Life history of M G Ramachandran (MGR) - The Charismatic former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu

Early life of MGR

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran popularly known as MGR was born on January 17, 1917 near Kandy in Sri Lanka. He is the younger son to Melakkath Gopala Menon and Maruthur Satyabhama who hail from Palakkad, Kerala. He had one elder brother named M. G. Chakrapani. In his early life MGR was a devotee of Lord Murugan and continued to worship god till he joined DMK. Much of his early life is not known as they were spent in Srilanka. He came to lime light only after he came to Tamilnadu. This happened after the demise of his father. MGR and his brother came to Tamilnadu and joined a drama troupe called as original boys when he was 6 years old. This was the launch pad for his film career which made him an icon in both film and political history of Tamilnadu.

Acting Career of MGR

MGR made his debut in films in 1935 at the age of 18. MGR first film Sati Leelavati which was directed by an american born film director Ellis Dungan. He did not have much success in films till he got a breakthrough in 1947. The film Rajakumari in 1947 penned by M.Karunanidhi was the turning point of his film career. This was a romantic action movie which was a huge hit. The film Malaikallan released in 1954 took MGR to superstar status in Tamilnadu. The film Ali Baba and the forty thieves was the first colour tamil movie that had MGR as the hero. The film released in 1955 was a blockbuster tamil movie which soon made him a star among millions of tamil audiences.

mgr-actor

The films Anbe Vaa, Aayirathil Oruvan, Mahadevi, Panam Padaithavan, Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan and Adimaippenn were huge hits which made him a heartthrob among millions of people of tamilnadu. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for the film Rickshakaran. Nadodi Mannan released in 1956 was the first film that he produced, acted and directed which ran houseful shows in all theatres. He acted in films which appealed to the sentiments of the common man. There was a huge women following for him as many of his films had mother sentiment and also portrayed women equal to god. He never acted as a drunkard in his films which had made him even more popular among women.

His film Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan released in 1973 was a box office hit and broke previous record for tamil films. The film was released abroad as the movie was shot in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan. His last fim was Madurai Meettu Sundara Pandian which was completed and released in the year 1978 when he was the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. He was awarded the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna in the year 1988 for his contribution to the tamil film industry.

Major incident in the film career of MGR

One of the main highlight of his acting career was that he was shot in neck by famous actor M.R.Radha in the year 1967. The incident happened when both of them were working in the film Kaavalkaran. MGR was rushed to the hospital immediately. Doctors decided that the bullet can stay permanently in the neck and it will not be of any danger to MGR. This incident though had affected his voice to a greater extent. Many people were standing in queue outside the hospital to have a glimpse of their idol. It was a miracle that he survived and lived with the bullet for the rest of his life.

Political Career of MGR

MGR political Career started in the year 1953 when he joined the congress party. Later he joined Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the same year. He attracted huge crowd wherever he went for DMK meetings. He was the major influence for and was regarded as a crowd puller for DMK. He first became a member of the state Legislative Council in the year 1962. In 1967 He was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for the first time. He rose to the position of DMK treasurer in 1969 when Karaunanidhi was elected as the Chief Minister after the sudden demise of Annadurai.

In the year 1972 Karunanidhi started to bring his son M.K.Muthu into film industry and to politics. MGR sensed this as a major step by Karunanidhi to bring his son as his political successor of DMK. MGR began to address the public in meetings about the corruption that had engulfed DMK after the demise of Annadurai. Soon he began to voice his concern by asking the DMK to publish all the financial details to public. This angered the DMK leadership and he was
expelled from the DMK party.

mgr-political

He came out of DMK and formed a new party called as Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) in 1972. This was later renamed as All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The period 1972 to 1977 was used by MGR to popularize his party image and ideology among people of Tamilnadu. He used his films Netru Indru Naalai released in 1974 and Idhayakani released in 1975 to spread his political party among the tamil fans. This has a huge response which was shown in the Tamilnadu Assembly elections in 1977 when ADMK won by a huge margin. Congress was the alliance partner to the ADMK in the assembly elections. Thus he became the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu for the first time in 1977.

Mis-understanding crept between ADMK and the congress and MGR government was dismissed in 1980. But he bounced back by winning the election in May 1980 by becoming the single largest party. He became the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu for the second time in 1980. The good things that he had done during his reign as Chief Minister was responsible for him to win the Tamilnadu Assembly Elections in 1984 and became the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu for the third time. He remained as the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu till his demise in 1987.

Death of MGR

MGR was diagnosed with Kidney failure in the year 1984. He was admitted to the Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn for treatment. Later he also had a kidney transplant at the same medical center. People of Tamilnadu were engulfed with grief hearing the news that the health of MGR is not well. They began to offer prayers in temples for the quick healing of MGR. Their wishes were somewhat granted by god as MGR returned to Tamilnadu. Though he was not fully fit and his health condition worsened he still was able to work for the benefit of the people. Finally he died on December 24, 1987 after prolonged illness. People began to rush to his residence to see the last remains of their great idol. More that a million people attended the funeral which was the largest gathering
by the people of Tamilnadu during that time.

Important contributions by MGR for the welfare of people

Gave importance to social development especially in the field of education.

Mid-day meal scheme to attract poor children to attend government schools.

Special buses for women passengers.

Ban on liquor throughout Tamilnadu state.

Restoration and renovation of historical monuments and temples.

Opening of free school MGR Primary and Higher Secondary School for the children's of cinema technicians.

Political achievements of MGR

1953 - Joined Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)

1967 - Member of Legislative Assembly from St. Thomas Mount under DMK party

1969 - Treasurer of DMK

1971 - Member of Legislative Assembly from St. Thomas Mount under DMK party

1972 - Founded the Anna Dravida Munnerta Kazhagam (ADMK)

mgr-anna

1977 - Member of Legislative Assembly from Aruppukottai under ADMK party

1980 - Member of Legislative Assembly from Madurai west under ADMK party

1984 - Member of Legislative Assembly from Andipatti under ADMK party

1977 - 1980 - Chief Minister of Tamilnadu

1980 - 1984 - Chief Minister of Tamilnadu

1984 - 1987 - Chief Minister of Tamilnadu

Awards received by MGR in his Film and political Career

Received Filmfare Best Actor Award for the film Enga Veettu Pillai
Received Filmfare Best Film Award for the film Adimai Penn

Received National Film Award for Best Actor for the Tamil film Rickshakaran in 1972

Received Honorary doctorate awards from University of Madras and The World University (Arizona).

Got the Bharat Ratna award (posthumously) in 1988 for his contribution to Tamilnadu

Eudcational Institutions run under the name of MGR

Dr MGR Janaki College of Arts & Science(for Women)

JRK Matriculation Higher Secondary School,Kattangulathur

JRK Matriculation Higher Secondary School,Vadapalani

Janaki Ramachandran Matriculation School,Vadapalani

Thai Sathya Matriculation School,West K.K Nagar

Dr MGR Janaki Matriculation School,Saligramam

Dr MGR Janaki Nursery and Primary School,Manapakkam

Dr MGR School for the speech and hearingimpaid,Ramapuram

Dr MGR Higher Secondary School,Kodambakkam

Dr MGR Primary School,Kodambakkam

Short Synopsis of personal life and achievements of MGR

• Name: Dr.M.G.Ramachandran

• Popular names of MGR
Puratchi Nadigar by Karunanidhi
Ponmanachemmal by Kirupanda variar
Makkal Thilagam by Thiru Tamilvannan
Puratchi thalaivar, vaathiyar by his fans

Profession: Politician, Philanthropist, Actor, Producer and Director
Date of Birth: 17th January, 1917
Place of Birth: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Died on: Dec 24, 1987
mgr-janaki

• Family details of MGR:
Father : Marudhar Gopalan Menon
Mother : Satyabhama
Brother : M.G. Chakrapani
Wives : Bargavi (alias) thangamani, Sathanandavathi and V.N.Janaki

Donated Rs. 75,000 during the war with China in 1962.

Founder and editor of the Tamil weekly magazine Thai

Owner of Sathya Studios (started in the name of his mother) and Emgeeyar pictures.

Founder and editor of the Tamil daily newspaper Anna

List of films acted by MGR

1. Sati Leelavati - 1935
2. Iru Sahodarargal - 1936
3. Dakshayagnam - 1938
5. Maya Machindra - 1939
6. Prahalatha - 1939
7. Ashok Kumar - 1941
8. Vedavathi - 1941
9. Dhaasippen - 1942
10. Tamizhariyum Perumal - 1942
11. Harichandra - 1943
12. Meera - 1945
13. Saalivaahanan - 1945
14. Sri Murugan - 1946
15. Paithiyakaaran - 1947
16. Rajakumaari - 1947
17. Abhimanyu - 1948
18. Mohini - 1948
19. Raja Mukthi - 1948
20. Rathnakumar - 1949
21. Marudhanaattu Ilavarasi - 1950
22. Mandhiri Kumaari - 1950
23. Marmayogi - 1951
24. Sarvadhigari - 1951
25. Andhaman Kaidhi - 1952
26. Kumari - 1952
27. En Thangai - 1953
28. Jenova - 1953
29. Naam - 1953
30. Panakkaari - 1954
31. Malaikkallan - 1954
32. Koondukkili - 1954
33. Gul-E-Bagaavali - 1955
34. Alibabavum Narpadhu Thirudargalum - 1956
35. Madhurai Veeran - 1956
36. Thaaikkuppin Thaaram - 1956
37. Chakravarthi Thirumagal - 1957
38. Mahadhevi - 1957
39. Pudhumai Pithan - 1957
40. Rajarajan - 1957
41. Nadodi Mannan - 1958
42. Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali - 1959
43. Baghdadh Thirudan - 1960
44. Mannadhi Mannan - 1960
45. Raja Dev Singh - 1960
46. Arasilangumari - 1961
47. Nallavan Vazhvan - 1961
48. Sabaash Mapillai - 1961
49. Thaai Sollai Thattadhe - 1961
50. Thirudadhe - 1961
51. Kudumba Thalaivan - 1962
52. Maadappura - 1962
53. Paasam - 1962
54. Raani Samyuktha - 1962
55. Thaayai Kaatha Thanayan - 1962
56. Vikramaadhithan - 1962
57. Hamen Bhi Jeene Do - 1962
58. Anandha Jodhi - 1963
59. Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum - 1963
60. Kalai Arasi - 1963
61. Kaanji Thalaivan - 1963
62. Koduthu Vaithaval - 1963
63. Needhikkuppin Paasam - 1963
64. Panathottam - 1963
65. Parisu - 1963
66. Periya Idathu Pen - 1963
67. Raj Mahal - 1963
68. Dheiva Thaai - 1964
69. En Kadamai - 1964
70. Padagotti - 1964
71. Panakkara Kudumbam - 1964
72. Thaayin Madiyil - 1964
73. Thozhilali - 1964
74. Vettaikkaaran - 1964
75. Aasai Mugam - 1965
76. Aayirathil Oruvan - 1965
77. Enga Veettu Pillai - 1965
78. Kalangarai Vilakkam - 1965
79. Kanni Thaai - 1965
80. Panam Padaithavan - 1965
81. Thazhampoo - 1965
82. Anbe Vaa - 1966
83. Naan Aanaiyittal - 1966
84. Mugaraasi - 1966
85. Nadodi - 1966
86. Chandhrodhayam - 1966
87. Parakkum Paavai - 1966
88. Petraalthaan Pillaiya - 1966
89. Thaali Baagiyam - 1966
90. Thanippiravi - 1966
91. Arasakattalai - 1967
92. Kaavalkaaran - 1967
93. Thaaiku Thalaimagan - 1967
94. Vivasayee - 1967
95. Konte Pilla - 1967
96. Ragasiya Police 115 - 1968
97. Thaer Thiruvizha - 1968
98. Kudiyirundha Koyil - 1968
99. Kannan En Kadhalan - 1968
100. Pudhiya Boomi - 1968
101. Kanavan - 1968
102. Oli Vilakku - 1968
103. Kadhal Vaaganam - 1968
104. Adimai Pen - 1969
105. Nam Nadu - 1969
106. Maattukaara Velan - 1970
107. En Annan - 1970
108. Thalaivan - 1970
109. Thedi Vandha Mappillai - 1970
110. Engal Thangam - 1970
111. Koi Ghulam Nahin - 1970
112. Kumarikkottam - 1971
113. Rickshawkaran - 1971
114. Neerum Neruppum - 1971
115. Oru Thaai Makkal - 1971
116. Sange Muzhangu - 1972
117. Nalla Neram - 1972
118. Raaman Thediya Seedhai - 1972
119. Annamitta Kai - 1972
120. Naan Yen Pirandhen - 1972
121. Idhaya Veenai - 1972
122. Ulagam Sutrum Valiban - 1973
123. Pattikaattu Ponnaiya - 1973
124. Netru Indru Naalai - 1974
125. Urimai Kural - 1974
126. Sirithu Vazha Vendum - 1974
127. Meenava Nanban - 1974
128. Ninaithadhai Mudippavan - 1975
129. Naalai Namadhe - 1975
130. Idhayakkani - 1975
131. Pallandu Vazhga - 1975
132. Needhikku Thalaivanangu - 1976
133. Uzhaikkum Karangal - 1976
134. Oorukku Uzhaippavan - 1976
135. Indru Pol Endrum Vazhga - 1977
136. Navarathnam - 1977
137. Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan - 1978
138. Avasara Police 100 - 1990