Rio Raj is an Indian actor and video jockey, who has appeared in Tamil language films and television. Often working on shows by network Star Vijay, and Sun Music.[1] He was listed by the Chennai Times as the ninth most "Desirable Man on Television 2020“.[2] before moving to work in Tamil cinema.[3][4]

Rio Raj
Born (1989-02-17) 17 February 1989 (age 35)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • television host
  • Sun Music Video Jockey
Years active2011–present

Career

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Rio Raj started his career as an actor in Star Vijay's 2013 television drama Kana Kaanum Kalangal Kalloori Saalai, a spin-off of its Kana Kaanum Kaalangal series. He later moved to work with Sun Music as a video jockey, hosting day-time shows such as Kaloorikalam, Suda Suda Chennai, and Free Ah Vidu among others. He later returned to Star Vijay by portraying the lead role in the third season of the drama, Saravanan Meenatchi between 2016 and 2018.[3]

Following a supporting role in Sathriyan (2017), Raj appeared in his first lead role in a feature film through the comedy drama, Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Raja (2019), produced by actor Sivakarthikeyan.[5] The film opened to mixed reviews, with a critic noting he makes a "decent debut".[6][7][8] His next film Plan Panni Pannanum, another comedy drama, was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.[9] In October 2020, he participated in Bigg Boss (Tamil season 4).[10] He was listed by the Chennai Times as the ninth most "Desirable Man on Television 2020“.[11]

Filmography

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Film

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Film performances
Year Title Role Ref.
2017 Sathriyan Guna's friend
2019 Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Raja Shiva
2021 Plan Panni Pannanum Sembi [12]
2023 Broken Script Thambi Durai
Joe Joe [13]
Television stint
Year Title Role Network Notes Ref.
2011–2012 Kana Kaanum Kaalangal – Kaloori Saalai Pazhani Star Vijay
2016–2018 Saravanan Meenatchi (Season 3) Saravanan Lead Role
2016–2018 Jodi Number One Contestant 3rd Runner-Up
2017–2019 Ready Steady Po Season 1 & 2 Host [citation needed]
2017–2018 Wife Kaila Life
2018 Jodi Number One Fun Unlimited
Bigg Boss Season 2 Kondattam Special Show
2019 Bigg Boss Tamil Season 3 Guest [citation needed]
2019–2020 Dancing Super Stars Host [citation needed]
2020 90s Kids vs 2k Kids Special Show [citation needed]
2020–2021 Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4 Contestant 2nd Runner-Up [14]
2021 Varutha Padatha Valibar Sangam Host Star Vijay Special Show for 6th Annual Vijay Television Awards [15]
Ready Steady Po Reloaded Special Show

References

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  1. ^ "Rio Raj confirms being part of Bigg Boss Tamil?". The Times of India. 3 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Chennai Times 20 Most Desirable Men on Television 2020". TimesofIndia.com. 26 May 2021.
  3. ^ a b "After 7 years Saravanan Meenatchi coming to an end". The Times of India. 18 August 2018.
  4. ^ Raj, Rio (29 October 2018). ""Decide what NOT to do" – says Actor RIO RAJ | AGNI 2018". guindytimes.com (Interview). Interviewed by Akshara Viswanathan.
  5. ^ "I am forever grateful to Sivakarthikeyan anna: Rio Raj". The Times of India.
  6. ^ Kumar, Pradeep (14 June 2019). "'Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Raja' review: A lesson in shooting blanks". The Hindu.
  7. ^ "Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Raja review: An average comedy entertainer". Sify. Archived from the original on 15 June 2019.
  8. ^ "Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Raja (aka) Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Rajaa review". Behindwoods. 14 June 2019.
  9. ^ "Rio Raj's film with Badri titled Plan Panni Pannanum". Cinema Express. 12 January 2020.
  10. ^ "Rio Raj confirms being part of Bigg Boss Tamil?". The Times of India. 3 October 2020.
  11. ^ "Chennai Times 20 Most Desirable Men on Television 2020". TimesofIndia.com. 26 May 2021.
  12. ^ "Plan Panni Pannanum trailer is here". The Times of India. 11 March 2020.
  13. ^ "Rio Raj's film titled 'Joe'". Timesofindia.com. 13 January 2023.
  14. ^ "Bigg Boss Tamil 4 second runner-up Rio Raj thanks fans for love and support". The Times of India. 22 January 2021.
  15. ^ Vijay Television Awards | Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam | 4th April 2021 - Promo 1, retrieved 7 November 2021