{{Short description|Indian actor}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2016}} {{Infobox person | name = Aari Arujunan | image = Actor Aari Arujunan at an NGO event (cropped).jpg | caption = Aari Arujunan at an NGO event | birth_place = Palani, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India | birth_date = <!---Must be attributed to a reliable source, see WP:BLPPRIVACY---> | occupation = Actor, fitness coach | years_active = 2005–present | spouse = {{Marriage|Nathiya|2015}} | children = 2 }}
'''Aari Arujunan''' is an Indian actor who has appeared in Tamil language films. He made his lead debut in ''Rettaisuzhi'' (2010) produced by director Shankar, before having a breakthrough performance in ''Nedunchaalai'' (2014) and starring in the supernatural thriller ''Maya''.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Aari Arujunan|url=https://www.moviebuff.com/aari-arujunan |work=moviebuff}}</ref> In 2021, he emerged as the winner of the reality television show ''Bigg Boss 4''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bigg Boss Tamil 4 winner Aari Arjuna: From being a Guinness record holder to the most nominated contestant in the BB house, all you need to know about the actor |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/bigg-boss-tamil-4-winner-aari-arjuna-from-being-a-guinness-record-holder-to-the-most-nominated-contestant-in-the-bb-house-all-you-need-to-about-the-actor/photostory/80324593.cms |access-date=2021-01-18 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
==Career==
Aari, before entering films, had background in theatre featuring in productions by Magic Lantern, Theatre Nisha and Inland Theatres.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2011/01/02/stories/2011010250100400.htm|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110426042247/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2011/01/02/stories/2011010250100400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-04-26|work=The Hindu|date=2011-01-02|title=Challenging roles}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article584202.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426185010/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article584202.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 April 2015|title=Aari's acting dreams|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> He appeared in a minor role in ''Alaiyadikkuthu'' (2005) and was later cast in the role in T. V. Chandran's ''Aadum Koothu'' (2006).<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/taking-to-the-highway/article5931847.ece|title=Taking to the highway|work=The Hindu|date=20 April 2014 }}</ref>
Aari made his lead debut in ''Rettaisuzhi'' (2010), produced by director Shankar.<ref>{{Cite news |title=On the highway of fame|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/on-the-highway-of-fame/article5928995.ece |access-date=2016-05-21 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> In October 2011, it was announced that Aari would feature in ''Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey'' and would star alongside winner of Miss South India 2010, Shubha Phutela. Aari mentioned that it was "really challenging to play an ordinary guy", as he had to consciously keep his emotions to a minimum at all times.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Playing-a-simple-person-the-toughest-job-Aari/articleshow/12044267.cms|title=Playing a simple person the toughest job: Aari|work=The Times of India|date=15 January 2017 }}</ref> Aari portrayed the lead role in N. Krishna's third venture, a romantic road trip film titled ''Nedunchaalai'' (2014), a period film set in the 1980, which took two years to complete.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-actors/aari/aari-interview.html|title=Aari Interview|publisher=}}</ref>The film opened to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/nedunchalai-review-tamil-15052114.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328222746/http://www.sify.com/movies/nedunchalai-review-tamil-15052114.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-03-28|title=Review : Nedunchalai|work=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/nedunchalai-road-rage/article5848263.ece|title=Nedunchalai: Road rage|author=Baradwaj Rangan|work=The Hindu|date=29 March 2014 }}</ref> His following venture, the comedy ''Kadai Enn 6'', remains unreleased.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Variety-Seeker-Aari-Gets-Laughter-Break/2014/10/08/article2466927.ece1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015022236/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Variety-Seeker-Aari-Gets-Laughter-Break/2014/10/08/article2466927.ece1|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 October 2014|title=Variety-Seeker Aari Gets Laughter Break|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title='Kadai Enn 6' about the mindset of Chennai youngsters |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kadai-enn-6-about-the-mindset-of-chennai-youngsters/articleshow/40369414.cms |access-date=2017-01-16 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Another venture ''Dharani'' directed by newcomer Guhan Sambandham, released in 2015, which did not perform well.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dharani |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/dharani/movie-review/46069674.cms |access-date=2015-01-30 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> In the same year, he played a pivotal role in ''Maya'', a supernatural thriller alongside Nayanthara.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nayanthara's love for horror films helped director Ashwin Saravanan make 'Maya' |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-nayanthara-s-love-for-horror-films-helped-director-ashwin-saravanan-make-maya-2125978 |access-date=2015-09-17 |work=DNA india}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Review: Maya is a truly haunting experience |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-maya-is-a-truly-haunting-experience/20150918.htm |access-date=2015-09-18 |work=Rediff}}</ref> It was a huge success at the box office and was critically acclaimed.<ref>{{Cite news |title=CHENNAI BOX OFFICE |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/maya/maya-box-office-nov-01.html |access-date=2015-11-01 |work=Behindwoods}}</ref> In 2016, he was seen in ''Unnodu Ka'', which performed average reviews.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Unnodu Ka |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/unnodu-ka/movie-review/52280036.cms |access-date=2016-05-13 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Later, he was cast in horror comedy ''Nagesh Thiraiyarangam'' in lead role opposite Ashna Zaveri.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nagesh Thiraiarangam Review: A horror film indeed |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/tamil/2018/Feb/16/nagesh-thiraiarangam-review-a-horror-film-indeed-4579.html |access-date=2018-02-16 |work=Cinema Express}}</ref>
In January 2021, he emerged as the title winner in the reality show ''Bigg Boss Tamil 4''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=admin|title=Everything about Aari Arjuna Big Boss 4 - CelebWoods.com|url=https://www.celebwoods.com/big-boss-aari-arjuna-family-biography/|access-date=2021-03-02|language=en}}</ref>
He has played a significant role in ''Nenjuku Needhi'' (2022), alongside Udhayanidhi Stalin directed by Arunraja Kamaraj, the official remake of critically acclaimed Hindi film ''Article 15''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Aari Arjunan in Udhayanidhi's 'Article 15' remake |website=The Times of India |date=28 April 2021 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aari-arjunan-in-udhayanidhis-article-15-remake/articleshow/82286838.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428085349/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aari-arjunan-in-udhayanidhis-article-15-remake/articleshow/82286838.cms |archive-date=28 April 2021}}</ref> His next venture was the science fiction film ''Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan'' (2023).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bigg Boss Tamil 5 title winner Aari Arujunan’s ‘Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan’ set for its direct Television premiere |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/bigg-boss-tamil-5-title-winner-aari-arujunans-ellaam-mela-irukuravan-paathuppan-set-for-its-direct-digital-premiere/articleshow/98859889.cms |access-date=2023-03-21 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
Aari Arjunan seen as the host in the reality show ''Vaa Thamizha Vaa''.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Vaa Thamizha Vaa season 3' to premiere soon; Aari Arjunan to be seen as the host|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/vaa-thamizha-vaa-season-3-to-premiere-soon-aari-arjunan-to-be-seen-as-the-host/articleshow/109105880.cms |access-date=2024-04-07 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> He has played in the legal drama series ''Good Wife''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Good Wife Series Review: An entertaining legal drama that deserves more breathing room|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2025/Jul/06/good-wife-series-review-an-entertaining-legal-drama-that-deserves-more-breathing-room |access-date=2025-07-06 |work=Cinema Express}}</ref> Aari Arjunan plays the protagonist in the psychological thriller, ''Fourth Floor'' (2026).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Aari Arujunan's horror film Fourth Floor gets a release date|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Feb/01/aari-arujunans-horror-film-fourth-floor-gets-a-release-date |access-date=2026-02-01 |work=Cinema Express}}</ref>
==Personal life== Aari was born in Palani, Tamil Nadu. He married Nathiya, a UK-based HR professional of Sri Lankan origin, on 18 November 2015 and the couple has two children; a girl named Riya (b. 2016) and a son, Ranatheeran (b. 2023).
He was a fitness coach before becoming actor.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bigg Boss Tamil 4 contestant Aari Arjuna: From fitness to philanthropy, everything you need to know about this celebrity fitness trainer-turned-actor|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/bigg-boss-tamil-4-contestant-aari-arjuna-from-fitness-to-philanthropy-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-celebrity-fitness-trainer-turned-actor/articleshow/78473212.cms|work=The Times of India|date=2020-10-04|access-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>
As a social activist, he has supported Tamil culture, language and agriculture. In 2018, he started a '{{Lang|ta|தமிழ் கையொப்பம்}}' (Tamil Signature) movement where he wanted all the Tamil people to sign documents in Tamil script. He holds the ''Guinness Book of World Records'' for most signatures on a whiteboard. He also holds the ''Guinness World Record'' for planting approximately 30,000 seedlings with 20,000 participants, in a 15-acre land, in collaboration with Sathyabama University. In 2017, he actively participated in Jallikattu protests held in Marina beach, Chennai.
==Filmography== ===Film=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Film performances |- ! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 2005 || ''Alaiyadikkuthu'' || Brindha's husband || rowspan="2" | credited as Akhil Kumar |- | 2006 || ''Aadum Koothu'' || Muthu |- | 2010 || ''Rettaisuzhi'' || Murthy || |- | 2012 || ''Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey'' || Ajay || |- | 2014 || ''Nedunchaalai'' || Murugan || |- | rowspan="2" | 2015 || ''Dharani'' || Shekar || |- | ''Maya'' || Vasanth / Arjun || |- | 2016 || ''Unnodu Ka'' || Siva || |- | 2017 || ''Mupparimanam'' || Himself || Special appearance in the song "Let's Go Party" |- | 2018 || ''Nagesh Thiraiyarangam'' || Nagesh || |- | rowspan="1" |2022 ||''Nenjuku Needhi'' || Kumaran || |- |2023 || ''Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan''|| Ragu || Direct Television premiere on Colors Tamil |- | rowspan="1"|2024 || ''Thiru.Manickam'' || Himself || Cameo appearance |- | rowspan="1"|2026 ||''Fourth Floor'' || Dheeran || |}
=== Television === {| class="wikitable" |+ Television performances |- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;" ! Year !! Title !! Role !! Channel !! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2017 |''Manadhaal Inaivom Maatrathai Varaverppom - Zee Tamil Brand Film'' |Aari As Himself |Zee Tamil |Co-starring Jyothika, directed By Sudha Kongara Brand Shorts For Zee Tamil<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/jyotika-is-zee-tamil-brand-ambassador/articleshow/61101251.cms Jyotika is Zee Tamil brand ambassador]. Times of India (16 October 2017). Retrieved on 14 August 2018.</ref><ref>[https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/actor-jyothika-to-endorse-zee-tamil/61100497 Actor Jyothika to endorse Zee Tamil, Marketing & Advertising News, ET BrandEquity]. Brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com (16 October 2017). Retrieved on 14 August 2018.</ref> |- |2019 |''Vanakkam Tamizha'' |Guest |Sun TV | |- | 2020–2021|| '' Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4''|| Contestant || rowspan="4" | STAR Vijay ||Winner |- | rowspan="3" |2021 |''Bigg Boss Season 4 Kondattam'' |Guest |Celebration of Bigg Boss Season 4 |- |''Bharathi Kannamma'' ''&'' ''Raja Rani Season 2 Maha Sangamam'' |Himself |Special Appearance |- |''BB Jodigal'' | rowspan="2" |Guest |Grand Launch |- |2022 |''Namma Vettu Kalyanam'' |STAR Vijay Music |Couple Show; Along With Nathiya |- |2024 |''Cheran’s Journey'' |S. Pranav |SonyLIV |streaming web series |- |2024–present |''Vaa Thamizha Vaa season 3'' |Host |Kalaignar TV |Reality debate show<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-07 |title='Vaa Thamizha Vaa season 3' to premiere soon; Aari Arjunan to be seen as the host |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/vaa-thamizha-vaa-season-3-to-premiere-soon-aari-arjunan-to-be-seen-as-the-host/articleshow/109105880.cms |access-date=2024-11-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |- |2025 |''Good Wife'' |Hari Deepak |JioHotstar |Streaming web series |}
==Awards== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year !! Cateogary !! Awards !! Notes |- |2021 | ''Bigg Boss Tamil 4'' |Title Winner | He became the ''Title winner'' of the Reality Show <ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-24|title=From Aari Arjuna getting movie offers to Velmurugan being honored by Tamil Nadu government: Here's how Bigg Boss Tamil 4 contestants are riding on their popularity|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/from-aari-arjuna-getting-movie-offers-to-velmurugan-being-honored-by-tamil-nadu-government-heres-how-bigg-boss-tamil-4-contestants-are-riding-on-their-popularity/photostory/80420441.cms|access-date=2022-01-20|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> |- |2018 || '' FETNA'' || Guinness World Record || His Signature Campaign along with FETNA in America |- |2017 || ''Transplanting Seedlings'' || Guinness World Record || Transplanting Seedlings with 3000 students from Sathyabhama University |- |2017 || ''Youth Icon Award'' || Trikona Awards || For exemplary work for the betterment of society and motivating Youth |- |2016 || ''Youth Icon Award'' || Take Care India || Association with DR.APJ - Abdul Kalam International Foundation |- |2015 || ''Best Actor'' || V4 Award || Film Nedunchaalai |- |2014 || ''Best Actor'' || Films Fans Association 62nd Annual Award || Film - Nedunchaalai |- |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{IMDb name|12100203}}
{{s-start}} {{succession box | before= Mugen Rao| title= Bigg Boss Tamil Winner | years= (Series 4) 2020-2021 | after= Raju Jeyamohan }} {{s-end}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Aari Arujunan}} Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:Living people Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema Category:1986 births Category:People from Dindigul district Category:Bigg Boss (Tamil TV series) winners