1. Jayakanthan, popularly known as JK, was an Indian writer, journalist, orator, filmmaker, critic and activist.
11 Facts About Jayakanthan
1. 2.
Jayakanthan was a recipient of Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, the Soviet Land Nehru Award, and the Russian government's Order of Friendship.
3.
Jayakanthan was born in 1934 into a family of agriculturists in Manjakuppam, a suburb of Cuddalore, a part of the South Arcot District of the erstwhile Madras Presidency.
4.
Jayakanthan dropped himself out of school after completing fifth grade, as he thought studies would hinder his political activism.
5.
Jayakanthan wrote his first short story for a Tamil magazine titled Sowbakiyavathi, which got it published in 1953.
6.
In 1964, Jayakanthan entered films by co-producing and directing a venture titled Unnaipol Oruvan, based on his novel.
7.
In February 2014, Jayakanthan was admitted into a private hospital in Chennai following illness.
8.
Jayakanthan was married to his cousin Gnanambikai, who worked as a primary school teacher.
9.
Jayakanthan became a strong supporter of the CPI ever since joining the party in the 1950s.
10.
Jayakanthan was coaxed to join politics by K Baladhandayutham of the CPI.
11.
Jayakanthan remarked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam as a "fascist" organisation.