
Bharani (full name Bharani Varatharajan) is a Tamil actor and comedian born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He made his mark in Tamil cinema primarily through character and comedy roles. His most celebrated dramatic performance was in the role of Pandi in Samuthirakani's acclaimed rural drama Naadodigal (2009) - one of Tamil cinema's most emotionally resonant films about friendship. He has since appeared in Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017, starring Karthi), Saahasam (2016), and various Tamil films and television programs. In June 2017, he entered Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1 as one of the original contestants. He became the subject of one of the season's most talked-about incidents: on Day 13, unable to cope with what he described as mental torment inflicted by fellow housemates, he attempted to scale the Bigg Boss house compound wall to escape. He was immediately ejected from the show by Bigg Boss for violating the rules - becoming the first-ever person to be ejected from Bigg Boss Tamil. His exit triggered widespread public debate about the treatment of contestants inside the house.
Lead role in Tamil rural drama Naadodigal (2009, dir. Samuthirakani); Tamil films Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017) and Saahasam (2016); ejection from Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1 for attempting to scale the house wall.