Lekha Productions celebrates Silver Jubilee

There is a challenging story behind every man's successful career. These stories become important lessons to every young man who fights against the current social setup to achieve something worthwhile in life.

Lekha Rathnakumar, one of multi faceted personalities in the Tamil film industry is just an example for this.

He started his Lekha Productions as a small venture in the early eighties with an investment of Rs.50 which was also given by his close friend Shankar. Now years later it has become a pioneer in producing ad films, production music and telefilm making. In its silver jubilee year, the company has entered in to the silver screen also by producing a grand love thriller.

Lekha Rathnakumar, the man behind all these achievements says:

"I was born into a rich family in Virudhunagar town. My father is a businessman and well known person in the area. At the age of 12, I had been good with my printing knowledge. Mimicry is one of my favourite arts. I have spoken like Sivaji and MGR even in their presence, and earned their appreciation. Everything was going smoothly, but one day I was forced to come out of my rich family and struggle for my life in the broad streets of Tamil Nadu. At that time I was married and even had children also. Everything had happened just because of some misunderstandings with my father.

A good friend of mine, Shankar gave me 50 Rupees at that critical position and with that money I came to Coimbatore and spent the initial days in the platforms of that cold city. An Agarbathi advertisement banner erected near RS Puram gave me some new idea and also the first break.

One day I met the owner of the Agarbathi after a long wait. He liked my approach and was convinced with my ideas and gave me an order for making 3 lakhs labels. That was my successful business. After that I got many such orders and slowly started settling in life. Meanwhile my rifts with the family also disappeared but I wanted to succeed in my own challenge. So I came to Chennai and started making ads and television serials.

I directed writer Rajesh Kumar's Iruttil Oru Vanambadi for Doodharshan. It was big success in those days and I continued to direct serials for Doodharshan..."

Though he succeeded in making Telefilm through his Lekha Productions, he became popular with the consumer friendly ad film for Idhayam Nallennai, 'Ithu Pombalainga samacharam...'

"I have observed some ethics throughout my career. Though many have approached me to make ad films for their oil brands, I never accepted those offers and I am firm on my policy to stick with a single brand. Popular actresses Chitra (Nallennai Chitra), Jyothika, Sneha and others have appeared in my ads and became more popular..."

Lekha, who once started his life with just a 50 rupees note given by his friend is now doing business with the Germany based Sonoton Music. He has clients in Hollywood too. His maiden venture in the big screen will be launched soon. And he is the first in India to have introduced the production music (Pre - tuned scores for films).

No doubt, the whole episode of Lekha's career spanning 25 years is a meaningful lesson to all the upcoming youngsters in the Tamil film industry.