P. U. Chinnappa

Pudukkottai Ulaganathan Pillai Chinnappa (5 May 1916 – 23 September 1951) was an Indian singer and film actor during the 30s era from Pudukottai, India. He is also credited as one of the first major influential actors of South Cinema. His notable movies include Uthama Puthiran, Aryamala, Kannagi, Manonmani, Kubera Kuchela and Jagathalapratapan. He attained the superstar status in his career, but it didn't last long because of his sudden demise. Early life P. U. Chinnappa was born to Ulaganathapillai and Meenakshi Ammal on 5 May 1916. He had two sisters. His father was a stage artist and hence he made his way easily into stage acting. Chinnappa had completed his education only till 4th grade, he was not much involved in academics, he was rather interested in acting. As a kid too he acted in several stage shows. Chinnappa's acting as a thief in Sadaram stage play as a kid won applause from audiences. Not just acting, Chinnappa was interested in wrestling and Silambam too. Since his family was poor, at the age of 5 he went to rope production work for 5 rupees per month. However, he didn't work there for a long time. By seeing his son's interest in acting, his father decided to pursue a career in acting for him. At the age of 8, Chinnappa joined in Meenalokshani Vidvabala Sabha (Under Sankaradnas Swamy, this sabha was run by Palaniyapillai). At that time T.K.S brothers were acting under this company and were very famous at that time. Chinnappa didn't last long there too, as he was not given significant roles. At that time Madurai Original Boys company were conducting stage play in Pudukkotai, Chinnappa was recruited for a salary of Rs.15 with a 3-year contract.