Ms. K.Thevarani created local history by being the first Malaysian Indian Woman to produce and direct a Tamil T.V. drama. Her debut TV production “Orru Vidiyalai Noki" was an overnight success and turned her into a star Director in 1991.
Born in Kuala Kubu Baru in a family of five, her interest in acting and dancing began when she was very young. She used to dance, sing and perform in school dramas, much to the disdain of her father. Yet, she pursued her interest by taking up Bharatanatyam classes offered in temples in her hometown. Upon completion of her studies and holding a Diploma in Secretarial Studies, she pursued a career as a Secretary in a Japanese Company in Bangi for 15 years. It was during this time that she embarked on her most sought after interest - singing. Hoping to be a singing star, she recorded a song entitled “Ooru Sanam Thungidichu" in a cassette and sent it to RTM. But the producer turned it down saying she will never make it in the singing industry, as she lacked proficiency in the Tamil language.
Though rejected, she never gave up trying and looked upon it as a challenge. It was her sister, Parameswary, an avid listener of radio dramas who advised her to try her luck into acting. Lady luck was smiling when she contacted RTM's radio drama producer Chandrasuria and was immediately offered a small role in RTM's drama serial. It was a proud moment in her life as her entire family sat engrossed at the radio.
Next, offers came her way and soon she began acting in several stage dramas. After numerous dramas, the big break to act in TV dramas came in the form of R.S. Ananthan's "Vasugi Nee Vazhga”. Equipped with the experience and confidence, she went on to act in 10 more dramas, each more challenging than the other.
Her efforts were well rewarded when she won many for her acting talents, namely the Best Actress Award in the GAMMA award function held in 1989. Since 1991, she has produced and directed about 24 TV programmes which include dramas, musical dramas, telemovies, documentary and magazine programs. Her recent contribution was a 13 episode magazine series called “Paavayar Poongga 2" in 2009.
The other awards that she has received are as follows: Best Actress (1992) by Indian Movie News, Singapore: Best Women Celebrity (1193) by Surian monthly magazine; recognition award (1997) by GAMMA; Best Women Achievement Award (1997) by International Tamil Association India; Best Women Achiever Award (2001) by Indian Artistes Association Malaysia; Best Director (2007) by Punnagai Malargal; Creative Women Director (2008) by Tamil Writers Association; Best Director (2009) by Macro Pic International Tamil Film Award. Besides these awards, Thevarani was also bestowed with the titles of Kalai Semmal (1198) by VGP Santhosam, Golden Beach, India and the Honorary Kalaimamani title in 2009 by the Tamil Association of Penang as a director, producer, script writer, and actress.
Today, Thevarani's name stands out in the world of local dramas once dominated by men. It is her boldness and strength to overcome gossips and accept constructive criticisms that made her excel. She had certainly proved that she is a rose among the thorns in local Tamil Drama productions.