Biography of M.G.Ramachandran

Name:	Maruthur Menon
Star Name:	M.G.Ramachandran
Star Title:	Puratchi Thalaivar
Mother Tongue:	Malayalam
Middle Name:	Gopala Ramachandran
Address:	27,Arcot Mudali Street, T.Nagar, Chennai , 4
Date of Birth:	January 17, 1917
Date of Death:	December 24, 1987
Complexion:	Fair

Early life :-

• Marudur Gopala Menon Ramachandran, popularly known as M.G.R and Puratchi Thalaivar MGR (Means Revolutionary Leader), was born on 17th January 1917 at Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maradhur Gopala Menon and Satyabhama who were of the Nair caste from the state of Kerala in Southern India.
• After his father\'s death, M.G.R along with his mother Sathyabama and brother Saranga Bani, settled with his family at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.
• He could not pursue his studies beyond the primary stage due to poverty and hence joined a drama troupe named Boys company. 
• Gaining considerable experience on stage, he entered the world of cinema through the film Sathileelavathi where he played the role of a police officer named Ramanathan with negative shades who plans to execute the hero M.K. Radha and gradually rose to enviable positions by persistent efforts and endurance.

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 filmshe acted in. 
•  He gifted a golden sword weighing half a Kilogram to Mookambika temple in Kollur, Udupi district.

Awards

 

• 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.

 

Acting career

• He made his film debut in 1935, in the film Sati Leelavatidirected by Ellis Dungan, an American born film director.Generally starring in romance or action films, MGR got his big breakthrough in the 1947 film Rajakumaari, written by M. Karunanidhi.

• He sang a few lines in the film and tried his hands in playback singing. He acted with his third wife V.N.Janaki in films Marutha Naattu Ilavarasi, Mohini, and Naam. After strenuous hard work he tasted success and portrayed his first lead role in the film Rajakumari. He portrayed an excellent anti hero role in Panakkaari. In 1954, he acted along with his on screen rival Shivaji Ganesan in Koondukkili. It was the film the two had acted jointly. It was during the shooting the film Kavalkaran , he was shot in his throat by his fellow actor M.R.Radha. After his recovery, he came to continue with the popular song “Ninaithaen Vanthai Nooru Vayathu…”. 

• His star power did not diminish even after he was shot, affecting his ability to speak clearly, but rather he became more famous after this incident and people ordained his tamil as \"Mazhalai Tamil\" and called him \"Engal Veetu Pillai\"(our own son). 

• Madurai Veeran, one of his most popular films, is based on the legend of Madurai Veeran, a popular deity of Southern Tamil Nadu. He continued with his memorable performances in films like Gulaebaghavali, Thaikupin Thaaram, Chakaravarthi Thirumagal, etc. He acted in the first color film in Asia, Alibabavum Narpathu Thirudarkallum with actress Bhanumathi.
• He produced and directed his first film Nadodi Mannan, a film which was partly made in Black and white and color. It was the debut film of actress Saroja Devi.

•   He celebrated the success of he film in Madurai Thamukam grounds, where he was honored with a golden sword of 110 pounds. In return to the love of his fans and well wishers, he offered the sword to Kollur Mookambiga Temple.
• The onscreen pair continued with their successful performances in films like Thirudadhe, Paasam, Kudumba Thalaivan, Thaayai Kaththa Thanaiyan, Parisu, Periyaidathu Pen, Padakotti, Enga Veetu Pillai, etc. He was a highly a health conscious person, after he met with a minor accident in his leg during one of his shootings, he acted in the mega hit film AVM’s Anbae Vaa. He exhibited his physical strength by lifting a 300 pound weighing villain Nelloore Kantharao. 

• His fight sequences proved that he was at his pink of health. His second phase started with glamorous on screen pair Jayalalithaa.

Together they have worked in 28 films. She made her debut with M.G.R. in Kanni Thai.

• Together they continued in notable films like Mugarassi, Kudiyiriruntha Kovil, KavalKaaran, Ragasiya Police115, Pudhiya Bhoomi, Kanavan, and more. His 100th film Olivilakku was a big hit. He received a remuneration of 45 lakhs for director C.V.Sridhar’s film Meenava Nanaban, he was the first actor to receive such a huge amount. In Engal Thangam for example, MGR playing a truck driver Thangam, fights, sings, cares for the poor and preaches against smoking and drinking. Mother tongue, motherland and motherhood were what he based his popularity on... He played dual role in the film Maattukara Velan with actress Lakshmi and Jayalalithaa and latter with a triple role in Naalai Namathae with actress Latha.

• His second directorial hit film was Ullagam Sutrum Valliban, which was shot mostly in foreign locations. The film was a runaway hit for more than 200 days. After his successful political career, he quit film industry with a hit film Maduraiyai Meeta Sundara Pandiyan. He worked in other languages including Hindi - Ektha Raja(1951), Telugu - Sarvathikari(1951), Malayalam - Jenova(1953). His legend has been the subject of various ballads and plays and this was the second filmed version of the story. In the 1960s MGR turned to more \'realistic\' fantasies mostly in a contemporary setting often playing someone from the oppressed class - a peasant, taxi driver or fisherman. For millions of fans, his image as the knight in shining armor, saving damsels in distress and being totally dutiful towards his mother was in fact a reality.

•  He is known for his white fur cap and dark spectacles. The white cap he wore was gifted by a poor old Muslim shop owner, who gave this cap to him during his campaign for Indo China relief fund in 1962. As a film hero MGR chose his roles carefully with an eye on building his own image. Starting with mythological, he moved on to social themes where he picked up the roles of the poor underdog who stands up to the might of rich oppressors and gets the better of them. This gave him the image of a modern day Robin Hood and a fan base which eventually turned into a huge vote bank sustained by more than 10,000 fan clubs that M.G.R took care to nurture and promote

• He became a great actor, director and producer. He rose to stardom by playing characters that portrayed him as the savior of the poor. He would take a keen interest in the theme of the song, its musical composition and its exact appearance in the movie. “Acheham enpathu madamaiyadah Anjaamai Dravidar udamaiyadah… . “Thoongathe Thambi Thoongathe Nee somberi enra peyar vaankaathey…”, “ Chinna payale Chinna payale Chethi keladah…”, “Thaayillamal Naanillai Thaane evarum piranthathillai…. 

• M.G.R would also make sure that he will teach good manners and discipline to the masses through the movies. Therefore, in the characters he played in 120-odd movies, he would never smoke or take alcoholic drinks. On top of that, he would never physically or mentally abuse women. This self-imposed rigidity restricted the character roles he would play and movie critics ridiculed him for this \'un-natural style\' of his characters. But MGR would have the last word. Ultimately, he claimed the respected honorific ‘Vaathiyar’ (teacher) in its proper sense.

• His movies were the medium of communication for the Dravidian movement. For the next twenty-five years he remained one of the biggest celebrities in Tamil cinema. MGR presented himself as a man of the masses, selecting reels that projected him as a champion of the deprived. It did not take the reel hero much time to become a real-life hero. This filmstar-politician, who came from Sri Lanka, came to be adored by millions of Tamils like an icon and grew to be the most powerful man in Tamil Nadu. 

Political career

 

• In 1953 MGR joined politics through Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, a prominent political party and became a member of the state legislative council in 1962. In 1967 MGR was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for the first time. M.G.R added glamour to the Dravidian movement which was sweeping across Tamil Nadu as a storm. Always the first to personally offer relief in disasters and calamities like fire, flood, drought, cyclone, etc., he was the first donor during the war with China in 1962, donating Rs. 75,000 to the war fund. 

• After the death of his mentor, Anna Durai in 1972, he had a fall out with the DMK leadership as he wanted the financial results of the party publicized and so he was treated with slipper garlands when he entered the assembly hall, and so he went on to form the ADMK ( Anna Dravidian Progressive Federation)the only powerful opponent of DMK. In the 1977 state Legislative Assembly elections, MGR\'s ADMK won a resounding victory over the DMK. MGR and his political offspring, the ADMK never looked back after that. Until his death in 1987, MGR comfortably won the two subsequent state Legislative Assembly elections He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977, a post he kept even after he suffered a paralytic stroke in 1984. He was the first film actor to be a Chief Minister in India.

• He enjoyed unending support during his time as Chief Minister. He placed great emphasis on social development, especially education. He founded the Tamil University, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University and the Women\'s University in Tamil Nadu. One of MGR\'s most successful policies was the re-introduction of the \"Mid-day meals\" in Tamil Nadu, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend schools. Through this scheme Tamil Nadu was able to achieve rapid literacy rates. 

• The response was so successful that in 1995 the then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh had this scheme introduced all over the country. Efforts taken by him and the subsequent Tamil Nadu governments ensured the development of Primary and Secondary education in the State In October 1984, MGR was diagnosed with kidney failure and was rushed to the U.S. for treatment, and his niece M.G.C.Leelavathy donated kidney to him. When MGR died on December 24, 1987, the city of Madras saw the biggest ever funeral in its history. Over two million persons followed his mortal remains, more than 30 of his followers committed suicide and thousands had their heads tonsured as a mark of mourning.

• He is affectionately referred with many titles Makkal Thilakam was honored on him by Late Tamizhvannan who was the editor of the magazine Kalki. Religious person Kirubananda Vaariyar gave him the title of Pon Manach Chemmal, owing to his Philanthropic activities. In 1952, he was titled Puratchi Nadigar by M.Karunanidhi.Last but not the least, he won the coveted title Puratchi Thalaivar from K.A.Krishnaswamy, after he started his own political party (A.D.M.K). He constructed the following education centres: MGR Memorial Charitable Trust MGR Higher Sec School and home for the Speech and Hearing impaired. MGR-JANAKI College of Arts and Science for Women Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute. (It is a Deemed university has an offshore campus in Sri lanka. 

 

Death

• In October 1984, MGR was diagnosed with kidney failure and rushed to the Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, United Statesfor 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 resortissuing shoot-at-sight orders.
• Tamilians from Bangalore rushed toMadras in trains to see the mortal remains of MGR. Govt had announcedfree train facility for this visit. The violence during the funeralalone left 29 people dead and 47 police personnel badly wounded. 
• This state of affairs continued for almost a month all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Around one million. 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. 
• Hisofficial residence at 27, Arcot Street, T.Nagar is now MGR MemorialHouse and is open for public viewing.

 

Trivia: 

• A stamp was issued in memory of him on 17/01/1990.
• Devar films produced the maximum number of 17 of his films.
• DirectorP.Neelakandan directed a maximum of 17 of his films.
• Heis also referred as Chinnavar, Mudalali, Thalaivar in the entertainment Media.
• He was very fond of his blue ambassador car TMX4777.
• His Mentor in the theatre world was Kaali N.Rathnam.
• He had a habit of taking a black box in his car which contained money to help the poor and needy.
• The only person to call M.G.R. by name was his friend and fellow actor M.N.Nambiyaar.
• He used to call affectionately K.R.Rajagopal, A.V.M.Saravanan, and K.N.Varatharajan as Mudalali (meaning: Owner).
• He acted as a woman in Devar films Kadhla Vaganam, it was the only film that he had acted as a woman.
• He was the first man to use an Air-conditioned Make up room and it was during the film Enga Veetu Pillai. The films Producer Nagi Reddy constructed a special A.C. room for M.G.R.
• An unknown fact is that he never knew cycling before entering the film Industry.
  

Filmography

1. Sathileelavathi 28.03.1936
2. Eru Sagotharargal 1936
3. Dakshayangnam 31.03.19384. Veera Jagadish 1938
5. Maya Machindra 22.04.1938
6. Prahalatha 12.12.1939
7. Vedavathi (or) Seetha jananam 22.02.1941
8. Ashokumar 10.07.19419. Tamil Ariyum Perumal 30.04.1942
10. Jothi Malar (or) Dasipenn 03.03.1943
11. Harishchandra 14.01.1944
12. Salivaganan 16.02.1945
13. Meera 03.11.1945
14. Sri Murugan 04.06.1946
15. Rajakumari 11.04.1947

16. Paithiakaran 26.09.1947
17. Abimanu 06.05.1948
18. Rajamukthi 09.10.1948
19. Mohini 31.10.1948

20. Rathnakumar 15.12.1949
21. Maruthanatu Ilavarasi 02.04.1950
22. Manthiri Kumari 24.06.1950
23. Marma Yogi 02.02.1951
24. Ek Tha Raja (Hindi) 15.06.1951
25. Sarvathikari 14.09.1951

26. Sarvathikari (Telugu) 05.10.1951
27. Andaman Kaithi 14.03.1952
28. Kumari 11.04.1952
29. En Thangai 31.05.1952
30. Naam 05.03.1953
31. Jenovah (Malayalam) 1953
32. Panakari 1953
33. Jenovah 1953
34. Malaikallan 22.07.1954
35. Kundu Kili 26.08.1954
36. Kulabaghavali 29.07.1955
37. Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum 14.01.1956

38. Madurai Veeran 13.04.195639. Thaiku pin tharam 21.09.1956
40. Chakravarthi Thirumagal 18.01.1957
41. Rajarajan 26.04.1957
42. Puthamai pithan 02.08.1957
43. Mahadevi 22.11.1957
44. Nadodi Mannan 22.08.195845. Thai Magaluku katiya thali 31.12.1959
46. Baghdad Thirudan 06.05.1960
47. Raja Desingh 02.09.1960
48. Mannathi Mannan 19.10.1960

49. Arasilangkumari 01.01.1961
50. Thirudatha 23.03.1961
51. Sabash Mapillai 14.07.1961
52. Nallavan Vazhvan 31.08.1961
53. Thai Sollai Thatatha 07.11.1961
54. Rani Samyugdha 14.01.1962
55. Madapura 16.02.1962
56. Thayai Katha Thanaiyan 13.04.1962
57. Kudumba Thalaivan 15.08.1962
58. Pasam 31.08.1962
59. Vikramadityan 27.10.1962
60. Pana Thottam 11.01.1963
61. Koduthu vaithaval 09.02.1963
62. Dharmam Thalaikakum 22.02.1963
63. Kalai Arasi 19.04.1963
64. Periya Idathu Penn 10.05.1963

65. Ananda Jothi 28.06.1963
66. Neethiku Pin Pasam 15.08.1963
67. Kanchi Thalaivan 26.10.1963
68. Parisu 15.11.1963
69. Veetaikaran 14.01.1964
70. En Kadamai 13.03.1964

71. Panakara Kudumbam 24.04.1964
72. Deiva Thai 18.07.1964
73. Thozhilali 25.09.1964
74. Padagotti 03.11.1964
75. Thaiyin Madiyil 18.12.1964
76. Enga Veetu Pillai 14.01.196577. Panam Padaithavan 27.03.1965

78. Ayirathil Oruvan 09.07.1965
79. Kalangarai Vilakam 28.08.1965
80. Kanni Thai 10.09.1965
81. Thazhampoo 23.10.1965
82. Asai Mugam 10.12.1965
83. Anbay Vaa 14.01.196684. Nan Aanai Ittal 04.02.1966
85. Mugarasi 18.02.1966
86. Nadodi 14.04.1966
87. Chandrodayam 27.05.1966
88. Thali Baghyam 27.08.1966
89. Thani Piravi 16.09.1966
90. Parakum Pavai 11.11.1966

91. Petral Than Pillaiya 09.12.1966
92. Thaiku Thalai Magan 13.01.1967
93. Arasa Kattalai 19.05.1967

94. Kavalkaran 07.09.1967
95. Vivasahi 01.11.1967
96. Ragasiya Police 115 11.01.1968
97. Ther Thiruvizha 23.02.1968
98. Kudieruntha Kovil 05.03.1968
99. Kannan Enn Kadalan 25.04.1968
100. Oli Vilaku 20.09.1968

101. Puthiya Boomi
102. Kanavan
103. Kadal Vaganam 21.01.1968
104. Adimai Penn 01.05.1969105. Nam Nadu 07.11.1969

106. Mattukara Velan 14.01.1970
107. En Annan 21.05.1970
108. Thalaivan 24.07.1970
109. Thedi Vantha Mapillai 29.08.1970
110. Engal Thangam 09.10.1970
111. Kumarikottam 26.01.1971
112. Rickshawkaran 29.05.1971113. Neerum Nerupum 18.10.1971

114. Oru Thai Makkal 09.12.1971
115. Sangkae Muzhangu 04.02.1972
116. Nalla Neram 10.03.1972
117. Raman Thediya Seethai 13.04.1972
118. Nan En Piranthan 09.06.1972
119. Anna Mita Kai 15.09.1972
120. Ithaya Veenai 20.10.1972
121. Ulagam Sutrum Valiban 11.05.1973

122. Patikattu Ponniah 10.08.1973
123. Netru Indru Nalai 12.07.1974
124. Urimai Kural 07.10.1974125. Sirithu Vazha Vendum 30.11.1974
126. Ninaithathai Mudipavan 09.05.1975
127. Nalai Namadhae 04.07.1975
128. Idhayakani 22.08.1975
129. Pallandu Vazhga 31.10.1975
130. Neethiku Thalaivangku 18.03.1976

131. Uzhaikum Karangal 23.05.1976
132. Uruku Uzhaipavan 12.11.1976
133. Navarathinam 05.03.1977
134. Indru Pol Endrum Vazhga 05.05.1977
135. Meenava Nanban 14.08.1977
136. Madurai Meeta Sundara Pandian 14.01.1978
137. Avasara Police 100 1990
138. Nallathai Nadu Ketkum 1990