September 13, 2024

J. Mahendran Biography, Age, Death, Wife, Children, Family, Caste, Wiki & More

Updated On : April 2, 2019

Short Biography

J. Mahendran was born on 25-07-1939 in Ilaiyangudi, Sivaganga in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. He was an Indian Film Director, Screenwriter, Playwright, Dramatist, Dialogue Writer, Editor & Film Actor who was well-known for his work in Tamil cinema.

Other Name: Director Mahendran, Mahendran J, J. Alexander, Joseph Alexander, Joseph Mahendran
Other Professions: Screenwriter Playwright Dramatist Dialogue Writer Editor Film Actor
Appearance: Tamil

J. Mahendran Complete Bio & Career

J. Mahendran’s actual name is  J. Alexander. He did his school level education from his village, Ilaiyangudi. For graduation, he enrolled at AlagappaGovernment Arts College, Ilaiyangudi. From his college days, he was interested in making a career in the film industry and therefore got associated with theatre. During one of a function in his college, MGR was the chief guest and he openly criticised for the content that is shown in his films. MGR himself applauded his speech and advised him that he can be a film critic one day. After completion of his studies, he enrolled at a law college. However, due to financial conditions of his family, he had to quit studies and started a job at a periodical named Inamuzhakkam as a journalist.
 
During this time, he once got the opportunity to meet MGR who immediately gave him the work and asked him to pen down the screenplay of his film Ponniyin Selvan. Unfortunately for Mahendran, the project got delayed and MGR again gave him a job to write a story on his drama troupe. He penned it down and gave it the title Anaadhaigal. MGR immediately decided to make a film through his script and a film titled Vaazhve Vaa went on floors. Again this movie got shelved but MGR made it clear that he will rescue him and will not let his efforts and talent go in vain. He asked director A. Kasilingam director of his film Kaanchi Thalaivan to make him his assistant.
 
He finally made his debut as a writer through the superhit film Naam Moovar in the year 1966. After the success of his film, many producers and directors started approaching him. After writing stories for more than 10 years, he decided it was time that he himself start directing films. He made his directorial debut with the Tamil film titled Mullum Malarum in the year 1978. He directed around 10 films in his career. 
 
In addition to writing and directing, he also tried his hands at acting and made his acting debut at the age of 65 through Tamil film, Kamaraj in 2004. He acted in 8 films in his career and was last seen in R. Kannan’s Tamil action film titled Boomerang which released in March 2019.  

J. Mahendran Popular Videos

Health Issues, Illness and Death Info

He died on 02-04-2019 in Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India at the age of 79.

DEATHDAY 2 April,2019 (Tuesday)
DEATH PLACE Chennai, Tamil Nadu
DEATH COUNTRY India

J. Mahendran Family, Relatives and Other Relations

He was born to late Joseph Chelliah and Manonmani. He has a son named John Mahendran who is also a film director.

Life's Important Dates Of J. Mahendran

Body Measurements

Skin Colour Dark
Eye Colour Black
Hair Colour Bla (Half Bald)

Personal Info

Home Town Ilaiyangudi
Nationality Indian
Religion Christian
Address Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
School N/A
College American College, Madurai
AlagappaGovernment Arts College, Ilaiyangudi
Qualification Graduate
Hobbies Traveling
Marital Status Married
Debut As a Story Writer - Naam Moovar (1996)
Director - Mullum Malarum (1978)
Actor - Kamaraj (2004)
Best Movies Naam Moovar (1966), Avalukku Aayiram Kangal (1975), Mullum Malarum (1978), and Theri (2016) among others
Salary N/A
Net Worth N/A
Official Website N/A

Favourites

Favorite Actor M. G. Ramachandran , Sivaji Ganesan
Favorite Film Director Atlee

Shocking / Interesting Facts & Secrets About J. Mahendran

  • His actual name is Joseph Alexander.
  • His father Joseph Chelliah, was a school teacher.
  • It was MGR who gave him a much needed break.
  • He has scripted 26 films in his 5-decade long career.
  • His last film Boomerang released just 1 month before his death.

J. Mahendran Age, Birthday Facts and Birthday Countdown

J. Mahendran was 79 years 8 months & 8 days old age.