Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass

Born on 5th June 1914, Tanhaji N. Ramaiah Dass was an Indian poet and scriptwriter who worked mainly in Tamil language films. He was born in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. He started his career as a primary school teacher in Thanjavur. While working as a teacher, his interest in stage plays increased, and he joined a drama group Sudharsana Ghana Sabha. Later, he formed his drama group Jayalakshmi Ghana Sabha. He produced plays like Macharegai, Dhuruvan, Jambhar, Alli Arjuna, etc. He also worked as a scriptwriter for feature films. He got his film break when T. R. Mahalingam watched one of his plays and offered to produce a film based on the play.

Another version of this bio...

Thanjai N Ramaiah Das was a Tamil poet and scriptwriter who has contributed song lyrics for many films. He was born on the 5th of June, 1914, in Manampoochavadi in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. After completing his teaching course, he became a teacher and participated in theatre as a writer. As a writer, he was part of the drama troupe, Sudharsana Ghana Sabha of Jagannatha Naidu. Then he created his drama troupe, Jayalaksmi Ghana Sabha, and produced plays like Macharegai, Vidhiyin Pokku, Alli Arjuna, Pavalakodi, and Pahadai Pannirendu.

He came to Chennai after T.R Mahalingam once saw one of his plays and directed a film based on it with the same title. The movie failed but gave way for Thanjai N Ramaiah Das to enter the film industry. He was a famous writer working for Vijaya Productions. He became a famous lyricist and his songs in films like Mayabazaar and Missiamma became hit songs. Ramaiah Das also wrote a book titled Thirukural Isai Amudham in 1962. He also had a stint as a producer with the film Rani Lalithangi. He passed away on the 16th of January, 1965.