Iconic actor Raghuvaran's name will draw an instant smile among fans as he continues to be remembered as one of the most prolific performers in the history of Tamil cinema. Known for playing the antagonist in a number of box office hits during the course of his career, he shared screen space with several big names in Tamil cinema, with his most memorable on-screen foe being none other than 'Superstar' Rajinikanth. The duo had appeared together in blockbusters like Mr. Bharath (1986), Oorkavalan (1987), Manithan (1987), Raja Chinna Roja (1989), Baashha (1995), Muthu (1995), Arunachalam (1997), and Sivaji: The Boss (2007). Although the Raghuvaran and Rajinikanth big-screen rivalry was a major USP of their films during the 1990s, the two stars were also good friends, which the late actor's brother Ramesh recently revealed in an exclusive interview with Galatta.
Recalling Rajinikanth's reaction to the news of Raghuvaran's death in 2008, the late actor's brother revealed that he heard about how Tamil cinema's 'Superstar' had stopped the shooting for nearly 15 minutes as a mark of respect. He further stated, "On one occasion, while he was having lunch, Rajini sir wanted to sit and talk with Raghuvaran. They both would chat casually and eat. In fact, when Rajini sir was at the pinnacle of his stardom at the time, he would ask Raghuvaran what to do next. My brother told him, 'Sir, you quit all this fighting in your films. You go and act as a peacemaker by stopping all the fights that take place outside on the streets. This will take you to the next level.' Rajini sir would then laugh in his trademark style."
The Rajinikanth-Raghuvaran on-screen chemistry continues to remain unmatched to date, with their rivalry on the big screen in films like Baashha and Arunachalam still fondly remembered. His performance, especially in Baashha as the menacing Mark Antony, remains one of the most powerful roles as fans still reminisce several memorable scenes featuring the late actor. Watch Raghuvraran's brother talk about the late actor and Rajinikanth in the video below:
