Veera Santhanam was an Indian painter, activist, and actor. Career He graduated from Kumbakonam Arts College and his paintings are inspired by murals and everyday life in Chennai. As an activist, he supported Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism during the civil war in the country. He also acted in several films including the Tamil film Kaththi (2014). He played the lead role in Gnanaserukku (2020) won several international awards in world film festival, directed by the independent filmmaker Dharani Rajendran. He won Best Actor award at Five Continents International Film Festival, Venezuela. Notable artworks Mullivaikal Muttram Filmography All films are in Tamil. Death He died on 13 July 2017 at age 71. He died four days after dubbing for his role in Gnanaserukku, which is yet to be release. References External links 2017 deaths Indian painters Indian activists Indian male film actors Tamil male actors Male actors from Tamil Nadu 21st-century Indian male actors Male actors in Tamil cinema