Biography - Page 1
MKT - THE EVERGREEN MELODY KING OF TAMILNADU
PRELUDE
In India, from time immemorial, music has been closely linked with the lives of the people. It has played a great part in the field of fine arts such as dance, drama and later on cinema. It is extremely difficult to state when music made it's beginning. While kingdoms and empires wax and wane, music endures forever.
THE CARNATIC MUSIC TRINITY
South India's cultural heritage is very rich. The Tanjore district, in particular, is very famous for not only the paddy fields but also fine arts. Places that link Mayavaram and Tanjore have been the birthplace of galaxy of great carnatic musicians besides producing the best Vaggeyakarakas such as Saint Thyagaraja, Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Sri Sama Sastry, Papanasam Sivan, who is also known as the 'Tamil Thyagaiah', and many more composers. This could be the result of the serene atmosphere and divine attributes of the Cauvery delta.
The historical and architectural remains and beauties of the many majestic temples in the Tanjore District take the visitors and passersby to a heavenly feeling. The best example for it's architectural beauty is undoubtedly the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple at Tanjore.
Banks of the Cauvery river with it's grassy lands, the refreshing gush of the wind finding it's way eternally through the trees, the river Cauvery twinkling with ripples in the bright sunlight and the birds fluttering down the river will prompt even the unmusical men and women to sing.
In this glorious atmosphere and environment charged with God's grace, there emerged some of the all time great musicians such as Sarvashri Semangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, Maharajapuram Krishnamurthy, Musiri Subramanya Iyer, Thuraiyur Rajagopala Sarma, Mannargudi Narasimhachariar, Madirimangalam Natesa Iyer, Kumbakonam Rajamanickkam pillai, Mayavaram Krishna Iyer, Mudikondan Venkatarama Iyer, Konerirajapuram Vaidyanatha Iyer, T.N.Rajarathanam Pillai, Vazhuvur Ramaiah pillai, Manakkal Rangarajan, Srivanjiyam Mani Iyer, Tirumathi K.B. Sundarambal, Tirumathi N.C.Vasantha kokilam...oh! the list is endless. One of them was the legendary singer-actor and carnatic musician, Sri M.K.Thyagaraja Bagavathar.
EARLY LIFE OF MKT
ROCK FORT, TRICHY
Sri M.K.Thyagaraja Bhagavathar's birthplace was Mayavaram. He was born on 1.3.1910. His father, Krishnamurthy, goldsmith by profession was not well off when MKT was born. MKT's mother Manikkathammal hailed from Tanjore. Later on MKT's family moved to Trichy and settled there permanently. Thyagarajan was sent to the Old Jabamaalai Koil School, Palakkarai, Trichy for his early education. Thyagarajan never took interest in studies. Instead, his attention was drawn only towards listening to music and singing. During his childhood, the thevaram and thiruvasagam songs and the drama songs of S.G.Kittappa attracted him keenly. His father was not at all happy with his singing for the reason that the stage artistes of that period enjoyed very little respect in the society. Nor was the remuneration they received attractive. But Thyagarajan's inclination towards music was so strong that he left the house one day without informing anyone !
IN HIS EARLY TWENTIES
Thyagarajan's parents were deeply worried and started searching for him. On enquiry, Krishnamurthy came to know from his friend that he had seen Thyagarajan in Cuddappah and further learned that his son's music had attracted one and all there resulting in a heavy demand for him from all quarters. Immediately Krishnamurthy left for cuddappah and found out much to his delight and surprise that his son was mobbed everywhere and whenever he started singing songs in praise of God. Krishnamurthy then took his son to Tirupathi where the peshakar of the temple, after hearing the boy's divine music, blessed him with the prasadam.
On his return to Trichy with his father, Thyagarajan took part in almost all the bhajans that were organised by the temples and sabhas of the town. His fame as a musical prodigy spread thick and fast. It found an opportunity to spread further through Mr.F.G.Natesa Iyer, a railway employee, who was running a drama troup in Trichy by the name of Trichy Rasika Ranjani Sabha. Mr.Iyer, infact, was on the lookout for a boy to act in his drama 'Harischandra' as Lokidasan. He approached Krishnamurthy and got his approval after much persuasion to take Thyagarajan in his drama troup. Incidentally, Mr.Natesa Iyer has acted as Easwara Iyer in the film 'Seva sadanam' starring M.S.Subbalakshmi.
ENTRY INTO THE DRAMA WORLD
Harischandra was the first play Thyagarajan acted. It proved to be a very great success and Thyagarajan became a star overnight. His fame as a child prodigy spread like a wild fire in Trichy and other places. He was then ten years old.
FIRST CARNATIC MUSIC GURU
Madurai Ponnu Iyengar, a famous violin vidwan of that period happened to see the drama 'Harischandra' in which Thyagarajan acted as Lohidasan and was very much impressed with Thyagarajan's rendering of the songs purely on the knowledge gained through listening and observing. He immediately volunteered to train him in traditional carnatic music without taking any fees keeping in mind the poor financial condition of Krishnamurthy.
Thyagarajan was very sincere in learning music. Simultaneously he also had his training in stageplays from Nataraja Vadiyar(who wrote the famous song 'Kaayada Kanagathe' and 'Androru Naal', both popularised by S.G.Kittappa and 'Gnanakumari' popularised by MKT), Narasimha Iyengar (a close relative of M.S.Vijayal, a famous cine actress of that period) and Subbayya pillai, who was well known for his expert coaching in Swaraprayogam.
FIRST CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
PUDUKOTTAI DAKSHINAMURTHY PILLAI
After rigorous training for six years, Madurai Ponnu Iyengar wanted to organise Thyagarajan's first classical music concert at the Peria Kaaliamman temple situated at Kamala Street in Trichy. He approached the then very famous Mridangam Vidwan Sri Dakshinamurthy Achari, a disciple of the famous Ganjeera vidwan, Pudukottai Dakshinamurthy pillai, who was well known as Abhinava Nandikeshwarar. Dakshinamurthy Achari was reluctant to play the mridangam to a young boy which he thought was below his dignity. When Dakshinamurthy pillai came to know about this, he immediately summoned his disciple and implored him to play the mridangam in the concert. Dakshinamurthy pillai himself played the ganjeera while Madurai Ponnu Iyengar himself played the violin and Dakshinamurthy Achari, the mridangam. The concert went on for well over three hours. The listeners were spellbound. After the concert, 'Abhinava Nandikeswarar' Dakshinamurthy pillai openly admitted in his speech that he had never ever heard such a sweet voice and such superb handling of ragas by any other boy of that age and added that Lord Muruga has gifted to the carnatic music world a wonderful gift. He then conferred the title Bhagavathar on Thyagarajan. Trichy Thyagarajan became Thyagaraja Bagavathar. Dakshinamurthy Achari deeply regretted for his initial refusal to play the mridangam and sincerely apologized to Ponnu Iyengar.
THE 'DRAMATIC' DAYS
Folk arts, which contain dialogues, songs and dance, were generally based on episodes from ancient epics like Mahabaratha, Ramayana etc. The stories taken from these epics and hearsay legends were the content of the stageplays that came into force during the beginning of the 20th century. Ancient tales such as Harischandra, Pavalakkodi, Sarangadara, Valli Thirumanam, Kovalan, Lalithangi, Nandanaar and Bama Vijayam were selected for stageplays. These plays were staged in temples and festivals. They created a sense of bhakthi(devotion), patriotism and loyalty towards the King. The Rajahs were the main patrons of these fine arts. A form of dance called 'Sadir kutchery', dramas, music concerts and spiritual discourses were then regularly conducted in the temples.
The beginning of the 20th century saw the emergence of drama troups such as the Jagannatha Iyer Boys Company, Madurai Balameenaranjani Sangeetha Sabah, Sri Balashanmugananda Sabha, Kanniah Company, Nawab Rajamanickkam's Sri Devi Bala Vinodha Sabah, Vairam chettiar's Sri Rama Bala Gana Vinodha Sabha etc.
These drama troups introduced giants such as S.G.Kittappa, T.K.S.Brothers, N.S.Krishnan, Kali N.Rathnam, K.P.Kesawan, K.K.Perumal, K.P.Kamatchi, P.U.Chinnappa, S.V.Sahasranamam, M.V.Mani and M.G.Ramachandran (yes, the former CM of Tamilnadu).
During the initial stages, artistes such as J.Sunder Rao, Parameswara Iyer, T.P.Ramakrishnan, Rangawamy Iyengar, K.S.Ananthanarayana Iyer and P.S.Velu Nair did the female roles which was popularly known as the 'Stree Part' in plays.
S D SUBBULAKSHMI
Later, K.B.Sundarambal, S.D.Subbalakshmi, Rathna Bai, Ramani Bai, Saraswathy Bai and T.P.Rajalakshmi did the stree part, out of which K.B.Sundarambal paired with S.G.Kittappa and S.D.Subbalakshmi with M.K.Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. K.B.Sundarambal became the wife of S.G. Kittappa and S.D. Subbalakshmi became the wife of the famous cine-director K.Subramaniam.
Normally the plays would start at 9p.m. and end at around 4a.m. The heros would appear in the stage by singing a thyagraja kriti, though irrelavent to the play, with elaborate use of musical scales or gamut. Since almost all of them had a very sweet and melodious voice, the audience was never really bothered about the irrelevancy of the song. It was the period when music dominated over acting and a torrential downpour of dialogues.
FIRST STAGEPLAY
YOUNG MKT
Pavalakkodi was the first stageplay in which Thyagaraja Bhagavathar acted as the hero in 1926. It was staged in Officers line, Golden Rock, Trichy. T.P.Ramakrishnan played the heroine's role. T.P.Ramakrishnan later became a carnatic music vidwan at AIR, Trichy. Couple of years later, S.D.Subbalakshmi paired with Bhagavathar and the pair created history instantly. The MKT-SDS pair was rated equal to S.G. Kittappa and K.B. Sundarambal. The dialogue delivery of MKT and SDS and the healthy and electric exchange of words leading to the pulling of each other became very famous. MKT was perhaps the biggest draw among the singers of that period. His songs reigned over the hearts of the tamil people not only in India but also in Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaya and Singapore.
MKT never identified himself with any drama troup in particular as others did. His plays were called 'Special Naatakam' because he shifted from one company to another as his mood and purse dictated. The daily wages to Bhagavathar rose to Rs.50, which was considered a very big amount in those days. He had plays booked continuously for many days without gap.
S G KITTAPPA
One particular incident from his pre-cinema days is worth mentioning here. Once S.G.Kittappa came to Trichy to stage his 'Valli Thirumanam'. S.R.Radhakrishna Bhagavathar, who would normally play the role of sage Narada in the play, fell ill. The contractors, Kannia and Company, suggested to Kittappa to allow them to engage MKT for the role of Narada. Initially Kittappa agreed to this suggestion and asked S.R.Radhakrishna Bhagavathar to coach MKT. S.R.Radhakrishna Bhagavathar gleefully agreed and trained MKT well. But suddenly, Kittappa changed his mind and asked the company to wait till S.R. Radhakrishna Bhagavathar recovers. MKT was upset as he felt that he lost a golden chance to act with a person whom he mentally cherished as his Guru in plays. At a later point of time, when Kittappa came to know about the exceptional singing ability of MKT, he watched MKT's 'Valli Thirumanam' staged at Sengottah in which MKT sang the Thyagraja Krithi 'Rama Nee eda' in Kharaharapriya. Kittappa was dumbfound as were the spectators on listening to the rendition. He applauded instantaneously and even asked for 'once more' of the song. Bhagavathar readily obliged the request of Kittappa and the spectators. Then Kittappa came upon the stage and presented him with a gold chain studded with corals and informed the gathering that the title 'Bhagavathar' was perfectly appropriate to the great singer. Bhagavathar later said that the appreciation and gift from Kittappa gave him immense prestige.
DEVUDU IYER
Devudu Iyer, a very famous double harmonium player played the harmonium in all the plays by MKT. Later, Sri G.Ramanathan, the famous music director, also played harmonium in MKT's plays. In subsequent years, G.Ramanathan and MKT came together to create an era in film music.
The glorious career of MKT in stage drama flourished and he was invited to stage his plays in almost all the towns of the Madras Presidency.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Gemini
Gemini Ganesan
Gemini Ganesan in his debut film Miss Malini (1947)
Born Ganesan
November 17, 1920
Pudukkottai state
Died March 22, 2005 (aged 84)
Chennai, India
Other names Kadhal Mannan, Gemini Ganesh
Occupation Film actor
Years active 1947-2002
Spouse Alamelu Ganesan (1940-2005) (His death)
Pushpavalli Ganesan
Savitri Ganesan (1954–1981) (Deceased)
Ramaswami Ganesan (17 November 1920 – 22 March 2005), popularly known as Gemini
Gemini Ganesan in his debut film Miss Malini (1947)
Born Ganesan
November 17, 1920
Pudukkottai state
Died March 22, 2005 (aged 84)
Chennai, India
Other names Kadhal Mannan, Gemini Ganesh
Occupation Film actor
Years active 1947-2002
Spouse Alamelu Ganesan (1940-2005) (His death)
Pushpavalli Ganesan
Savitri Ganesan (1954–1981) (Deceased)
Ramaswami Ganesan (17 November 1920 – 22 March 2005), popularly known as Gemini
SIVAJI
Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar[2] (Tamil: விழுப்புரம் சின்னையாபிள்ளை கணேசன் மன்றாயர்), also popularly known as Sivaji Ganesan (Tamil: சிவாஜி கணேசன்) (1 October 1927 - 21 July 2001),[3] was a popular Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century.[4] He was regarded as one of the most respected film actors in India.[5] He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with numerous roles depicted on screen.[6] He progressed from a stage actor since his childhood to the filmdom with such an authority that the Tamil cinema considered as the golden era.
Ganesan was the first South Indian film actor to win a best actor award in an international film festival, the Afro-Asian Film Festival held in Cairo, Egypt in 1959. Many leading South Indian film actors have stated that their acting was influenced by Ganesan.[7][8][9] He was also the first Indian actor to be made a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.[10]
Ganesan is remembered as the iconic figure of Tamil cinema.[11][12] He is referred to as 'The Marlon Brando of South Indian Cinema'.[13][14] During end of his career, Ganesan was conferred the highest and the most prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema in 1997.[15][16] In spite of his celebrated film career, his short stint in politics became a futile attempt.[17]Contents [hide]
1 Early life
2 Film career
2.1 Early career: 1952-1959
2.2 Donning versatile roles: 1960-1979
2.3 Matured roles: 1980-1992
3 Political career
4 Family
5 Death
6 Acclaim and criticism
7 Popularity
8 Awards and honours
8.1 International awards
8.2 Indian awards
8.2.1 National film awards
8.2.2 Filmfare awards
8.2.3 Other honours
8.3 Posthumous honours
9 Notable filmography
10 References
11 Further Reading
12 External links
[edit]
Early life
Ganesan was born on October 1, 1927[1] to Chinnaiya Manrayar and Rajamani in a Tamil middle-class Kallar family in Villupuram. His ancestors were from a village called Surakottai in Thanjavur District.[18] His father was arrested on the day in which Ganesan was born for taking part in an anti-British campaign in Viluppuram.[2][19] Ganesan's inspiration for acting was inborn and when he got a chance to act on stage for a touring drama company he utilized it without his father's consent at the age of seven. At the age of 10, he moved to Tiruchirappalli and joined a drama troupe in Sangiliyandapuram and began to perform in stage plays.[20] From the drama troupe trainers he was lucky enough to learn acting and dancing skills. He was trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Manipuri. Ganesan was an intellectual boy who could remember lengthy lines easily and could present it before the audience brilliantly with perfection which made him hero of the troupe in the long run. His outstanding portrayal of the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the stage play "Shivaji Kanda Hindu Rajyam" earned him the title "Sivaji" which was conferred on him at a public function presided over by E. V. Ramasamy, a social reformer. Since then, he was referred by the name "Sivaji".[15][21]
[edit]
Film career
[edit]
Early career: 1952-1959
Two factors can be attributed the entry of Ganesan into films: The principal artists in Tamil films during the 1940s and 1950s were Telugus, whose acting was not matched by their dialogue delivery in Tamil. In fact, Sivaji Ganesan himself lent his voice to Mukkammala Krishnamurthy, a Telugu actor, for a Tamil film, Niraparathi, before the making of Parasakthi, and the film was well-received by the Tamil audience and secondly, the 1950s saw the growth of the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu, under the leadership of C. N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi. Their transformation of language skills to films through script writing, ensured their instant acceptance.[17] Gansesan's entry in to films at this stage of popularity was easy and inevitable and he could establish himself in a better position. Ganesan made his acting debut in the 1952 Tamil film Parasakthi, co-starring actress Pandari Bai.[22] The script for the film was written by the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi.[22][21][23] Owing to the fact that, the actors who are well trained in classical dance could effectively showcase different expressions called "Nava Ras" on their face, Ganesan went on to become one of the popular actors in Tamil cinema in the 1950s itself. His unique voice had a greater appeal. He adopted his own style of dialogue delivery with a long spell of dialogues like a poetry recitation with much clarity earned him critical recognition.
Andha Naal released in 1954 was a trendsetter in Tamil cinema that had no songs, saw Ganesan playing a anti-hero. The film won the President's silver medal in the following year. The same year he co-starred with his rival M. G. Ramachandran in Koondukkili in which he played the antagonist.[24] He has worked with many actresses, including Bhanumathi Ramakrishna, Pandaribai, Savithri, Padmini, Devika, B. Sarojadevi, K. R. Vijaya, Vanisri and J. Jayalalitha of his time. He also co-starred with other actors such as Gemini Ganesan, Muthuraman, M. R. Radha and S. V. Ranga Rao in numerous films in which he played the main lead.
His role in the film Veerapaandiya Kattabomman won him the Best Actor Award at the Afro-Asian Film Festival held in March 1960 at Cairo.[25][21] Incidentally, Ganesan was also the first Indian actor to get an award for Best Actor abroad.[26]
[edit]
Donning versatile roles: 1960-1979
In a career spanning 5 decades, Ganesan has performed a variety of characters. The portrayal of Lord Shiva in the movie Thiruvilayaadal won him lot of accolades.[27] In the film Navarathiri (1964), Ganesan played nine different roles that represented the nine emotional states of a person.[3] Sanjeev Kumar and Akkineni Nageswara Rao were inspired by this film and reprised the nine roles in Naya Din Nayi Raat in 1974 and Navarathri in 1966 respectively.[21] Ganesan could strike a balance between commercial cinema, Mythological cinema and experimental cinema. His epical portrayals in films like Thiruvilayaadal, Thiruvarutselvar, Thirumal Perumai, Karnan, Thillana Mohanaambal and Raja Rishi won him critical acclaim.[28] He played a variety of roles such as freedom fighters like V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, Vanchinathan, Tiruppur Kumaran, Bhagat Singh[21] and epic characters like Karna, Bharatha, Narada, Appar and Alwars.[21] Spanning genres like epics to Crime thrillers; from romantic escapades to comic flicks and action flicks, Ganesan has spanned it all. He also played supporting role to Rajendra Kumar in the Hindi film Dharti in 1970 which was a remake of his film Sivanddamann, in which he played the lead role. In the Hindi version, Ganesan played the role which Muthuraman had essayed in the original. Several directors like Krishnan-Panju, T. R. Sundaram, L. V. Prasad, B. R. Panthulu, T. Prakash Rao, A. Bhim Singh, K. Shankar, A. P. Nagarajan, A. C. Tirulokchandar, C. V. Sridhar, P. Madhavan, K. S. Gopalakrishnan and K. Vijayan directed Ganesan in different roles.[28]
Though he accumulated awards throughout the 1950s and 1960s, it was in 1972 that Ganesan delivered his first blockbuster Vasantha Maligai.[29] Other films like Gauravam, Raja Raja Chozhan, Thri Soolam, Thankappathakkam and Sathyam, released during this period were highly successful. [30] Many of his films were inspired and remade in Sinhalese. Films like Pilot Premnath and Mohana Punnagai were shot in Sri Lanka with Srilankan actors such as Malini Fonseka and Geetha Kumarasinghe playing the female lead.[28] In 1979, he appeared in his second and final all-time blockbuster Thirisoolam, adapted from the Kannada film Shankar Guru in which Dr. Rajkumar had played the lead role.
[edit]
Matured roles: 1980-1992
The 1980s was a period in which Ganesan started enacting more matured roles. But still films like Rishi Moolam, Yamanukku Yaman, Chiranjeevi had Ganesan portraying lead roles. Muthal Mariyathai (1985) won him a Filmfare Award and Tamil Nadu State film Award under Best Actor category. His notable films roles were Veerapaandiyan, Jalli Kattu, Pudhiya Vaanam, Thevar Magan, Pasumpon, En Aasai Raasaave and Once More where he was cast in prominent roles. His last film before his death was Padayappa in 1999. His last film released was Poopparikka Varugirom.
Apart from his numerous roles as a single star on screen, Ganesan has acted in supporting roles with many leading actors from different eras like Gemini Ganesan, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, krishna, Krishnam Raju, Sathyaraj, Vijayakanth, Prabhu Ganesan, Vishnuvardhan, K. Bhagyaraj, Mohan, Karthik Muthuraman, Mohanlal, Arjun Sarja, Joseph Vijay and Abbas.
[edit]
Political career
Ganesan with M. G. Ramachandran at the Annai Illam
Until 1955, Ganesan was a staunch sympathizer of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. In 1961, he become a strong supporter of the Indian National Congress. Due to his popularity and his rival MGR's success in politics Ganesan entered politics and had to face big setback as he lost consecutive elections. But due to his proximity with the then prime minister Indira Gandhi he was made the member of Rajya Sabha in 1983. Indira Gandhi's death in 1984 also brought Ganesan's political career to an end.[31] In 1982, Indira Gandhi made him a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. After 1987, he left Congress and floated his own political party (Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani). He became the president of the Tamil Nadu faction of the Janata Dal in 1989. Unlike his successful acting career, his political career was rather unsuccessful.[17]
[edit]
Family
Ganesan was the second son of his family. He had two brothers. Ganesan married Kamala in 1952 and had four children.[32] His younger son Prabhu is a notable Tamil actor. Ganesan established a film production company in the late 1950s, (now called as) Sivaji Productions, which is now being looked after by his eldest son Ramkumar.
[edit]
Death
Suffering from respiratory problems, Ganesan was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on July 21, 2001. He also had been suffering from a prolonged heart ailment for about 10 years.[33] He died at 7:45pm (IST) on July 21, 2001 at the age of 73. A documentary, Parasakthi Muthal Padayappa Varai was made to commemorate Sivaji Ganesan's legacy. His funeral was attended by thousands of viewers, politicians and personalities from the South Indian film fraternity.[34]
[edit]
Acclaim and criticism
Ganesan was considered to be one of the finest method actors in India in his lifetime. He was also acknowledged as a consummate actor and vastly imitated actor. He was praised for his body language and his resounding voice and over-drawn dialogue delivery. However, as far as the masses were concerned, Tamil cinema has not seen finer acting or stirring performances. Ganesan took on roles which most other actors would have refused without any hesitation. But he accepted to play roles like a blind man, a physically handicapped person in Bhaagapirivinai, or a man with a scarred face as in Deiva Magan or a murderer in Puthiya Paravai, or a traitor as in Andha Naal which film had no songs at all. However there has been constant criticism that he overacts in certain films.[17]
[edit]
Popularity
Ganesan with American actor Marlon Brando
When president Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt visited India, Sivaji Ganesan was the only individual, granted permission by the Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, to host a party for Nasser. Nasser was given a number of valuable mementos depicting the civilization and culture of South India.[35] Sivaji Ganesan was the first artist from India to visit the United States of America , in the cultural exchange programme of the US Government, in 1962, where he established a good impression as Indian cultural ambassador. During his visit there, he was honored by being made the 'honorary mayor' of Niagara Falls City for one day and was presented the golden key to the city. The only other Indian who has had this honour before Ganesan was Jawaharlal Nehru.[36] On March 12, 1976 he went over to Mauritius on an invitation from prime minister Ramagoolam and took part in their independence day celebration and stayed as their government guest for four days.[35]
During his visit to the USA in June 1995, he visited Columbus, the capital of Ohio. Participating in the dinner hosted to honor Ganesan, the mayor of the city, Greg Lashutka, honored him by announcing him as a 'Honorary Citizen' of Columbus City . On the same occasion the mayor of Mount Vernon read out and gave him a special welcome citation. The 'Columbus Tamil Sangam' was formulated on that day, and Ganesan was made the honorary president of that association.[35]
Ganesan has remained as one of the popular Tamil actors with a large fan base. At the peak of his career, Ganesan had 3000 registered fan clubs, which worked at promoting his image and films.[37]
[edit]
Awards and honours
[edit]
International awards
1960 - Best Actor Award at the Afro-Asian Film Festival for Veerapandiya Kattabomman[21][28]
Ganesan's was awarded the Chevalier in 1995, given by the National Order of the Legion of Honour of France.[38] On April 22, 1995 at a ceremony held at the MAC Stadium in Chennai, Ganesan was presented with the Chevalier title and medallion by the French ambassador to India, Philip Petit.[21][39]
[edit]
Indian awards
1997 - Dadasaheb Phalke Award.[35][28][21]
The Government of Maharashtra has instituted a state award, in the name of Ganesan, which is given under the Best Actor category every year entited "Sivaji Ganesan Award".[38]
[edit]
National film awards
1993 - National Film Award - Special Jury Award for Thevar Magan[38]
[edit]
Filmfare awards
1973 - Best Actor Award for Gnana Oli
1974 - Best Actor Award for Gauravam
1986 - Best Actor Award for Muthal Mariyathai
[edit]
Other honours
1966 - Padma Shri from the Government of India[28]
1984 - Padma Bhushan from the Government of India[28]
1986 - Honorary doctorate from the Annamalai University
1997 - Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu
1998 - NTR National Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh
[edit]
Posthumous honours
A statue of Ganesan was erected on Kamarajar Road in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to honour the actor and was unveiled by the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on 2006.[35][23] The South Indian Film Artistes' Association as a tribute to Ganesan, declared that 1 October, the birth day of Ganesan, would be observed as Actors' Day by the association Chennai film industry.[40]
[edit]
Notable filmography
Main article: Sivaji Ganesan filmographyYear Film Role Language Notes
1952 Parasakthi Gunasekaran Tamil Debut film
1953 Pempudu Koduku Telugu
1953 Poongothai Tamil
1955 Mudhal Thethi Tamil
1956 Amara Deepam Tamil
1956 Tenali Raman Tamil
1956 Rangoon Radha Tamil
1958 School Master Tamil,
Kannada
1959 Veerapandiya Kattabomman Tamil Winner, Best Actor at Afro-Asian Film Festival
1961 Kappalotiya Thamizhan Tamil
1961 Pasamalar Tamil
1963 Karnan Tamil
1964 Navarathri Tamil Portrayed nine different roles
1966 Motor Sundaram Pillai Tamil
1967 Kandan Karunai Tamil
1969 Thillana Mohanambal Tamil
1969 Deiva Magan Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor,
India's official entry for Oscar
1970 Vietnam Veedu Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
1972 Gnana Oli Tamil Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award
1972 Vasantha Maligai Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
1973 Gauravam Rajinikanth,
(Dual roles) Tamil Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award,
Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
1979 Thiri Soolam Tamil Three roles
1985 Muthal Mariyathai Tamil Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award,
Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
1992 Thevar Magan Tamil Winner, National Film Award (Special Jury)
Ganesan was the first South Indian film actor to win a best actor award in an international film festival, the Afro-Asian Film Festival held in Cairo, Egypt in 1959. Many leading South Indian film actors have stated that their acting was influenced by Ganesan.[7][8][9] He was also the first Indian actor to be made a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.[10]
Ganesan is remembered as the iconic figure of Tamil cinema.[11][12] He is referred to as 'The Marlon Brando of South Indian Cinema'.[13][14] During end of his career, Ganesan was conferred the highest and the most prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema in 1997.[15][16] In spite of his celebrated film career, his short stint in politics became a futile attempt.[17]Contents [hide]
1 Early life
2 Film career
2.1 Early career: 1952-1959
2.2 Donning versatile roles: 1960-1979
2.3 Matured roles: 1980-1992
3 Political career
4 Family
5 Death
6 Acclaim and criticism
7 Popularity
8 Awards and honours
8.1 International awards
8.2 Indian awards
8.2.1 National film awards
8.2.2 Filmfare awards
8.2.3 Other honours
8.3 Posthumous honours
9 Notable filmography
10 References
11 Further Reading
12 External links
[edit]
Early life
Ganesan was born on October 1, 1927[1] to Chinnaiya Manrayar and Rajamani in a Tamil middle-class Kallar family in Villupuram. His ancestors were from a village called Surakottai in Thanjavur District.[18] His father was arrested on the day in which Ganesan was born for taking part in an anti-British campaign in Viluppuram.[2][19] Ganesan's inspiration for acting was inborn and when he got a chance to act on stage for a touring drama company he utilized it without his father's consent at the age of seven. At the age of 10, he moved to Tiruchirappalli and joined a drama troupe in Sangiliyandapuram and began to perform in stage plays.[20] From the drama troupe trainers he was lucky enough to learn acting and dancing skills. He was trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Manipuri. Ganesan was an intellectual boy who could remember lengthy lines easily and could present it before the audience brilliantly with perfection which made him hero of the troupe in the long run. His outstanding portrayal of the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the stage play "Shivaji Kanda Hindu Rajyam" earned him the title "Sivaji" which was conferred on him at a public function presided over by E. V. Ramasamy, a social reformer. Since then, he was referred by the name "Sivaji".[15][21]
[edit]
Film career
[edit]
Early career: 1952-1959
Two factors can be attributed the entry of Ganesan into films: The principal artists in Tamil films during the 1940s and 1950s were Telugus, whose acting was not matched by their dialogue delivery in Tamil. In fact, Sivaji Ganesan himself lent his voice to Mukkammala Krishnamurthy, a Telugu actor, for a Tamil film, Niraparathi, before the making of Parasakthi, and the film was well-received by the Tamil audience and secondly, the 1950s saw the growth of the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu, under the leadership of C. N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi. Their transformation of language skills to films through script writing, ensured their instant acceptance.[17] Gansesan's entry in to films at this stage of popularity was easy and inevitable and he could establish himself in a better position. Ganesan made his acting debut in the 1952 Tamil film Parasakthi, co-starring actress Pandari Bai.[22] The script for the film was written by the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi.[22][21][23] Owing to the fact that, the actors who are well trained in classical dance could effectively showcase different expressions called "Nava Ras" on their face, Ganesan went on to become one of the popular actors in Tamil cinema in the 1950s itself. His unique voice had a greater appeal. He adopted his own style of dialogue delivery with a long spell of dialogues like a poetry recitation with much clarity earned him critical recognition.
Andha Naal released in 1954 was a trendsetter in Tamil cinema that had no songs, saw Ganesan playing a anti-hero. The film won the President's silver medal in the following year. The same year he co-starred with his rival M. G. Ramachandran in Koondukkili in which he played the antagonist.[24] He has worked with many actresses, including Bhanumathi Ramakrishna, Pandaribai, Savithri, Padmini, Devika, B. Sarojadevi, K. R. Vijaya, Vanisri and J. Jayalalitha of his time. He also co-starred with other actors such as Gemini Ganesan, Muthuraman, M. R. Radha and S. V. Ranga Rao in numerous films in which he played the main lead.
His role in the film Veerapaandiya Kattabomman won him the Best Actor Award at the Afro-Asian Film Festival held in March 1960 at Cairo.[25][21] Incidentally, Ganesan was also the first Indian actor to get an award for Best Actor abroad.[26]
[edit]
Donning versatile roles: 1960-1979
In a career spanning 5 decades, Ganesan has performed a variety of characters. The portrayal of Lord Shiva in the movie Thiruvilayaadal won him lot of accolades.[27] In the film Navarathiri (1964), Ganesan played nine different roles that represented the nine emotional states of a person.[3] Sanjeev Kumar and Akkineni Nageswara Rao were inspired by this film and reprised the nine roles in Naya Din Nayi Raat in 1974 and Navarathri in 1966 respectively.[21] Ganesan could strike a balance between commercial cinema, Mythological cinema and experimental cinema. His epical portrayals in films like Thiruvilayaadal, Thiruvarutselvar, Thirumal Perumai, Karnan, Thillana Mohanaambal and Raja Rishi won him critical acclaim.[28] He played a variety of roles such as freedom fighters like V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, Vanchinathan, Tiruppur Kumaran, Bhagat Singh[21] and epic characters like Karna, Bharatha, Narada, Appar and Alwars.[21] Spanning genres like epics to Crime thrillers; from romantic escapades to comic flicks and action flicks, Ganesan has spanned it all. He also played supporting role to Rajendra Kumar in the Hindi film Dharti in 1970 which was a remake of his film Sivanddamann, in which he played the lead role. In the Hindi version, Ganesan played the role which Muthuraman had essayed in the original. Several directors like Krishnan-Panju, T. R. Sundaram, L. V. Prasad, B. R. Panthulu, T. Prakash Rao, A. Bhim Singh, K. Shankar, A. P. Nagarajan, A. C. Tirulokchandar, C. V. Sridhar, P. Madhavan, K. S. Gopalakrishnan and K. Vijayan directed Ganesan in different roles.[28]
Though he accumulated awards throughout the 1950s and 1960s, it was in 1972 that Ganesan delivered his first blockbuster Vasantha Maligai.[29] Other films like Gauravam, Raja Raja Chozhan, Thri Soolam, Thankappathakkam and Sathyam, released during this period were highly successful. [30] Many of his films were inspired and remade in Sinhalese. Films like Pilot Premnath and Mohana Punnagai were shot in Sri Lanka with Srilankan actors such as Malini Fonseka and Geetha Kumarasinghe playing the female lead.[28] In 1979, he appeared in his second and final all-time blockbuster Thirisoolam, adapted from the Kannada film Shankar Guru in which Dr. Rajkumar had played the lead role.
[edit]
Matured roles: 1980-1992
The 1980s was a period in which Ganesan started enacting more matured roles. But still films like Rishi Moolam, Yamanukku Yaman, Chiranjeevi had Ganesan portraying lead roles. Muthal Mariyathai (1985) won him a Filmfare Award and Tamil Nadu State film Award under Best Actor category. His notable films roles were Veerapaandiyan, Jalli Kattu, Pudhiya Vaanam, Thevar Magan, Pasumpon, En Aasai Raasaave and Once More where he was cast in prominent roles. His last film before his death was Padayappa in 1999. His last film released was Poopparikka Varugirom.
Apart from his numerous roles as a single star on screen, Ganesan has acted in supporting roles with many leading actors from different eras like Gemini Ganesan, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, krishna, Krishnam Raju, Sathyaraj, Vijayakanth, Prabhu Ganesan, Vishnuvardhan, K. Bhagyaraj, Mohan, Karthik Muthuraman, Mohanlal, Arjun Sarja, Joseph Vijay and Abbas.
[edit]
Political career
Ganesan with M. G. Ramachandran at the Annai Illam
Until 1955, Ganesan was a staunch sympathizer of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. In 1961, he become a strong supporter of the Indian National Congress. Due to his popularity and his rival MGR's success in politics Ganesan entered politics and had to face big setback as he lost consecutive elections. But due to his proximity with the then prime minister Indira Gandhi he was made the member of Rajya Sabha in 1983. Indira Gandhi's death in 1984 also brought Ganesan's political career to an end.[31] In 1982, Indira Gandhi made him a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. After 1987, he left Congress and floated his own political party (Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani). He became the president of the Tamil Nadu faction of the Janata Dal in 1989. Unlike his successful acting career, his political career was rather unsuccessful.[17]
[edit]
Family
Ganesan was the second son of his family. He had two brothers. Ganesan married Kamala in 1952 and had four children.[32] His younger son Prabhu is a notable Tamil actor. Ganesan established a film production company in the late 1950s, (now called as) Sivaji Productions, which is now being looked after by his eldest son Ramkumar.
[edit]
Death
Suffering from respiratory problems, Ganesan was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on July 21, 2001. He also had been suffering from a prolonged heart ailment for about 10 years.[33] He died at 7:45pm (IST) on July 21, 2001 at the age of 73. A documentary, Parasakthi Muthal Padayappa Varai was made to commemorate Sivaji Ganesan's legacy. His funeral was attended by thousands of viewers, politicians and personalities from the South Indian film fraternity.[34]
[edit]
Acclaim and criticism
Ganesan was considered to be one of the finest method actors in India in his lifetime. He was also acknowledged as a consummate actor and vastly imitated actor. He was praised for his body language and his resounding voice and over-drawn dialogue delivery. However, as far as the masses were concerned, Tamil cinema has not seen finer acting or stirring performances. Ganesan took on roles which most other actors would have refused without any hesitation. But he accepted to play roles like a blind man, a physically handicapped person in Bhaagapirivinai, or a man with a scarred face as in Deiva Magan or a murderer in Puthiya Paravai, or a traitor as in Andha Naal which film had no songs at all. However there has been constant criticism that he overacts in certain films.[17]
[edit]
Popularity
Ganesan with American actor Marlon Brando
When president Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt visited India, Sivaji Ganesan was the only individual, granted permission by the Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, to host a party for Nasser. Nasser was given a number of valuable mementos depicting the civilization and culture of South India.[35] Sivaji Ganesan was the first artist from India to visit the United States of America , in the cultural exchange programme of the US Government, in 1962, where he established a good impression as Indian cultural ambassador. During his visit there, he was honored by being made the 'honorary mayor' of Niagara Falls City for one day and was presented the golden key to the city. The only other Indian who has had this honour before Ganesan was Jawaharlal Nehru.[36] On March 12, 1976 he went over to Mauritius on an invitation from prime minister Ramagoolam and took part in their independence day celebration and stayed as their government guest for four days.[35]
During his visit to the USA in June 1995, he visited Columbus, the capital of Ohio. Participating in the dinner hosted to honor Ganesan, the mayor of the city, Greg Lashutka, honored him by announcing him as a 'Honorary Citizen' of Columbus City . On the same occasion the mayor of Mount Vernon read out and gave him a special welcome citation. The 'Columbus Tamil Sangam' was formulated on that day, and Ganesan was made the honorary president of that association.[35]
Ganesan has remained as one of the popular Tamil actors with a large fan base. At the peak of his career, Ganesan had 3000 registered fan clubs, which worked at promoting his image and films.[37]
[edit]
Awards and honours
[edit]
International awards
1960 - Best Actor Award at the Afro-Asian Film Festival for Veerapandiya Kattabomman[21][28]
Ganesan's was awarded the Chevalier in 1995, given by the National Order of the Legion of Honour of France.[38] On April 22, 1995 at a ceremony held at the MAC Stadium in Chennai, Ganesan was presented with the Chevalier title and medallion by the French ambassador to India, Philip Petit.[21][39]
[edit]
Indian awards
1997 - Dadasaheb Phalke Award.[35][28][21]
The Government of Maharashtra has instituted a state award, in the name of Ganesan, which is given under the Best Actor category every year entited "Sivaji Ganesan Award".[38]
[edit]
National film awards
1993 - National Film Award - Special Jury Award for Thevar Magan[38]
[edit]
Filmfare awards
1973 - Best Actor Award for Gnana Oli
1974 - Best Actor Award for Gauravam
1986 - Best Actor Award for Muthal Mariyathai
[edit]
Other honours
1966 - Padma Shri from the Government of India[28]
1984 - Padma Bhushan from the Government of India[28]
1986 - Honorary doctorate from the Annamalai University
1997 - Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu
1998 - NTR National Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh
[edit]
Posthumous honours
A statue of Ganesan was erected on Kamarajar Road in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to honour the actor and was unveiled by the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on 2006.[35][23] The South Indian Film Artistes' Association as a tribute to Ganesan, declared that 1 October, the birth day of Ganesan, would be observed as Actors' Day by the association Chennai film industry.[40]
[edit]
Notable filmography
Main article: Sivaji Ganesan filmographyYear Film Role Language Notes
1952 Parasakthi Gunasekaran Tamil Debut film
1953 Pempudu Koduku Telugu
1953 Poongothai Tamil
1955 Mudhal Thethi Tamil
1956 Amara Deepam Tamil
1956 Tenali Raman Tamil
1956 Rangoon Radha Tamil
1958 School Master Tamil,
Kannada
1959 Veerapandiya Kattabomman Tamil Winner, Best Actor at Afro-Asian Film Festival
1961 Kappalotiya Thamizhan Tamil
1961 Pasamalar Tamil
1963 Karnan Tamil
1964 Navarathri Tamil Portrayed nine different roles
1966 Motor Sundaram Pillai Tamil
1967 Kandan Karunai Tamil
1969 Thillana Mohanambal Tamil
1969 Deiva Magan Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor,
India's official entry for Oscar
1970 Vietnam Veedu Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
1972 Gnana Oli Tamil Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award
1972 Vasantha Maligai Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
1973 Gauravam Rajinikanth,
(Dual roles) Tamil Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award,
Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
1979 Thiri Soolam Tamil Three roles
1985 Muthal Mariyathai Tamil Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award,
Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
1992 Thevar Magan Tamil Winner, National Film Award (Special Jury)
MR RATHA
Madras Rajagopala Radhakrishnan (Tamil: மெட்ராசு ராசகோபால ராதாகிருட்டிணன்) (21 February 1907 - 17 September 1979), popularly known as M. R. Radha (Tamil: எம். ஆர். ராதா), was an Indian Tamil film actor and politician. He was given the title of "Nadigavel" for his acting prowess. After a successful career on stage in his early years, he acted in films from the 1930s to the 1970s, and then, giving up films, he went back to his first love, theater.Contents [hide]
1 Career
2 Personal life
3 Incidents
4 Death
5 Filimography
6 External links
[edit]
Career
Radha was a popular theatre artist who made more than 5000 stage shows. Starting at the age of 10, where he appeared in small roles, grew to a level that stories for dramas were custom made for him. Radha gained popularity with the success of his stage play Ratha Kanneer. When he acted in the film version of the play, he quickly gained star status. Ratha Kanneer gave Radha international recognition and an award. Recently, Ratha Kanneer has been remade by Upendra from Karnataka.
With his versatile acting, Radha played roles of both villains and comics. After the 1950s, film-makers created roles especially for him, and he often stole the limelight from other actors. He was an active member of the Dravidian movement, and was known for his atheistic views. Towards the end of his career, however, he started acting in Hindu devotional movies like Velum Mayilum Thunai. Throughout his life, M. R. Radha remained a hard critic of theism and superstitious practices in the name of religion and culture.
[edit]
Personal life
His children are actor M. R. R. Vasu, Radha Ravi, Rashia, Rani and Rathe. By his second wife he has Raadhika Sarathkumar, Nirosha and Mohan Ratha.
[edit]
Incidents
On the 12th of January 1967, M.R.Radha shot actor M.G.R in neck. The bullet was permanently lodged in his neck and M.G.R's voice was permanently damaged.
[edit]
Death
Radha died of jaundice on 17 September, 1979 in his residence in Tiruchirappalli.
[edit]
Filimography
Ratha Kanneer
Aayiram Roobai
Kaikodutha Deivam
Paava Mannippu
Chithi
Pudhiya Paravai
Bale Pandiya
Petraldhan Pillaya
Thaikku Pin Thaaram
Kumudam
Karpagam
Thayai kaatha thanayan
Paasam
Paalum Pazhamum
Pattinathar
Padithal Mattum Podhuma
Naanum Oru Penn
Koduthu Vaithaval
Aalayamani
Santhanathevan
Velum Mayilum Thunai
Rathinapuri Ilavarasi
1 Career
2 Personal life
3 Incidents
4 Death
5 Filimography
6 External links
[edit]
Career
Radha was a popular theatre artist who made more than 5000 stage shows. Starting at the age of 10, where he appeared in small roles, grew to a level that stories for dramas were custom made for him. Radha gained popularity with the success of his stage play Ratha Kanneer. When he acted in the film version of the play, he quickly gained star status. Ratha Kanneer gave Radha international recognition and an award. Recently, Ratha Kanneer has been remade by Upendra from Karnataka.
With his versatile acting, Radha played roles of both villains and comics. After the 1950s, film-makers created roles especially for him, and he often stole the limelight from other actors. He was an active member of the Dravidian movement, and was known for his atheistic views. Towards the end of his career, however, he started acting in Hindu devotional movies like Velum Mayilum Thunai. Throughout his life, M. R. Radha remained a hard critic of theism and superstitious practices in the name of religion and culture.
[edit]
Personal life
His children are actor M. R. R. Vasu, Radha Ravi, Rashia, Rani and Rathe. By his second wife he has Raadhika Sarathkumar, Nirosha and Mohan Ratha.
[edit]
Incidents
On the 12th of January 1967, M.R.Radha shot actor M.G.R in neck. The bullet was permanently lodged in his neck and M.G.R's voice was permanently damaged.
[edit]
Death
Radha died of jaundice on 17 September, 1979 in his residence in Tiruchirappalli.
[edit]
Filimography
Ratha Kanneer
Aayiram Roobai
Kaikodutha Deivam
Paava Mannippu
Chithi
Pudhiya Paravai
Bale Pandiya
Petraldhan Pillaya
Thaikku Pin Thaaram
Kumudam
Karpagam
Thayai kaatha thanayan
Paasam
Paalum Pazhamum
Pattinathar
Padithal Mattum Podhuma
Naanum Oru Penn
Koduthu Vaithaval
Aalayamani
Santhanathevan
Velum Mayilum Thunai
Rathinapuri Ilavarasi
Kalaivanar NSK
Nagerkoyil Sudalaimuthu Krishnan, popularly known as Kalaivanar and also as 'NSK' was a leading Tamil film comedian, drama artist, playback singer and writer in the early stages of the Tamil film industry - in the 1940s and 1950s.
Born in Ozhuginachery, Nagercoil, in the princely state of Travancore, India on 29 November 1908, his stage and cine-screen comedy performances were unique and always carried a message for the people. 'Kalaivanar' N. S. Krishnan died at the age of 49, on 30 August 1957.Contents [hide]
1 Career
2 Controversies
3 Trivia
4 Filmography
4.1 As Actor
4.2 As Director
5 External links
[edit]
Career
N S Krishnan started his career as a Villu Paatu artist (the Tamil way of reciting stories while singing songs and playing a musical instrument in the form of a bow - called 'Villu') and later became involved in Tamil drama and stage shows, as were so many film artistes in his days, and at one-time owned his own touring drama company; and when cinema gradually became popular in South India, he entered the Tamil film world to become one of the leading Tamil film comedians ever, with a unique style. He generally wrote his own comedy dialogues and expressed them in his drama and films in such a way that the message was carried across, but the subject to whom it was intended was not offended.
He acted in nearly 150 Tamil films and the matinee-duo of N S krishnan and T. A. Madhuram (later his better half) in Tamil films was very popular in his days; he also did roles along with leading stage and cine artists of his time like T. S. Durairaj, 'Pulimootai' Ramasamy, C.S. Pandian and writers like Udumalai Narayana Kavi and Subbu Armugham and gave a number of hits in those days. He was also a talented singer and hits include Sivakavi, Raja Rani, and Manamagal.
Though he was more popular among the Tamil populace as a film comedian (and even in the modern day he is remembered for that), Kalaivanar was instrumental in bringing a number of leading Tamil stage and film personalities of his days to the fore; he was also a Gandhian, patriot and philanthropist, yet a very controversial figure - with his name linked to a murder and also some marital controversies.
[edit]
Controversies
During Mid 1940s he and M.K.Thyagaraja Bhagavathar were arrested for suspicion of murder famously known during that time as Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku (Lakshmikanthan Murder Case), both were convicted and later released on appeal with privy council.
When MKT and NSK were flying very high in fame in drama, cinema and concerts, fate interfered in the form of Lakshmikanthan. Lakshmikanthan, a notorious criminal with a perverted mind, edited a yellow magazine called 'Hindu Nesan'. Lakshmikanthan's target was not only the small fry in the society but also the movie people, business magnates, prosperous lawyers, doctors, famed musicians, landlords, zamindars, Rajahs, press barons, religious heads, politicians etc. He wrote salacious and scandalous sex stories about them purely on the basis of gossips and hearsay. Majority of them were unauthenticated and filthy news. Being afraid of ill fame, some of those on whom Lakshmikantan wrote tried to silence him with hush money. Encouraged by this sort of income he continued to write all sorts of nonsense about them regularly and with the result had numerous enemies from all walks of life.
On 8 November 1944, he was attacked by some people with a knife in Purasawalkam, in Downtown Madras. He was admitted to the General Hospital, Madras but only as an outpatient, for the wound was not serious enough. Even in his statement to the police he did not name any particular person as the accused but only stated that someone had attacked him. He was found very jovial at the police station as he was in the hospital. During his treatment it was reported that he wanted to expose the murderers involved in the Boat Mail murder (In those days a train named Boat mail used to run between Madras and Dhanushkoti station which is not in existence now). A rich banker from Devakottai was murdered in the moving train between Chengalpet and Madras. A notable singer cum actress who travelled with the banker was missing/fled when the train reached Madras. The political backing which this singer had kept truth about the real killers under the carpet. The killers saw to it that the case should not come to the court for trial. There is another version which says that Lakshikanthan was murdered by this group and not by NSK/MKT.
But suddenly, the next day i.e. on 9 November 1944, Lakshmikanthan died mysteriously in the hospital. He was murdered. The police, based on the statement made by LKanthan's bodyguard, arrested eight persons as accused for the murder. Among them were MKT and N.S.Krishnan. This came as a rude shock to their fans and the cine world.
After usual committal proceedings before the Madras Presidency Magistrate, the case came up for hearing at the Madras High court before Justice Vera Mockett. A group of brilliant lawyers namely Mr. V.T.Rangasamy Iyengar, Sri Rajagopalachariar (Rajaji), Mr. Braddel, Mr. B.T.Sundararajan, Sri Govind Swaminathan, Mr. Srinivasagopal and Mr. K.M.Munshi argued the case for the accused. After prolonged trial, the Jury, much to the dismay of many, found MKT and NSK guilty along with four others.
Appeals were heard by a bench of the High Court consisting of Sir Linel Leach, Chief Justice of Madras, Justice K.P. Lakshmana Rao and Advocate General K.Rajah Iyer. The appeals were filed by the then leading members of the Bar, V.V.Srinivasa Iyengar and Sri V.C.Gopalarathnam. However, the appeals were dismissed.
MKT and NSK filed an appeal in the Privy Council, London which was then the highest court of appeal. The internationally famous ((British Barrister)), D.N.Pritt appeared for them. Privy Council then referred the case back to India for a fresh appraisal.
The appeal came up before a bench of two judges namely Mr. Justice Happel and Mr. Justice Sahabuddin (who migrated to Pakistan in 1947 during partition of India and retired as Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court). Mr V.L.Ethiraj, a successful Barrister appeared for MKT and NSK and argued that the Judges had not properly directed the Jury and the evidences of doubtful nature have not been properly assessed. Mr. Ethiraj convinced the Judges by his powerful arguments that all the witnesses produced against MKT and NSK were tutored and coached and there were a lot of inconsistencies in their evidence and statements and the case had many loopholes. The Judges agreed with Mr. Ethiraj's arguments and acquitted MKT and NSK. One of the judges who heard the remanded appeal remarked in the Court that the knife produced as evidence cannot even kill a rat !! The judgment was given a few months before India became free.
MKT, NSK and four others came out of prison after thirty months' imprisonment. Experts and even laymen felt that the truth about the real killers of Lakshmikanthan has not come out and MKT, NSK and others were the unfortunate victims of the game of power politics.
The real killers were never pinned down and the truth lies buried somewhere to this day. Indian legal history will record this case as one of the most tragic miscarriages of justice. It ruined the life and career of an astonishingly gifted musician. MKT Bhagavathar never regained his lost fame.
Later NSK resumed acting in Movies, but his jail term and fight for justice made him penurious, his hard earned wealth was lost in fighting the case and so was the case of co-accused MKT Bagavathar, who once ate in Silver and Gold plates and was the first Super Star of Indian Cinema. Haridas, which was released while he was in jail ran for 3 consequent Deepavalies with packed houses. People crowded the theatre as they felt, they would not have a chance to see their superstar in silver screen
[edit]
Trivia
The leading Tamil Nadu politician and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu 'Kalaignar' Karunanidhi, when asked once by a journalist (of the Tamil magazine Kumudham) about who the non-political hero in his life was, answered it was Kalaivanar. Karunanidhi knew him well and also worked in some of his film projects.
Kalaivanar was an active member of the Dravidian Movement. The Tamil Nadu Government erected a memorial-building in 1979, called 'Kalaivanar Kalai Arangam' (or Kalaivanar Arts Centre) in honour of Kalaivanar's contribution to the Arts, and the building is one of the leading landmarks in the city of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.
NSK was generous to a fault.The following anecdote was written in Agathiyar Yahoo Group by JayBee (Dr. S.Jayabarathi of Malaysia): "One day, an emaciated looking man came to his house. At that time, NSK was playing carrom board with a friend. When the man approached NSK, NSK did not look up at him. He continued with his game. NSK simply asked him whether he had eaten. The man said he had not eaten for three days. NSK told him to go and eat a hearty meal first. Of course NSK knew that the man was hungry because he had no money. He called one of his friends who were around him watching his game. He told him to reach into NSK's shirt pocket and take out the money. The friend did so. But what came out was a thick unopened wad of five rupee currency notes. The friend tried take out a note. In those days, a five rupee was a big sum. NSK got angry. He scolded him, "ada thariththiraththukku thuNai pOnavanE! innum kuuda thaaraaLamaa pichchuk kuduvEn?". (" O, He who gives company to poverty, why don't you extend your magnanimity and take out some more?") The friend took out a thicker portion containing quite a number of notes and gave them to the poor man. When the man came back, NSK heard his story and needs and gave him substantial help. In the meanwhile...... NSK continued playing......."
As ActorNo Year Name of Film Language Co-stars Role Other notes
1 1960 Raja Desingu Tamizh MGR This movie was released after his death;
2 1959 Tholan Tamizh This movie was released after his death;
3 1958 Thanga Padumai Tamizh
4 1957 Ambikapathy Tamizh N. S. Krishnan died before the completion of this film
5 1957 Chakravarthi Thirumagal Tamizh
6 1956 Yar Paiyan Tamizh
7 1956 Manimekalai Tamizh
8 1956 Balya Chakram Tamizh
9 1956 Asai Tamizh
10 1956 Raja Rani Tamizh
11 1956 Laila Majnu Tamizh
12 1956 Arasilang Kumari Tamizh
13 1956 Madurai Veeran Tamizh MGR Cobbler
14 1956 Rangoon Radha Tamizh Sivaji Ganesan Naidu
15 1955 Kalacharam Tamizh
16 1955 Kannin Manigal Tamizh
17 1955 Sri Ratna Tamizh
18 1955 Athiroopa Amaravathi Tamizh
19 1955 Paditha Muttal Tamizh
20 1955 Pudhu Vazhvu Tamizh
21 1955 Maha Sakthi Tamizh
22 1955 Nan Nambikka Tamizh
23 1955 Governors Cup Telugu
24 1955 Nam Kulandai Tamizh
25 1955 Kudumba Villakku Tamizh
26 1955 Doctor Savithri Tamizh
27 1955 Kaveri Tamizh
28 1955 Mudhal Thethi Tamizh
29 1954 Nalla Kalam Tamizh
30 1953 Thalapathi Tamizh
31 1953 Nadigan Tamizh
32 1953 Amarakavi Telugu
33 1952 Panam Tamizh
34 1952 Manathodu Vazh Tamizh
35 1952 Thottakkaran Tamizh
36 1952 Ragasiyam Tamizh
37 1951 Vanasundari Tamizh P.U.Chinnappa, TR.Rajakumari, T.A.Madhuram
38 1950 Parijatham Tamizh
39 1950 Manamagal Tamizh
40 1949 Viswamitra Tamizh
41 1949 Rathnakumar Tamizh
42 1949 Pavalakkodi Tamizh
43 1949 Inba Valli Tamizh
44 1949 Kalvanin Kathali Tamizh
45 1949 Macha Rekai Tamizh
46 1949 Thambi durai Tamizh
47 1949 Mangaiyarkkarasi Tamizh
48 1949 Nallathambi Tamizh Banumathy, T.A. Madhuram Zamindar
49 1948 Chandralekha Tamizh
50 1948 Samsara Nonga Tamizh only T.A. Madhuram
51 1947 Sri Valli Tamizh
52 1947 Paithiyakkaran Tamizh
53 1947 Pavalakkodi Tamizh
54 1947 Brahma Rishi Vishvamitra Tamizh The film was first released and did not perform well in box-office, then the comedy track was added
55 1947 Pankaja valli Tamizh
56 1947 Krishna Bakthi Tamizh
57 1947 Kannagi Tamizh
58 1946 Arthanari Tamizh
59 1946 Deva dasi Tamizh
60 1945 Maha maya Tamizh
61 1945 Burma Rani Tamizh
62 1945 Baktha Kalathi Tamizh
63 1945 Chow Chow - Kalikala minor, School Drama, Soora Puli Tamizh
64 1945 Salivahanam Tamizh
65 1944 Raja Rajeshwari Tamizh only T.A. Madhuram
66 1944 Valmiki Tamizh
67 1944 Haridas Tamizh For the first time in Tamil cinema history, Haridas ran successfully for 110 weeks in Chennai Broadway Talkies. Was screened from 16.10.1944 to 22.11.1946
68 1944 Poompavai Tamizh
69 1944 Panthru hari Tamizh
70 1944 Jagathala Prathaban Tamizh
71 1943 Prabhavathi Tamizh
72 1943 Ilandha Kathal Tamizh
73 1943 Aswini Tamizh
74 1943 Bakya Lakshmi Tamizh
75 1943 Harischandra Tamizh
76 1943 Mangamma Sapatham Tamizh
77 1943 Sivakavi Tamizh
78 1943 Kubera Kuchela Tamizh
79 1943 Arunthathi Tamizh
80 1942 Emantha Sonagiri Tamizh
81 1942 Kathambam Tamizh
82 1942 Manonmani Tamizh
83 1942 Prithiviraj Tamizh
84 1942 Panchamirtham or Thiruvalathan Tamizh
85 1942 Thasippen or Kilattu Mappillai Tamizh
86 1942 Sivalinga Satchi Tamizh
87 1942 Kannagi Tamizh
88 1942 Krishna Pidaran Tamizh
89 1942 Aarayichi mani or Manuneethi Cholan Tamizh
90 1941 Iru Nanbargal Tamizh
91 1941 Vedha vathi or Seetha Jananam Tamizh
92 1941 Chandra hari Tamizh
93 1941 Elandha Kadhal Tamizh
94 1941 Ashok Kumar Tamizh
95 1941 Aryamala Tamizh
96 1941 Alibabavum Narpadhu Thirudargalum Tamizh
97 1940 Sakunthalai Tamizh MS.SubbaLakshmi/GN.Balasunbramaniam, T.A. Madhuram, T. S.DuraiRaj
98 1940 Parasuraman Tamizh
99 1940 Manimekalai or Bala Saniyasi Tamizh In those days there were movies that had 2 titles
100 1940 Poologa Rambai Tamizh
101 1940 Sathi Murali Tamizh
102 1940 Naveena Vikramatityan Tamizh
103 1940 Chandraguptha Chanakya Tamizh
102 1940 Puthiman Balavan Aavan Tamizh
103 1940 Tharuthalai Thangavelu Tamizh
104 1940 Naveena Tenali Raman Tamizh
105 1940 Uthama Puthiran Tamizh P.U.Chinnappa, T.A.Madhuram
106 1940 Sirikkathe Tamizh Consist of five stories under one single title (an innovative idea in those days) the titles where:Adanka pidari, Puli vettai, Poli panchali, Malai kkannan, Yama vathanai
107 1939 Kalamegam Tamizh
108 1939 Prahalatha Tamizh
109 1939 Rambaiyin Kathal Tamizh
110 1939 Pommi Kalyanam Tamizh
111 1939 Madurai Veeran Tamizh
112 1939 Sri Math Ramalinga Swamigal Tamizh
113 1939 Maya Machindra Tamizh
114 1939 Manikkavasagar Tamizh
115 1939 Thiruneelakandan Tamizh
116 1938 Anandashramam Tamizh
117 1938 Krisgna Toodhu Tamizh
118 1938 Dakshayagna Tamizh
119 1937 Balamani Tamizh
120 1937 Chandra Kantha Tamizh
121 1937 BakthaThulasida Tamizh
122 1937 Ambikapathy Tamizh
123 1936 Vasantha Sena Tamizh
124 1936 Sathi Leelavathi Tamizh
125 1935 Menaka Tamizh
[edit]
As Director
Panam (1952) - Dialogues by M Karunanidhi
Manamagal (1951) - Dialogues by M Karunanidhi
Pelli Koothuru (1951)
Born in Ozhuginachery, Nagercoil, in the princely state of Travancore, India on 29 November 1908, his stage and cine-screen comedy performances were unique and always carried a message for the people. 'Kalaivanar' N. S. Krishnan died at the age of 49, on 30 August 1957.Contents [hide]
1 Career
2 Controversies
3 Trivia
4 Filmography
4.1 As Actor
4.2 As Director
5 External links
[edit]
Career
N S Krishnan started his career as a Villu Paatu artist (the Tamil way of reciting stories while singing songs and playing a musical instrument in the form of a bow - called 'Villu') and later became involved in Tamil drama and stage shows, as were so many film artistes in his days, and at one-time owned his own touring drama company; and when cinema gradually became popular in South India, he entered the Tamil film world to become one of the leading Tamil film comedians ever, with a unique style. He generally wrote his own comedy dialogues and expressed them in his drama and films in such a way that the message was carried across, but the subject to whom it was intended was not offended.
He acted in nearly 150 Tamil films and the matinee-duo of N S krishnan and T. A. Madhuram (later his better half) in Tamil films was very popular in his days; he also did roles along with leading stage and cine artists of his time like T. S. Durairaj, 'Pulimootai' Ramasamy, C.S. Pandian and writers like Udumalai Narayana Kavi and Subbu Armugham and gave a number of hits in those days. He was also a talented singer and hits include Sivakavi, Raja Rani, and Manamagal.
Though he was more popular among the Tamil populace as a film comedian (and even in the modern day he is remembered for that), Kalaivanar was instrumental in bringing a number of leading Tamil stage and film personalities of his days to the fore; he was also a Gandhian, patriot and philanthropist, yet a very controversial figure - with his name linked to a murder and also some marital controversies.
[edit]
Controversies
During Mid 1940s he and M.K.Thyagaraja Bhagavathar were arrested for suspicion of murder famously known during that time as Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku (Lakshmikanthan Murder Case), both were convicted and later released on appeal with privy council.
When MKT and NSK were flying very high in fame in drama, cinema and concerts, fate interfered in the form of Lakshmikanthan. Lakshmikanthan, a notorious criminal with a perverted mind, edited a yellow magazine called 'Hindu Nesan'. Lakshmikanthan's target was not only the small fry in the society but also the movie people, business magnates, prosperous lawyers, doctors, famed musicians, landlords, zamindars, Rajahs, press barons, religious heads, politicians etc. He wrote salacious and scandalous sex stories about them purely on the basis of gossips and hearsay. Majority of them were unauthenticated and filthy news. Being afraid of ill fame, some of those on whom Lakshmikantan wrote tried to silence him with hush money. Encouraged by this sort of income he continued to write all sorts of nonsense about them regularly and with the result had numerous enemies from all walks of life.
On 8 November 1944, he was attacked by some people with a knife in Purasawalkam, in Downtown Madras. He was admitted to the General Hospital, Madras but only as an outpatient, for the wound was not serious enough. Even in his statement to the police he did not name any particular person as the accused but only stated that someone had attacked him. He was found very jovial at the police station as he was in the hospital. During his treatment it was reported that he wanted to expose the murderers involved in the Boat Mail murder (In those days a train named Boat mail used to run between Madras and Dhanushkoti station which is not in existence now). A rich banker from Devakottai was murdered in the moving train between Chengalpet and Madras. A notable singer cum actress who travelled with the banker was missing/fled when the train reached Madras. The political backing which this singer had kept truth about the real killers under the carpet. The killers saw to it that the case should not come to the court for trial. There is another version which says that Lakshikanthan was murdered by this group and not by NSK/MKT.
But suddenly, the next day i.e. on 9 November 1944, Lakshmikanthan died mysteriously in the hospital. He was murdered. The police, based on the statement made by LKanthan's bodyguard, arrested eight persons as accused for the murder. Among them were MKT and N.S.Krishnan. This came as a rude shock to their fans and the cine world.
After usual committal proceedings before the Madras Presidency Magistrate, the case came up for hearing at the Madras High court before Justice Vera Mockett. A group of brilliant lawyers namely Mr. V.T.Rangasamy Iyengar, Sri Rajagopalachariar (Rajaji), Mr. Braddel, Mr. B.T.Sundararajan, Sri Govind Swaminathan, Mr. Srinivasagopal and Mr. K.M.Munshi argued the case for the accused. After prolonged trial, the Jury, much to the dismay of many, found MKT and NSK guilty along with four others.
Appeals were heard by a bench of the High Court consisting of Sir Linel Leach, Chief Justice of Madras, Justice K.P. Lakshmana Rao and Advocate General K.Rajah Iyer. The appeals were filed by the then leading members of the Bar, V.V.Srinivasa Iyengar and Sri V.C.Gopalarathnam. However, the appeals were dismissed.
MKT and NSK filed an appeal in the Privy Council, London which was then the highest court of appeal. The internationally famous ((British Barrister)), D.N.Pritt appeared for them. Privy Council then referred the case back to India for a fresh appraisal.
The appeal came up before a bench of two judges namely Mr. Justice Happel and Mr. Justice Sahabuddin (who migrated to Pakistan in 1947 during partition of India and retired as Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court). Mr V.L.Ethiraj, a successful Barrister appeared for MKT and NSK and argued that the Judges had not properly directed the Jury and the evidences of doubtful nature have not been properly assessed. Mr. Ethiraj convinced the Judges by his powerful arguments that all the witnesses produced against MKT and NSK were tutored and coached and there were a lot of inconsistencies in their evidence and statements and the case had many loopholes. The Judges agreed with Mr. Ethiraj's arguments and acquitted MKT and NSK. One of the judges who heard the remanded appeal remarked in the Court that the knife produced as evidence cannot even kill a rat !! The judgment was given a few months before India became free.
MKT, NSK and four others came out of prison after thirty months' imprisonment. Experts and even laymen felt that the truth about the real killers of Lakshmikanthan has not come out and MKT, NSK and others were the unfortunate victims of the game of power politics.
The real killers were never pinned down and the truth lies buried somewhere to this day. Indian legal history will record this case as one of the most tragic miscarriages of justice. It ruined the life and career of an astonishingly gifted musician. MKT Bhagavathar never regained his lost fame.
Later NSK resumed acting in Movies, but his jail term and fight for justice made him penurious, his hard earned wealth was lost in fighting the case and so was the case of co-accused MKT Bagavathar, who once ate in Silver and Gold plates and was the first Super Star of Indian Cinema. Haridas, which was released while he was in jail ran for 3 consequent Deepavalies with packed houses. People crowded the theatre as they felt, they would not have a chance to see their superstar in silver screen
[edit]
Trivia
The leading Tamil Nadu politician and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu 'Kalaignar' Karunanidhi, when asked once by a journalist (of the Tamil magazine Kumudham) about who the non-political hero in his life was, answered it was Kalaivanar. Karunanidhi knew him well and also worked in some of his film projects.
Kalaivanar was an active member of the Dravidian Movement. The Tamil Nadu Government erected a memorial-building in 1979, called 'Kalaivanar Kalai Arangam' (or Kalaivanar Arts Centre) in honour of Kalaivanar's contribution to the Arts, and the building is one of the leading landmarks in the city of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.
NSK was generous to a fault.The following anecdote was written in Agathiyar Yahoo Group by JayBee (Dr. S.Jayabarathi of Malaysia): "One day, an emaciated looking man came to his house. At that time, NSK was playing carrom board with a friend. When the man approached NSK, NSK did not look up at him. He continued with his game. NSK simply asked him whether he had eaten. The man said he had not eaten for three days. NSK told him to go and eat a hearty meal first. Of course NSK knew that the man was hungry because he had no money. He called one of his friends who were around him watching his game. He told him to reach into NSK's shirt pocket and take out the money. The friend did so. But what came out was a thick unopened wad of five rupee currency notes. The friend tried take out a note. In those days, a five rupee was a big sum. NSK got angry. He scolded him, "ada thariththiraththukku thuNai pOnavanE! innum kuuda thaaraaLamaa pichchuk kuduvEn?". (" O, He who gives company to poverty, why don't you extend your magnanimity and take out some more?") The friend took out a thicker portion containing quite a number of notes and gave them to the poor man. When the man came back, NSK heard his story and needs and gave him substantial help. In the meanwhile...... NSK continued playing......."
As ActorNo Year Name of Film Language Co-stars Role Other notes
1 1960 Raja Desingu Tamizh MGR This movie was released after his death;
2 1959 Tholan Tamizh This movie was released after his death;
3 1958 Thanga Padumai Tamizh
4 1957 Ambikapathy Tamizh N. S. Krishnan died before the completion of this film
5 1957 Chakravarthi Thirumagal Tamizh
6 1956 Yar Paiyan Tamizh
7 1956 Manimekalai Tamizh
8 1956 Balya Chakram Tamizh
9 1956 Asai Tamizh
10 1956 Raja Rani Tamizh
11 1956 Laila Majnu Tamizh
12 1956 Arasilang Kumari Tamizh
13 1956 Madurai Veeran Tamizh MGR Cobbler
14 1956 Rangoon Radha Tamizh Sivaji Ganesan Naidu
15 1955 Kalacharam Tamizh
16 1955 Kannin Manigal Tamizh
17 1955 Sri Ratna Tamizh
18 1955 Athiroopa Amaravathi Tamizh
19 1955 Paditha Muttal Tamizh
20 1955 Pudhu Vazhvu Tamizh
21 1955 Maha Sakthi Tamizh
22 1955 Nan Nambikka Tamizh
23 1955 Governors Cup Telugu
24 1955 Nam Kulandai Tamizh
25 1955 Kudumba Villakku Tamizh
26 1955 Doctor Savithri Tamizh
27 1955 Kaveri Tamizh
28 1955 Mudhal Thethi Tamizh
29 1954 Nalla Kalam Tamizh
30 1953 Thalapathi Tamizh
31 1953 Nadigan Tamizh
32 1953 Amarakavi Telugu
33 1952 Panam Tamizh
34 1952 Manathodu Vazh Tamizh
35 1952 Thottakkaran Tamizh
36 1952 Ragasiyam Tamizh
37 1951 Vanasundari Tamizh P.U.Chinnappa, TR.Rajakumari, T.A.Madhuram
38 1950 Parijatham Tamizh
39 1950 Manamagal Tamizh
40 1949 Viswamitra Tamizh
41 1949 Rathnakumar Tamizh
42 1949 Pavalakkodi Tamizh
43 1949 Inba Valli Tamizh
44 1949 Kalvanin Kathali Tamizh
45 1949 Macha Rekai Tamizh
46 1949 Thambi durai Tamizh
47 1949 Mangaiyarkkarasi Tamizh
48 1949 Nallathambi Tamizh Banumathy, T.A. Madhuram Zamindar
49 1948 Chandralekha Tamizh
50 1948 Samsara Nonga Tamizh only T.A. Madhuram
51 1947 Sri Valli Tamizh
52 1947 Paithiyakkaran Tamizh
53 1947 Pavalakkodi Tamizh
54 1947 Brahma Rishi Vishvamitra Tamizh The film was first released and did not perform well in box-office, then the comedy track was added
55 1947 Pankaja valli Tamizh
56 1947 Krishna Bakthi Tamizh
57 1947 Kannagi Tamizh
58 1946 Arthanari Tamizh
59 1946 Deva dasi Tamizh
60 1945 Maha maya Tamizh
61 1945 Burma Rani Tamizh
62 1945 Baktha Kalathi Tamizh
63 1945 Chow Chow - Kalikala minor, School Drama, Soora Puli Tamizh
64 1945 Salivahanam Tamizh
65 1944 Raja Rajeshwari Tamizh only T.A. Madhuram
66 1944 Valmiki Tamizh
67 1944 Haridas Tamizh For the first time in Tamil cinema history, Haridas ran successfully for 110 weeks in Chennai Broadway Talkies. Was screened from 16.10.1944 to 22.11.1946
68 1944 Poompavai Tamizh
69 1944 Panthru hari Tamizh
70 1944 Jagathala Prathaban Tamizh
71 1943 Prabhavathi Tamizh
72 1943 Ilandha Kathal Tamizh
73 1943 Aswini Tamizh
74 1943 Bakya Lakshmi Tamizh
75 1943 Harischandra Tamizh
76 1943 Mangamma Sapatham Tamizh
77 1943 Sivakavi Tamizh
78 1943 Kubera Kuchela Tamizh
79 1943 Arunthathi Tamizh
80 1942 Emantha Sonagiri Tamizh
81 1942 Kathambam Tamizh
82 1942 Manonmani Tamizh
83 1942 Prithiviraj Tamizh
84 1942 Panchamirtham or Thiruvalathan Tamizh
85 1942 Thasippen or Kilattu Mappillai Tamizh
86 1942 Sivalinga Satchi Tamizh
87 1942 Kannagi Tamizh
88 1942 Krishna Pidaran Tamizh
89 1942 Aarayichi mani or Manuneethi Cholan Tamizh
90 1941 Iru Nanbargal Tamizh
91 1941 Vedha vathi or Seetha Jananam Tamizh
92 1941 Chandra hari Tamizh
93 1941 Elandha Kadhal Tamizh
94 1941 Ashok Kumar Tamizh
95 1941 Aryamala Tamizh
96 1941 Alibabavum Narpadhu Thirudargalum Tamizh
97 1940 Sakunthalai Tamizh MS.SubbaLakshmi/GN.Balasunbramaniam, T.A. Madhuram, T. S.DuraiRaj
98 1940 Parasuraman Tamizh
99 1940 Manimekalai or Bala Saniyasi Tamizh In those days there were movies that had 2 titles
100 1940 Poologa Rambai Tamizh
101 1940 Sathi Murali Tamizh
102 1940 Naveena Vikramatityan Tamizh
103 1940 Chandraguptha Chanakya Tamizh
102 1940 Puthiman Balavan Aavan Tamizh
103 1940 Tharuthalai Thangavelu Tamizh
104 1940 Naveena Tenali Raman Tamizh
105 1940 Uthama Puthiran Tamizh P.U.Chinnappa, T.A.Madhuram
106 1940 Sirikkathe Tamizh Consist of five stories under one single title (an innovative idea in those days) the titles where:Adanka pidari, Puli vettai, Poli panchali, Malai kkannan, Yama vathanai
107 1939 Kalamegam Tamizh
108 1939 Prahalatha Tamizh
109 1939 Rambaiyin Kathal Tamizh
110 1939 Pommi Kalyanam Tamizh
111 1939 Madurai Veeran Tamizh
112 1939 Sri Math Ramalinga Swamigal Tamizh
113 1939 Maya Machindra Tamizh
114 1939 Manikkavasagar Tamizh
115 1939 Thiruneelakandan Tamizh
116 1938 Anandashramam Tamizh
117 1938 Krisgna Toodhu Tamizh
118 1938 Dakshayagna Tamizh
119 1937 Balamani Tamizh
120 1937 Chandra Kantha Tamizh
121 1937 BakthaThulasida Tamizh
122 1937 Ambikapathy Tamizh
123 1936 Vasantha Sena Tamizh
124 1936 Sathi Leelavathi Tamizh
125 1935 Menaka Tamizh
[edit]
As Director
Panam (1952) - Dialogues by M Karunanidhi
Manamagal (1951) - Dialogues by M Karunanidhi
Pelli Koothuru (1951)
M G R history
Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (Malayalam: മരുതൂര് ഗോപാലന് രാമചന്ദ്രന്, Tamil: மருதூர் கோபாலன் இராமச்சந்திரன்) (January 17, 1917 – December 24, 1987), popularly known by his initials MGR (Tamil: எம்.ஜி.ஆர்), was an Indian film actor, director, producer and politician.
In his youth, MGR and his elder brother, M. G. Chakrapani became members of a drama troupe to support their family. Influenced by Gandhian ideals, MGR joined the Indian National Congress. After a few years of acting in plays, he made his film debut in the 1936 film Sathi Leelavathi in a supporting role. In the late 1940s he graduated to leading roles and for the next three decades dominated the Tamil film industry.[1] He became a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and rose rapidly through its ranks. He successfully used his popularity as a film hero to build a large political base. In 1972, he left the DMK to form his own party the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK). In 1977 he became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu - the first film actor in India to become the chief minister of a state. He remained as chief minister till his death in 1987.
He studied only up to the third standard and had at least three wives. He is idolized by his followers as Puratchi Thalaivar (lit. Revolutionary leader)[2][3][4][4] MGR was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.[5]Contents [hide]
1 Early life and background
2 Acting career
3 Political career
3.1 Member of Legislative Assembly
3.2 Chief Minister
4 Awards
5 Philanthropy
6 Death
7 Filmography
7.1 As Actor
7.2 As producer & director
8 Gallery
9 References
10 External links
[edit]
Early life and background
MGR was born in Nawalapitiya near Kandy, British Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka), to immigrant Keralite parents — Melakkath Gopala Menon and Maruthur Satyabhama. His family was originally from Vadavannur, Palakkad, Kerala, but his father had migrated with his family to Ceylon. Melakkath Gopala Menon had been excommunicated from Keralite society (bhrasht) during a Smarthavicharam in 1903, regarding an fake allegation that dealt with an illicit relationship with a widowed Brahmin woman;[6] and hence he left his family, and married Maruthur Satybhama , and migrated to Ceylon.[7][8]
MGR was a Hindu and portrayed himself as a devotee of Lord Murugan, as is common practice for many Hindus in Sri Lanka.[9] This was during his early days. Later, when he joined the DMK,a pro-rationalist party,he followed the rationalist ideology, though not appearing very aggressively atheistic.However,in later days after he founded his own party following his expulsion from the DMK, he seems to have shown some leaning towards religious faith. He had asked his followers to pray for the success of his AIADMK party.[10]
His followers even prayed for him when it was determined that he had a kidney illness.[11] After his demise, his wife opened up a temple in his name.
After his father's death, he joined a drama troupe called Original Boys. Later, he entered the world of cinema, becoming an actor, and later a director, producer, and editor. MGR married Bargavi also known as Thangamani who died early due to illness. He later married Sathanandavathi who also died soon due to Tuberculosis. M. G. R. married V. N. Janaki a former Tamil film actress as his third wife after the death of his second wife. Janaki divorced her husband Ganapati Bhat, to marry MGR.
[edit]
Acting career
He made his film debut in 1935, in the film Sati Leelavati,[12] directed by Ellis Dungan, an American born film director.[13] Generally starring in romance or action films, MGR got his big breakthrough in the 1947 film Rajakumaari, written by M. Karunanidhi.Soon he rose to superstardom in the 1954 blockbuster 'Malaikallan'. He acted as hero in the Tamil film industry's first ever colour movie, the 1955 blockbuster ' Ali Baba and the forty thieves'. He rose to become the heart throb of millions of Indians with movies such as 'Anbe Vaa', 'Aayirathil Oruvan', 'Mahadevi', 'Panam Padaithavan', 'Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan','Adimaippenn'etc..,. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for the film Rickshakaran. His film Nadodi Mannan,which was a tamil version of the interpretation of the Prisoner of Zenda,was produced and directed by himself and released in 1956, ran to full houses.He began to act in many movies that appealed to the direct sentiments of the common man and the rich as well. His 1973 blockbuster' Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan' broke previous box office records. It was one of the few movies shot in abroad in those days. It was shot in nations like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan.The DMK unsuccessfully tried to curtail that movie. His acting career ended in 1978 with his last movie, Madurai Meetta SundaraPandian, which he acted when he was the Chief Minister of the state.He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1988 (posthumous).
MGR embracing Rajkumar during the latter's visit to Chennai
[edit]
Political career
MGR was a member of the Congress Party till 1953 and he used to wear Khādī. In 1953 MGR joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) with the help of M. Karunanidhi. He became a vocal Tamil and Dravidian nationalist and prominent member of the DMK] ("Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam" aka Dravidian Progressive Federation). He added glamour to the Dravidian movement which was sweeping Tamil Nadu. He became a member of the state Legislative Council in 1962. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1967. After the death of his mentor, Annadurai, MGR became the treasurer of DMK in 1969 after Karunanidhi became the chief minister.
On the 12th of January 1967, he was shot in the neck by fellow actor M.R. Radha.Both had worked together in 25 films together.When MGR was acting in the film Kaavalkaran in 1967 opposite Jayalalitha this incident happened.Petralthaan Pillaya was the last movie of MGR-MR Radha together, shooting which ended just few days before MGR was shot at.The bullet was permanently lodged in his neck and his voice damaged. Within hours of the shooting, some 50,000-odd fans had gathered at the hospital where MGR had been taken. People cried in the streets. For six weeks, he lay in the hospital as fans awaited each report of his health. He was visited by a steady stream of commoners and luminaries of film industry, polity and bureaucracy.From his hospital bed, he conducted his campaign for Madras Legislative Assembly. He won twice the number of votes polled by his Congress rival and the largest vote polled by any candidate for the Assembly.[14]
MGR at a function in January (1968)
In 1972, DMK leader Karunanithi started to project his first son M.K.Muthu in a big way in film industry and also in politics. Understanding the tactics played by Karunanithi to corner him, MGR started to claim that corruption had grown within the party after the demise of Annadurai and in a public meeting asked for the financial details of the party to be publicized which enraged the leadership of DMK. Consequently, as expected, MGR was expelled from the party, and floated a new party named Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), later renamed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the only powerful opponent of the DMK.He mobilised the period between 1972-1977 to spread and preach his party ambiition with films like Netru Indru Naalai(1974), Idhayakani(1975) etc..,. He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on the 30th of July 1977, remaining in office till his death in 1987. In 1979, members of his party Satyavani Muthu and Aravinda Bala Pajanor, became the first non-Congress politicians from Tamil Nadu to be ministers in the Union Cabinet. The AIADMK won every state assembly election as long as MGR was alive. Although Anna Durai as well as Karunanidhi had acted in stage plays in trivial roles, in their younger days, before becoming chief minister, MGR was the first popular film actor to be a Chief Minister in India.Though the Congress won by a small margin of votes with the DMK in the 1980 parliamentary elections, the AIADMK under MGR won the state elections the same year.This made the Congress to ally with the AIADMK in the 1984 elections.
Once he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he placed great emphasis on social development, especially education. One of his most successful policies was the introduction of the "Mid-day Meal Scheme" introduced by the popular Congress Chief Minister and Kingmaker K Kamaraj to a nutritious Mid-day Meal Scheme in the Government-run and aided schools in Tamil Nadu, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend schools. This scheme was at a cost of Rs.100 crore and was imposed in 1982. A little more than 12000000 citizns of the state were benefited. He also introduced Women's Special buses. He introduced Liquor ban in the state and Preservation of old temples and historical monuments, ultimatley increasing the state's tourist income. He set up a free school for the Cinema Technicians children in Kodambakkam called MGR Primary & Higher Secondary School which provided Free Mid-Day meals in the 1950s. He led the ADMK to victory in the 1984 assembly elections despite not taking part in the campaigning. At that time he was undergoing medical treatment in America and his images were broadcast in Tamil Nadu through cinema halls. This was an effective campaign tactic and ADMK won the elections, indicating the depth of his popular support. He won the election in a double landslide victory in 1984.He still holds the record of being the chief minister with the highest consistent longevity of more than a decade.
His was instrumental in setting up the Tamil University and the Mother Theresa Women's University in Tamil Nadu.[citation needed]
[edit]
Member of Legislative AssemblyYear Elected/Reelected Place Party
1967 Elected St. Thomas Mount DMK
1971 Reelected St. Thomas Mount DMK
1977 Elected Aruppukottai ADMK
1980 Elected Madurai West ADMK
1984 Elected Andipatti ADMK
[edit]
Chief MinisterFrom Year To Year Election
1977 1980 Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1977
1980 1984 Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1980
1984 1987 Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1984
[edit]
Awards
Filmfare Best Actor Award for Enga Veettu Pillai[15]
Filmfare Best Film Award for Adimai Penn[16]
National Film Award for Best Actor for the film Rickshakaran in 1972.
Honorary doctorate received from University of Madras and The World University (Arizona).
Bharat Ratna was conferred by the Government of India (posthumously) in 1988 for his reformation activities and support from Tamil Nadu.
One famous incident was that MGR was nominated for the Padmashree award from the Government of India but he refused to accept as the wording was in Hindi and not in Tamil in 1960.
[edit]
Philanthropy
He personally offered relief in disasters and calamities like fire, flood, drought, and cyclones. He was the first donor during the war with China in 1962, donating Rs. 75,000 to the war fund. He was the founder and editor of Thai weekly magazine and Anna daily newspaper in Tamil. He was the owner of Sathya Studios and Emgeeyar Pictures (willed to charity) which produced many of the films he acted in. He gifted a golden sword weighing half a Kilogram to Mookambika temple in Kollur, Udupi district.[1]
[edit]
Death
In October 1984, MGR was diagnosed with kidney failure and rushed to the Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, United States for treatment, undergoing a kidney transplant. MGR died on December 24, 1987 after his prolonged illness. His death sparked off a frenzy of looting and rioting all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Shops, movie theatres, buses and other public and private property became the target of violence let loose all over the state. The police had to resort issuing shoot-at-sight orders. Tamilians from Bangalore rushed to Madras in trains to see the mortal remains of MGR. Govt had announced free train facility for this visit. The violence during the funeral alone left 29 people dead and 47 police personnel badly wounded. [2],[3] This state of affairs continued for almost a month all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Around one million[4] people followed his remains, around 30 followers committed suicide and people had their heads tonsured. After his death, his political party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, split between his wife Janaki Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa; they later merged in 1988. In 1989 Dr. M. G. R. Home and Higher Secondary School for the Speech and Hearing Impaired was established in the erstwhile Residence MGR Gardens, Ramavaram, in accordance with his will dated January 17, 1986. His official residence at 27, Arcot Street, T.Nagar is now MGR Memorial House and is open for public viewing. His film studio, Sathya Studios has been converted into a women's college.
[edit]
Filmography
[edit]
As Actor
Main article: M. G. Ramachandran filmography
[edit]
As producer & directorYear Film Role Notes
1958 Nadodi Mannan MGR's First film as Director,
1973 Ulagam Sutrum Valiban MGR's Second film as Director,
1977 Madhurai Meetha Sundharapandian MGR's Third film as Director,
In his youth, MGR and his elder brother, M. G. Chakrapani became members of a drama troupe to support their family. Influenced by Gandhian ideals, MGR joined the Indian National Congress. After a few years of acting in plays, he made his film debut in the 1936 film Sathi Leelavathi in a supporting role. In the late 1940s he graduated to leading roles and for the next three decades dominated the Tamil film industry.[1] He became a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and rose rapidly through its ranks. He successfully used his popularity as a film hero to build a large political base. In 1972, he left the DMK to form his own party the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK). In 1977 he became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu - the first film actor in India to become the chief minister of a state. He remained as chief minister till his death in 1987.
He studied only up to the third standard and had at least three wives. He is idolized by his followers as Puratchi Thalaivar (lit. Revolutionary leader)[2][3][4][4] MGR was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.[5]Contents [hide]
1 Early life and background
2 Acting career
3 Political career
3.1 Member of Legislative Assembly
3.2 Chief Minister
4 Awards
5 Philanthropy
6 Death
7 Filmography
7.1 As Actor
7.2 As producer & director
8 Gallery
9 References
10 External links
[edit]
Early life and background
MGR was born in Nawalapitiya near Kandy, British Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka), to immigrant Keralite parents — Melakkath Gopala Menon and Maruthur Satyabhama. His family was originally from Vadavannur, Palakkad, Kerala, but his father had migrated with his family to Ceylon. Melakkath Gopala Menon had been excommunicated from Keralite society (bhrasht) during a Smarthavicharam in 1903, regarding an fake allegation that dealt with an illicit relationship with a widowed Brahmin woman;[6] and hence he left his family, and married Maruthur Satybhama , and migrated to Ceylon.[7][8]
MGR was a Hindu and portrayed himself as a devotee of Lord Murugan, as is common practice for many Hindus in Sri Lanka.[9] This was during his early days. Later, when he joined the DMK,a pro-rationalist party,he followed the rationalist ideology, though not appearing very aggressively atheistic.However,in later days after he founded his own party following his expulsion from the DMK, he seems to have shown some leaning towards religious faith. He had asked his followers to pray for the success of his AIADMK party.[10]
His followers even prayed for him when it was determined that he had a kidney illness.[11] After his demise, his wife opened up a temple in his name.
After his father's death, he joined a drama troupe called Original Boys. Later, he entered the world of cinema, becoming an actor, and later a director, producer, and editor. MGR married Bargavi also known as Thangamani who died early due to illness. He later married Sathanandavathi who also died soon due to Tuberculosis. M. G. R. married V. N. Janaki a former Tamil film actress as his third wife after the death of his second wife. Janaki divorced her husband Ganapati Bhat, to marry MGR.
[edit]
Acting career
He made his film debut in 1935, in the film Sati Leelavati,[12] directed by Ellis Dungan, an American born film director.[13] Generally starring in romance or action films, MGR got his big breakthrough in the 1947 film Rajakumaari, written by M. Karunanidhi.Soon he rose to superstardom in the 1954 blockbuster 'Malaikallan'. He acted as hero in the Tamil film industry's first ever colour movie, the 1955 blockbuster ' Ali Baba and the forty thieves'. He rose to become the heart throb of millions of Indians with movies such as 'Anbe Vaa', 'Aayirathil Oruvan', 'Mahadevi', 'Panam Padaithavan', 'Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan','Adimaippenn'etc..,. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for the film Rickshakaran. His film Nadodi Mannan,which was a tamil version of the interpretation of the Prisoner of Zenda,was produced and directed by himself and released in 1956, ran to full houses.He began to act in many movies that appealed to the direct sentiments of the common man and the rich as well. His 1973 blockbuster' Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan' broke previous box office records. It was one of the few movies shot in abroad in those days. It was shot in nations like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan.The DMK unsuccessfully tried to curtail that movie. His acting career ended in 1978 with his last movie, Madurai Meetta SundaraPandian, which he acted when he was the Chief Minister of the state.He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1988 (posthumous).
MGR embracing Rajkumar during the latter's visit to Chennai
[edit]
Political career
MGR was a member of the Congress Party till 1953 and he used to wear Khādī. In 1953 MGR joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) with the help of M. Karunanidhi. He became a vocal Tamil and Dravidian nationalist and prominent member of the DMK] ("Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam" aka Dravidian Progressive Federation). He added glamour to the Dravidian movement which was sweeping Tamil Nadu. He became a member of the state Legislative Council in 1962. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1967. After the death of his mentor, Annadurai, MGR became the treasurer of DMK in 1969 after Karunanidhi became the chief minister.
On the 12th of January 1967, he was shot in the neck by fellow actor M.R. Radha.Both had worked together in 25 films together.When MGR was acting in the film Kaavalkaran in 1967 opposite Jayalalitha this incident happened.Petralthaan Pillaya was the last movie of MGR-MR Radha together, shooting which ended just few days before MGR was shot at.The bullet was permanently lodged in his neck and his voice damaged. Within hours of the shooting, some 50,000-odd fans had gathered at the hospital where MGR had been taken. People cried in the streets. For six weeks, he lay in the hospital as fans awaited each report of his health. He was visited by a steady stream of commoners and luminaries of film industry, polity and bureaucracy.From his hospital bed, he conducted his campaign for Madras Legislative Assembly. He won twice the number of votes polled by his Congress rival and the largest vote polled by any candidate for the Assembly.[14]
MGR at a function in January (1968)
In 1972, DMK leader Karunanithi started to project his first son M.K.Muthu in a big way in film industry and also in politics. Understanding the tactics played by Karunanithi to corner him, MGR started to claim that corruption had grown within the party after the demise of Annadurai and in a public meeting asked for the financial details of the party to be publicized which enraged the leadership of DMK. Consequently, as expected, MGR was expelled from the party, and floated a new party named Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), later renamed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the only powerful opponent of the DMK.He mobilised the period between 1972-1977 to spread and preach his party ambiition with films like Netru Indru Naalai(1974), Idhayakani(1975) etc..,. He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on the 30th of July 1977, remaining in office till his death in 1987. In 1979, members of his party Satyavani Muthu and Aravinda Bala Pajanor, became the first non-Congress politicians from Tamil Nadu to be ministers in the Union Cabinet. The AIADMK won every state assembly election as long as MGR was alive. Although Anna Durai as well as Karunanidhi had acted in stage plays in trivial roles, in their younger days, before becoming chief minister, MGR was the first popular film actor to be a Chief Minister in India.Though the Congress won by a small margin of votes with the DMK in the 1980 parliamentary elections, the AIADMK under MGR won the state elections the same year.This made the Congress to ally with the AIADMK in the 1984 elections.
Once he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he placed great emphasis on social development, especially education. One of his most successful policies was the introduction of the "Mid-day Meal Scheme" introduced by the popular Congress Chief Minister and Kingmaker K Kamaraj to a nutritious Mid-day Meal Scheme in the Government-run and aided schools in Tamil Nadu, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend schools. This scheme was at a cost of Rs.100 crore and was imposed in 1982. A little more than 12000000 citizns of the state were benefited. He also introduced Women's Special buses. He introduced Liquor ban in the state and Preservation of old temples and historical monuments, ultimatley increasing the state's tourist income. He set up a free school for the Cinema Technicians children in Kodambakkam called MGR Primary & Higher Secondary School which provided Free Mid-Day meals in the 1950s. He led the ADMK to victory in the 1984 assembly elections despite not taking part in the campaigning. At that time he was undergoing medical treatment in America and his images were broadcast in Tamil Nadu through cinema halls. This was an effective campaign tactic and ADMK won the elections, indicating the depth of his popular support. He won the election in a double landslide victory in 1984.He still holds the record of being the chief minister with the highest consistent longevity of more than a decade.
His was instrumental in setting up the Tamil University and the Mother Theresa Women's University in Tamil Nadu.[citation needed]
[edit]
Member of Legislative AssemblyYear Elected/Reelected Place Party
1967 Elected St. Thomas Mount DMK
1971 Reelected St. Thomas Mount DMK
1977 Elected Aruppukottai ADMK
1980 Elected Madurai West ADMK
1984 Elected Andipatti ADMK
[edit]
Chief MinisterFrom Year To Year Election
1977 1980 Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1977
1980 1984 Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1980
1984 1987 Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1984
[edit]
Awards
Filmfare Best Actor Award for Enga Veettu Pillai[15]
Filmfare Best Film Award for Adimai Penn[16]
National Film Award for Best Actor for the film Rickshakaran in 1972.
Honorary doctorate received from University of Madras and The World University (Arizona).
Bharat Ratna was conferred by the Government of India (posthumously) in 1988 for his reformation activities and support from Tamil Nadu.
One famous incident was that MGR was nominated for the Padmashree award from the Government of India but he refused to accept as the wording was in Hindi and not in Tamil in 1960.
[edit]
Philanthropy
He personally offered relief in disasters and calamities like fire, flood, drought, and cyclones. He was the first donor during the war with China in 1962, donating Rs. 75,000 to the war fund. He was the founder and editor of Thai weekly magazine and Anna daily newspaper in Tamil. He was the owner of Sathya Studios and Emgeeyar Pictures (willed to charity) which produced many of the films he acted in. He gifted a golden sword weighing half a Kilogram to Mookambika temple in Kollur, Udupi district.[1]
[edit]
Death
In October 1984, MGR was diagnosed with kidney failure and rushed to the Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, United States for treatment, undergoing a kidney transplant. MGR died on December 24, 1987 after his prolonged illness. His death sparked off a frenzy of looting and rioting all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Shops, movie theatres, buses and other public and private property became the target of violence let loose all over the state. The police had to resort issuing shoot-at-sight orders. Tamilians from Bangalore rushed to Madras in trains to see the mortal remains of MGR. Govt had announced free train facility for this visit. The violence during the funeral alone left 29 people dead and 47 police personnel badly wounded. [2],[3] This state of affairs continued for almost a month all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Around one million[4] people followed his remains, around 30 followers committed suicide and people had their heads tonsured. After his death, his political party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, split between his wife Janaki Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa; they later merged in 1988. In 1989 Dr. M. G. R. Home and Higher Secondary School for the Speech and Hearing Impaired was established in the erstwhile Residence MGR Gardens, Ramavaram, in accordance with his will dated January 17, 1986. His official residence at 27, Arcot Street, T.Nagar is now MGR Memorial House and is open for public viewing. His film studio, Sathya Studios has been converted into a women's college.
[edit]
Filmography
[edit]
As Actor
Main article: M. G. Ramachandran filmography
[edit]
As producer & directorYear Film Role Notes
1958 Nadodi Mannan MGR's First film as Director,
1973 Ulagam Sutrum Valiban MGR's Second film as Director,
1977 Madhurai Meetha Sundharapandian MGR's Third film as Director,
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