Thambi Ramaiah

 ( Living People ) 

He made a breakthrough as an actor portraying a friendly cop in Prabhu Solomon's romantic film Mynaa (2010) and won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. He subsequently won positive reviews for his performances in films including Saattai, Kumki (2012) and Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam (2014). At the peak of his career in 2013–2014, he worked for up to four films a day, while being on locations for close to 25 days a month. He also served as his own manager and often was in charge of his own make-up and costumes in films.

In 2014, he announced plans to introduce his son, Umapathy Ramaiah, as an actor. His son later made his debut in Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay (2016). He made his comeback as a director after a gap debut after a 10-year hiatus with the film, Maniyaar Kudumbam (2018), starring his son Umapathy in the lead role. He also marks the debut of Thambi Ramaiah as a music director. In 2021, Samuthirakani's Vinodhaya Sitham marks his return to the filmmaker's chair that also reunites him with his costar Thambi Ramaiah. Rajakili (2024), which marks the directorial debut of Umapathy, also has Thambi Ramaiah as a music composer. The latter has also written the story, lyrics, and dialogue.