M. G. Ramachandran

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**Maruthur Gopala Ramachandran**
Puratchi Thalaivar, (Tamil: Revolutionary Leader),
Born:	January 17, 1917 Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka
Died:	December 24, 1987 Tamil Nadu
Occupation:	Actor, Politician
Spouse:	Thangamani, Sathanandavathi & V.N.Janaki

Maruthur Gopala Ramachandran (Malayalam:മരത്തൂര്‍ ഗോപാലന്‍ രാമാചന്ദ്രന്‍),(Tamil: மருதூர் கோபால ராமச்சந்திரன்) (January 17, 1917–December 24, 1987), popularly known as MGR எம்.ஜி.ஆர்., Puracthi Nadigar, Ponmana Chemmal, Makkal Thilakam and Puratchi Thalaivar (tamil: Revolutionary Leader), was a long time leading Tamil film actor and Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death.

[edit] Early life

He was born at Nawalapitiya near Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maruthur Gopala Menon and Satyabhama.^[1]^[2] After his father's death, MGR 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 called Original Boys. Gaining considerable experience on stage, he entered the world of cinema, and gradually rose to enviable positions by persistent efforts and endurance. He became an actor, with a huge mass appeal. He was also a very good director and producer, and was also known to be an expert movie 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. His third wife was V.N.Janaki, a former actress she divorced her husband Ganapati Bhat, to marry him. He did not have any children.^[3]

[edit] Tamil Cinema

Making his film debut in 1936, in the film Sati Leelavathi, MGR did not attain great popularity until he got his big breakthrough in the 1947 film Rajakumari which was a super hit making him a top hero in Kollywood and one of the most successful in South Indian Cinema history, the script for Rajakumari was written by Karunanidhi. He rose to stardom by playing characters that potrayed him as the saviour of the poor. 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. Movies like Madurai Veeran, a champion of the Tamil Devars. His star power did not diminish even after he was shot by fellow actor M.R.Radha, affecting his ability to speak clearly. Even then he undauntedly carried on only to give box-office hit after hits, later paving way for his entry into poiltics. He won the national award in the best actor category for the film Rickshakaran while his filmdom rival Sivaji Ganesan who was considered better actor than him didn't win it even once. His Movie "Nadodi Mannan" (produced & directed by MGR and first released in 1956) released in 2006 ran house full shows in Tamil Nadu for 14 weeks which is rarity even with recently released movies of popular actors. [1]

[edit] Political career

MGR was a member of the Congress Party till 1953 and he used to wear kathar and wear vibhuti on his forehead. In 1953 MGR joined the DMK.He became a vocal Tamil and Dravidian nationalist and prominent member of the DMK (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. He wanted the financial details of the party to be publicised which enraged the leadership of DMK and in 1972, MGR was expelled from the party. MGR then floated a new party named Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) which was later renamed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the only powerful opponent of the DMK. He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977, and remained in office till his death in 1987. He was the first film actor to be a Chief Minister in India.

[edit] Chief Ministership

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 the Government-run and aided schools in Tamil Nadu, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend schools. Efforts taken by him and the subsequent Tamil Nadu governments ensured the development of Primary and Secondary education in the State.

[edit] Positions Held

1962 Elected to Legislative council
1967 Elected from St Thomas Mount
1971 Reelected from St Thomas Mount
1977 Elected from Aruppukottai
1980 Elected from Madurai West
1984 Elected from Andipatti
1977-1987: Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

[edit] Death

In 1984, MGR fell sick and was rushed to the U.S. for treatment. Mass hysteria gripped Tamil Nadu and over 100 people attempting self-immolation. MGR died December 24, 1987 after his prolonged illness. His death sparked off an inexplicable frenzy of looting and rioting all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Shops, movie theaters, buses and other public and private property became the target of wanton violence let loose all over the state. The situation became so hopeless that the police had to resort issuing shoot-at-sight orders, something seldom seen or heard of in democratic India. The violence during the funeral alone left 23 people dead and 47 police personnel badly wounded. [2],[3] This pathetic state of affairs continued for almost a month all over the state of Tamil Nadu, bringing normal life to a grinding halt and causing untold misery to millions. Around one million([4] persons followed his remains, around 30 followers committed suicide and thousands had their heads tonsured. After his death, his political party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, split between his wife Janaki Ramachandran and his political protege, J. Jayalalitha and later merged in 1988.

[edit] Awards

MGR was nominated for Padmashree award from the Government of India but MGR refused to accept as the wording were in Hindi in 1960

National Award for the Best Actor for the film Rickshakaran in 1972
Bharat Ratna was conferred by the Government of India Posthumously.

Critics rose questions as whether he would have accepted it had he been alive having refused the padmashree

[edit] Doctorate received from

Arizona University USA
Madras University

[edit] Social Work and Charity

MGr was always the first to personally offer 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 which produced many of the films he acted in. He also founded the MGR Schools in Kodambakkam giving free education and food for the film workers children in 1953. He was the president of Nadigar Sangam - South India Film Artists Association for four terms. He willed all his property for the welfare of the poor and hearing impaired people of Tamil Nadu.

[edit] MGR's filmography

[edit] Thirties

1936 - Sati Leelavati
1936 - Iru Sahodarargal
1938 - Dakshayagnam
1938 - Veera Jagathis
1939 - Maya Machindra
1939 - Prahalatha

[edit] Forties

1941 - Ashok Kumar
1941 - Vedavathi (aka Seethajananam)
1942 - Dhasippen (aka Jodhi Malar)
1942 - Tamizhariyum Perumal
1943 - Harichandra
1945 - Meera
1945 - Salivahanan
1946 - Sri Murugan
1947 - Paithiyakaaran
1947 - Rajakumaari
1948 - Abhimanyu
1948 - Mohini
1948 - Raja Mukthi
1949 - Rathnakumar

[edit] Fifties

1950 - Marudhanaattu Ilavarasi
1950 - Mandhiri Kumaari
1951 - Marmayogi
1951 - Sarvadhigari
1952 - Andhaman Kaidhi
1952 - Kumari
1953 - En Thangai
1953 - Jenova (Malayalam)
1953 - Naam - A very old movie but an answer to the question "Can MGR act like Sivaji Ganesan with great emotion and long dialogue?"
1954 - Panakkari
1954 - Malaikkallan - Inspired by Namakkal V.Ramalingam's novel. Produced in 6 languages viz. Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Sinhalese. Won President Award
1954 - Koondukkili - Only movie starred with Sivaji Ganesan
1955 - Gul-E-Bagaavali
1956 - Alibabavum Narpadhu Thirudargalum - First colour movie in Tamil songs
1956 - Madhurai Veeran - An ancient story believed to have occurred when Nayaks (Andhra) ruled parts of Tamil Nadu
1956 - Thaaikkuppin Thaaram
1957 - Chakravarthi Thirumagal
1957 - Mahadhevi
1957 - Pudhumai Pithan
1957 - Rajarajan
1958 - Nadodi Mannan - Produced and Directed by MGR, a movie that seeded a change in Tamilnad’s political history
1959 - Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali

[edit] Sixties

1960 - Baghdadh Thirudan
1960 - Mannadhi Mannan
1960 - Raja Desingu
1961 - Arasilangumari
1961 - Nallavan Vazhvan
1961 - Sabaash Mapillai
1961 - Thaai Sollai Thattadhe
1961 - Thirudadhe songs
1962 - Kudumba Thalaivan
1962 - Maadappura
1962 - Paasam songs
1962 - Raani Samyuktha
1962 - Thaayai Kaatha Thanayan
1962 - Vikramaadhithan
1963 - Anandha Jodhi
1963 - Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum songs
1963 - Kalai Arasi
1963 - Kaanji Thalaivan songs
1963 - Koduthu Vaithaval
1963 - Needhikkuppin Paasam songs
1963 - Panathottam songs
1963 - Parisu
1963 - Periya Idathu Pen songs
1964 - Dheiva Thaai
1964 - En Kadamai
1964 - Padagotti songs
1964 - Panakkara Kudumbam songs
1964 - Thaayin Madiyil
1964 - Thozhilali
1964 - Vettaikkaaran
1965 - Aasai Mugam
1965 - Aayirathil Oruvan songs
1965 - Enga Veettu Pillai songs
1965 - Kalangarai Vilakkam songs
1965 - Kanni Thaai
1965 - Panam Padaithavan
1965 - Thazhampoo
1966 - Anbe Vaa songs
1966 - Naan Aanaiyittal
1966 - Mugaraasi songs
1966 - Nadodi
1966 - Chandhrodhayam
1966 - Parakkum Paavai songs
1966 - Petraalthaan Pillaiya songs
1966 - Thaali Baagiyam
1966 - Thanippiravi songs
1967 - Arasakattalai songs
1967 - Kaavalkaaran
1967 - Thaaiku Thalaimagan
1967 - Vivasayee songs
1968 - Ragasiya Police 115
1968 - The Thiruvizha
1968 - Kudiyirundha Koyil songs
1968 - Kannan En Kadhalan
1968 - Pudhiya Boomi
1968 - Kanavan
1968 - Oli Vilakku - Announced as MGR's 100th film
1968 - Kadhal Vaaganam
1969 - Adimai Pen - unusual plot set in a fictional medieval European kingdom songs
1969 - Nam Nadu songs

[edit] Seventies

1970 - Maattukaara Velan
1970 - En Annan songs
1970 - Thalaivan songs
1970 - Thedi Vandha Mappillai songs
1970 - Engal Thangam songs
1971 - Kumarikkottam songs
1971 - Rickshawkaran songs
1971 - Neerum Neruppum
1971 - Oru Thaai Makkal
1972 - Sange Muzhangu songs
1972 - Nalla Neram
1972 - Raaman Thediya Seedhai
1972 - Annamitta Kai
1972 - Naan Yen Pirandhen
1972 - Idhaya Veenai songs
1973 - Ulagam Sutrum Valiban - MGR's second venture as Director, Shot mostly in Foreign location songs
1973 - Pattikaattu Ponnaiya songs
1974 - Netru Indru Naalai songs
1974 - Urimai Kural songs
1974 - Sirithu Vazha Vendum
1975 - Ninaithadhai Mudippavan songs
1975 - Naalai Namadhe songs
1975 - Idhayakkani songs
1975 - Pallandu Vazhga songs
1976 - Needhikku Thalaivanangu songs
1976 - Uzhaikkum Karangal
1976 - Oorukku Uzhaippavan
1977 - Navarathnam
1984 - Indru Pol Endrum Vazhga
1974 - Meenava Nanban
1967 - Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan songs

[edit] Produced Movies

1958 - Nadodi Mannan - Directed by MGR, a movie that seeded a change in Tamilnadu’s political history
1969 - Adimai Pen - unusual plot set in a fictional medieval European kingdom songs
1973 - Ulagam Sutrum Valiban - MGR's second venture as Director, Shot mostly in Foreign location songs

[edit] Photo Gallery

(by Kumar Rajendran - kumarrajendran@yahoo.com) A word of apperciation for the uploaders of all these pictures in encouraged...

MGR	MGR	MGR	MGR
MGR	Official picture of MGR released by the Government of Tamil Nadu	MGR	MGR at a public meeting in Anna Salai (Mount Road, Chennai)
MGR in the CM's Chamber in Fort St.George	MGR with Annadurai, brother Chakrapani and Janaki's brother's daughter Latha	MGR having food with Karunanidhi and Nedungezian	MGR in the US -1986
MGR with wife V.N.Janaki	MGR, V.N.Janaki with Janaki's brothers daughter Latha	MGR with V.N.Janaki	MGR with V.N.Janaki
MGR with wife V.N.Janaki	Dr M. G. Ramachandran with wife and successor Janaki Ramachandran	MGR with brother M.G.Chakrapani (extreme right) and others	MGR with C.N.Annadurai
MGR with Annadurai, Dilip Kumar, Karunanidhi, Dilip Kumar, EVK Sampath at the inaguration of the N.S.Krishnan's statue in GN Chetty Road	MGR with Annadurai & Karunanidhi - Three Chief Ministers	MGR with Karunanidhi and Governor Patwari	MGR with Karunanidhi
MGR with Annadurai's family	MGR with Prime Minister Indra Gandhi	MGR with some fans visiting his residence	MGR's famous Ambassador Car
MGR at a film shooting	MGR with Rajiv Gandhi and President R.V in front of the statue of National Poet Subramania Bharati	Rajah Annamalai Chettiar with Chief Minister C.N.Annadurai & M. G. Ramachandran	M. G. Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi(autographed by Karunanidhi)
Karunanidhi with M.G.Ramachandran (Annadurai's potrait in the background)	MGR with M.Karunanidhi	MGR with Karunanidhi	MGR with long time friend turned foe M.Karunanidhi aboard an Air India Plane
M. G. Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi with a Ma.Po.Si.	MGR Recieving the Doctorate conferred on him by the University of Madras	MGR at a public meeting	Dr.MGR campaigning for election in the 1960's
Dr.MGR campaigning for election in the 1970's	MGR	MGR - The man of the Masses	Chandrababu with MGR
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Dr.M G Ramachandran during the launch of the Chief Minister's Free Noon Meal Scheme for School Children	MGR embracing an old woman	MGR with Thirumuruga Kripananda Variar	NTR with M.G.Ramachandran
Dr M. G. Ramachandran with Rajiv Gandhi at a public meeting in 1986	MGR with Karunanidhi when the latter took over as the chief minister of tamil nadu for the first time after the death of Annadurai	Chief Minister Kamaraj with MGR	MGR with Kamal Hassan
MGR with C.Rajagopalachari	MG Ramachandran recuperating in a Chennai hospital after being allegedly shot at by M R Radha.	MGR with Periyar	MGR with M.Saravanan of AVM
MGR with Thevar of Thevar Films	Dr M. G. Ramachandran paying his respect to Director V.Shantaram	MGR with brother Chakrapani and M.N.Nambiar	Dr.MGR with P.V.Narasimha Rao
MGR feeding his pet dog	MGR	Mother Teresa at the inaguration of the Mother Theresa Womens University in Tamil Nadu with Chief Minister M.G.Ramachandrann and J&K Chief Minister Farook Abdullah	Mother Theresa's Gift to MGR
MGR 's poster that helped the DMK win the elections in 1976	MGR in the early sixties	MGR	MGR being sworn in as the Chief Minister in 1977
MGR being sworn in for the third time as the CM in 1985	MGR with Pope John Paul II during his visit to chennai in 1986	Sivaji Ganesan & M.G.Ramachandran	MGR with Sivaji Ganesan
MGR with Sivaji	MGR with Actors Nagesh & S.A.Ashokan	MGR at the inaguration of Theatre Nagesh	MGR with Nagesh (27th June 1984)
MGR at the wedding of films stars Nalini & Ramarajan	MGR with real life friend and reel life foe - M.N.Nambiar	MGR with Panruti Ramachandran	MGR with K.Karunakaran and Panruti Ramachandran
MGR's MLA ID Card	MGR's AIADMK ID CARD	AIADMK's first Membership form	Painting of Dr.MGR
MGR paying respects to Periyar's mortal remains	MGR paying respects to Poet Laurate Kannadasan's mortal remains	MGR paying respects to C.Annadurai's mortal remains	MGR's charity- The Home and School for Hearing Impaired persons in MGR's Ramavaram Gardens
Stamp released by the Indian Government in memory of MGR	MGR in a still from the movie Aiyerathil Oruvan	MGR in a movie still	MGR in a movie still
MGR and Jayalalitha in a movie still	MGR and Jayalalitha in a movie still	MGR's movie Poster	MGR's movie Poster
MGR's movie Poster	MGR's movie Poster	MGR's Fur Cap, Watches and Pens displayed in MGR Memorial House, T.Nagar	MGR's Tomb on the Marina
MGR's Tomb on the Marina	MGR's Tomb on the Marina