R. Parthiban is an Indian actor, film producer, and director who predominantly works in the Tamil film industry. He is also an accomplished author. He has acted in more than 60 films and has directed and produced more than 26 Tamil films. He is best known for directing critically acclaimed films like Pudhiya Paadhai (1989) and Housefull (1999), and these films were honoured with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.In 1980, R. Parthiban went to Madras and joined a drama company, which was managed by the late SV Ramadas, who is remembered for playing villainous roles in Tamil movies.In 1981, R. Parthiban made his debut as an actor with the Tamil film Ranuva Veeran. His first film as an assistant director was Vedikkai Manidhargal in 1982. In this film, he assisted the character R. Moorthy in its dialogue delivery. After two years, he joined K. Bhagyaraj as an assistant director. Soon, R. Parthiban started dubbing for various artists for which he would earn Rs. 6000 a month. In 1984, he appeared in the film Dhavani Kanavugal in which he played the role of a postman.In 1984, R. Parthiban began his career as an assistant director for K. Bhagyaraj, and from 1984 to 1991, he worked with K. Bhagyaraj on more than 20 films. As an actor, some of his successful films include Bharathi Kannamma (1997), Azhagi (2002), Aayirathil Oruvan (2010), Melvilasom (2011), and Otha Seruppu Size 7 (2019).Later, R. Parthiban started writing books. M. Karunanidhi released his book titled Kirukkkalgal Thamizh Kavithai Thoguppu. A charitable trust named R.Parthepan Manidha Neya Mandram is also run by R. Parthiban.In 1989, R. Parthiban marked his directorial debut with the Tamil film Pudhiya Paadhai in which he played the lead role. This film was critically acclaimed by critics and did a huge business at the box office. This film won several awards including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film, and Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Story Writer.In 1990, R. Parthiban directed the film Pondatti Thevai in which he appeared in the lead role. This film failed at the box office. In 1992, he appeared in the film Unnai Vaazhthi Paadugiren alongside Suman Ranganathan and Mohini. In 1996, R. Parthiban acted in the comedy film titled Tata Birla. In 1997, he appeared in the film Bharathi Kannamma for which he won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.In 2001, R. Parthiban released the film Yelelo as a director. A. R. Rahman composed four songs for this film. This film was delayed despite its high-profile launching. Later, he directed three films Kartha, Rowdy, and Adi simultaneously; however, all were shelved. In 2010, R. Parthiban appeared in the film Aayirathil Oruvan. In 2015, he played the character of a policeman in the film Massu Engira Masilamani, and in the same year, R. Parthiban played a comedy villain in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.R. Parthiban did supporting roles in the films Maaveeran Kittu (2016) and Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga (2017). In 2019, he directed, produced, and acted in the film Oththa Seruppu Size 7. In a press conference, R. Parthiban revealed that for the last 18 years, he had been dreaming to make this film. Oththa Seruppu Size 7 won the Special Jury Award at the 67th National Film Awards, at the Toronto Tamil Film Festival, it won the Jury Award for Best Feature Film, Jury Award for Best Feature Film Director, and Best Solo Act Award. In 2022, R. Parthiban appeared in the films Yutha Satham and Ponniyin Selvan.In 1989, during the shooting of the film Pudhiya Paadhai, the South Indian actress Seetha started dating R. Parthiban. They appeared in the lead roles in this film. In 1990, they got married to each other, and together they have two daughters named Abinaya and Keerthana. Keerthana is an acclaimed actress and appeared in the film Kannathil Muthamittal in 2002. In 2001, the couple got officially divorced. An old picture of R. Parthiban with his family.