupparimanam | Himself | Featured in the song "Let's Go Party" |
| 2018 | Nagesh Thiraiyarangam | Nagesh | |
| 2022 | Nenjuku Needhi | Kumaran | |
| 2023 | Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan | Ragu | Premiered directly on Colors Tamil |
| 2024 | Thiru.Manickam | Himself | Cameo role |
| Aleka † | Joseph Vijay | Postponed release | |
| Bagavan † | Template:TBA | Delayed | |
| TN 43 † | Template:TBA | Currently filming | |
| 2025 | Fourth Floor | Template:TBA | In production |
| Ayya: The lion of Tamil Nadu | Ramdoss | Filming underway | |
| Gods & Soldiers | Iris | Filming ongoing |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Channel | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Manadhaal Inaivom Maatrathai Varaverppom - Zee Tamil Brand Film | Himself (Aari) | Zee Tamil | Co-starred with Jyothika, directed by Sudha Kongara; promotional short for Zee Tamil |
| 2019 | Vanakkam Tamizha | Guest appearance | Sun TV | |
| 2020–2021 | Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4 | Contestant | STAR Vijay | Champion of the season |
| 2021 | Bigg Boss Season 4 Kondattam | Guest | Special event celebrating Bigg Boss Season 4 | |
| Bharathi Kannamma & Raja Rani Season 2 Maha Sangamam | Himself | Guest appearance in crossover episodes | ||
| BB Jodigal | Guest | Grand launch event | ||
| 2022 | Namma Vettu Kalyanam | Couple participant alongside Nathiya | Star Vijay Music | |
| 2024 | 'Cheran’s Journey' | S. Pranav | SonyLIV | Web series available for streaming |
| 'Vaa Thamizha Vaa season 3' | Host | Kalaignar TV | Reality debate program[12] | |
| 'Good Wife' | Hari Deepak | JioHotstar | Streaming web series |
Awards
%}External links
| Year | Category | Award | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 'Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4' | 'Title Winner' | Crowned champion of the reality show |
| 2018 | 'FETNA' | 'Guinness World Record' | Achieved for signature campaign organized with FETNA in the United States |
| 2017 | 'Transplanting Seedlings' | 'Guinness World Record' | Planted seedlings alongside 3,000 students from Sathyabhama University |
| 2017 | 'Youth Icon Award' | 'Trikona Awards' | Recognized for inspiring youth and contributions to society |
| 2016 | 'Youth Icon Award' | 'Take Care India' | Affiliated with DR.APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation |
| 2015 | 'Best Actor' | 'V4 Award' | Awarded for performance in Nedunchaalai |
| 2014 | 'Best Actor' | 'Films Fans Association 62nd Annual Award' | Honored for role in Nedunchaalai |
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