When one speaks about cultural icons who shaped the identity of the Indian community in Singapore, the name S A Nathanji shines with extraordinary brilliance. His journey from a passionate reader of cinema magazines to becoming the President of the Indian Hall of Fame Singapore and a widely respected publisher, author, and cultural leader is nothing short of inspirational.
Through his relentless pursuit of excellence, Nathanji built bridges between Indian cinema and the Indian diaspora, while at the same time contributing immensely to nation-building and community development in Singapore.
S A Nathanji: From Reader to Cultural Visionary
The story of S A Nathanji begins with a deep admiration for cinema. As a young man, he was an avid reader of film magazines. What began as a personal passion soon blossomed into something greater. He went on to form the Indian Movie News Readers’ Club (1960–1970), a movement that not only celebrated cinema but also engaged Indian youths in meaningful community activities.
Under his leadership, the Readers’ Club organized social, cultural, and charity events that strengthened the bonds of the Indian community in Singapore. With the eminent Vee Meng Shaw as its Patron, the club became a pioneering force in the 1960s, giving the Indian youth a sense of pride, purpose, and belonging.
Indian Movie News – A Cultural Lifeline
In 1987, S A Nathanji achieved what many would call a dream come true: he became the publisher and managing editor of Indian Movie News Magazine, the most popular Indian entertainment magazine in Southeast Asia.
For nearly three decades, from 1987 to 2014, the magazine was not just a source of cinema news—it was a household treasure for Indian families across Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. Through his editorial vision, Nathanji built strong connections with leading stars of Indian cinema and provided the diaspora with a sense of closeness to the film industry they loved.
S A Nathanji: Breaking New Ground in Media
In 1996, S A Nathanji made history with his independent production house, IMN Films Pte Ltd, when he was commissioned by PRIME12 TV to produce the first Tamil TV serial in Singapore. This landmark project was more than entertainment—it tackled the social evils facing the Indian community. With stars such as Sarath Babu and Aishwani, alongside local talent and directed by acclaimed Tamil filmmaker G. Rengarajan, the five-part serial became a runaway success, achieving record-breaking TRP ratings.
A Multifaceted Personality – Author, Actor, and Producer
Not limiting himself to publishing and production, S A Nathanji also stepped into acting, appearing alongside some of the most celebrated Tamil cinema stars, including Prasanth, Riya Sen, Ramarajan, Gowthami, Senthil, and Goundamani. His versatility extended to producing major stage shows that brought Indian film stars closer to Southeast Asian audiences, reinforcing his reputation as a cultural ambassador.
As an author, Nathanji immortalized his journey and insights through two powerful works:
-
My Memoirs: My Unbelievable Journey with Indian Cinema (2014) – A fascinating account of Tamil cinema’s history from 1916 to 2013, interwoven with his personal encounters with artists and filmmakers.
-
Singapore: Nation Building & Indians’ Legacy (2017) – A scholarly tribute to the Indian community’s vital contributions to Singapore’s growth and success.
Through these works, Nathanji not only documented history but also provided inspiration for future generations to understand the power of resilience, community, and cultural pride.
Leadership Beyond Cinema
-
S A Nathanji* also held key leadership roles in community organizations, including serving as the President of the Singapore Indian Association (1981–1983). His leadership extended into the 21st century, where he took on the mantle of Vice-President of VAANAM OTT (Malaysia), Singapore Operations (2021–present).
-
In 2019, his commitment to celebrating Indian heritage culminated in his role as the President of the Indian Hall of Fame Singapore, where he continues to champion the recognition of Indian excellence in various fields.
Also Read : Sergio Gor: Trump Picks Inexperienced Ambassador to India