Actor Ramki, born Ramakrishnan, who rose to fame in Tamil cinema in the late 1980s, remains fondly remembered by fans. He made his acting debut in 1987 with Robert-Rajasekhar’s film Chinna Poove Mella Pesu.
He went on to star in several successful films, including Senthoora Poove (1988), Maruthu Pandi (1990), Inaindha Kaigal (1990), Athma (1993), Vanaja Girija (1994) and Karuppu Roja (1996). In addition to Tamil cinema, Ramki also acted in several Telugu films. At one time, he was considered the quintessential romantic hero and a heartthrob for many women.
After a successful run, he stepped away from films around 2004. However, he made a return to the screen in 2013, appearing in supporting roles in films like Masani and Biryani. More recently, he played a key role in the 2024 black comedy Lucky Baskhar, which was well-received by audiences.
Now, a lesser-known aspect of Ramki’s life has come to light: his roots. Ramki hails from Sankarnatham village near the town of Sattur in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. His family was once the wealthiest in the area. His father, originally a police officer, went on to serve as the Panchayat President after retirement.
Ramki came from a well-educated family, but unlike his siblings, he showed little interest in academics. He once shared that his father disowned him, believing he was a failure. However, Ramki had always been passionate about cinema.
Driven by his dreams, he left home to pursue acting and returned only after establishing himself as a leading actor, staying away for nearly seven years. Among his six siblings, his sisters are doctors and one of his brothers lives abroad.
His family once owned a sprawling stone mansion and more than 100 acres of land in the village. Today, that mansion lies in ruins, and locals say the land has all been sold off. The family is now believed to have settled in cities like Madurai, Chennai, and abroad.
A few years ago, Ramki visited his native village with his wife, actress Nirosha, and was warmly welcomed by the villagers. However, the family no longer resides there.
Despite past struggles and changes in fortune, Ramki is once again thriving in the film industry, receiving admiration from a new generation of fans in his second innings.