# Aari Arujunan

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{{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](/source/Palani), [Dindigul District](/source/Dindigul_District), [Tamil Nadu](/source/Tamil_Nadu), [India](/source/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](/source/Tamil_language) films. He made his lead debut in ''[Rettaisuzhi](/source/Rettaisuzhi)'' (2010) produced by director [Shankar](/source/S._Shankar), before having a breakthrough performance in ''[Nedunchaalai](/source/Nedunchaalai)'' (2014) and starring in the supernatural thriller ''[Maya](/source/Maya_(2015_Tamil_film))''.<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](/source/Bigg_Boss_(Tamil_season_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](/source/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](/source/Alaiyadikkuthu)'' (2005) and was later cast in the role in [T. V. Chandran](/source/T._V._Chandran)'s ''[Aadum Koothu](/source/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](/source/Rettaisuzhi)'' (2010), produced by director [Shankar](/source/S._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](/source/Maalai_Pozhudhin_Mayakathilaey)'' and would star alongside winner of Miss South India 2010, [Shubha Phutela](/source/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](/source/N._Krishna)'s third venture, a romantic road trip film titled ''[Nedunchaalai](/source/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](/source/Dharani_(film))'' 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](/source/Maya_(2015_Tamil_film))'', a supernatural thriller alongside [Nayanthara](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Nagesh_Thiraiyarangam)'' in lead role opposite [Ashna Zaveri](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Nenjuku_Needhi)'' (2022), alongside [Udhayanidhi Stalin](/source/Udhayanidhi_Stalin) directed by [Arunraja Kamaraj](/source/Arunraja_Kamaraj), the official remake of critically acclaimed Hindi film ''[Article 15](/source/Article_15_(film))''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Aari Arjunan in Udhayanidhi's 'Article 15' remake |website=[The Times of India](/source/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](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Good_Wife_(TV_series))''.<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](/source/Fourth_Floor_(film))'' (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](/source/Palani%2C_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](/source/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](/source/Sathyabama_University). In 2017, he actively participated in [Jallikattu](/source/Jallikattu) protests held in Marina beach, Chennai.

==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
|+ Film performances
|- 
! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable" | Notes 
|-
| 2005 || ''[Alaiyadikkuthu](/source/Alaiyadikkuthu)'' || Brindha's husband || rowspan="2" | credited as Akhil Kumar
|-
| 2006 || ''[Aadum Koothu](/source/Aadum_Koothu)'' || Muthu
|-
| 2010 || ''[Rettaisuzhi](/source/Rettaisuzhi)'' || Murthy || 
|-
| 2012 || ''[Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey](/source/Maalai_Pozhudhin_Mayakathilaey)'' || Ajay || 
|-
| 2014 || ''[Nedunchaalai](/source/Nedunchaalai)'' || Murugan ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2015 || ''[Dharani](/source/Dharani_(film))'' || Shekar || 
|-
| ''[Maya](/source/Maya_(2015_Tamil_film))'' || Vasanth / Arjun ||
|-
| 2016 || ''[Unnodu Ka](/source/Unnodu_Ka)'' || Siva || 
|-
| 2017 || ''[Mupparimanam](/source/Mupparimanam)'' || Himself || Special appearance in the song "Let's Go Party" 
|-
| 2018 || ''[Nagesh Thiraiyarangam](/source/Nagesh_Thiraiyarangam)'' || Nagesh || 
|-
| rowspan="1" |2022 ||''[Nenjuku Needhi](/source/Nenjuku_Needhi)'' || Kumaran ||
|-
|2023 || ''[Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan](/source/Ellaam_Mela_Irukuravan_Paathuppan)''|| Ragu || Direct Television premiere on [Colors Tamil](/source/Colors_Tamil)
|-
| rowspan="1"|2024 || ''[Thiru.Manickam](/source/Thiru.Manickam)'' || Himself || Cameo appearance
|-
| rowspan="1"|2026 ||''[Fourth Floor](/source/Fourth_Floor_(film))'' || 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](/source/Zee_Tamil)
|Co-starring [Jyothika](/source/Jyothika), directed By [Sudha Kongara](/source/Sudha_Kongara) Brand Shorts For [Zee Tamil](/source/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](/source/Sun_TV_(India))
|
|-
| 2020–2021|| '' [Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4](/source/Bigg_Boss_(Tamil_season_4))''|| Contestant || rowspan="4" | [STAR Vijay](/source/Star_Vijay) ||Winner
|-
| rowspan="3" |2021
|''Bigg Boss Season 4 Kondattam''
|Guest
|Celebration of Bigg Boss Season 4
|-
|''[Bharathi Kannamma](/source/Bharathi_Kannamma_(2019_TV_series))''  ''&'' ''[Raja Rani Season 2](/source/Raja_Rani_(Tamil_TV_series)) Maha Sangamam''
|Himself
|Special Appearance
|-
|''BB Jodigal''
| rowspan="2" |Guest 
|Grand Launch
|-
|2022
|''Namma Vettu Kalyanam''
|[STAR Vijay Music](/source/Star_Vijay_Music)
|Couple Show;
Along With Nathiya 
|-
|2024
|''[Cheran’s Journey](/source/Cheran%E2%80%99s_Journey)'' 
|S. Pranav
|[SonyLIV](/source/SonyLIV) 
|streaming web series
|-
|2024–present
|''[Vaa Thamizha Vaa season 3](/source/Vaa_Thamizha_Vaa)'' 
|Host
|[Kalaignar TV](/source/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](/source/Good_Wife_(TV_series))''
|Hari Deepak 
|[JioHotstar](/source/JioHotstar)
|Streaming web series
|}

==Awards==
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
|-
! Year !! Cateogary !! Awards !! Notes
|-
|2021
| ''[Bigg Boss Tamil 4](/source/Bigg_Boss_(Tamil_season_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](/source/Mugen_Rao)|
  title= [Bigg Boss Tamil](/source/Bigg_Boss_Tamil) Winner |
  years= (Series 4) 2020-2021 |
  after= [Raju Jeyamohan](/source/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

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Aari Arujunan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aari_Arujunan) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aari_Arujunan?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.