Mg ramachandran biography definition
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However, it was in the 1950s and 1960s that he emerged as a matinee idol, starring in a series of blockbuster films that portrayed him as a righteous, compassionate and heroic figure. Read more on Wikipedia
His biography is available in 35 different languages on Wikipedia (up from 31 in 2024). Movies like ‘Nadodi Mannan’, ‘Enga Veetu Pillai’ and ‘Adimai Penn’ not only cemented his stardom but also reflected the ideals of justice and equality that he championed in real life.
MGR’s transition from cinema to politics was a natural progression, given his massive popularity among the masses.
That was when audiences first saw the spark of a future superstar.
The 1950s and 1960s were golden decades. In the early years, he mostly played small or supporting roles.
His breakthrough came in 1947 with Rajakumari, scripted by Karunanidhi. Riots, mourning, and even suicides marked his passing — such was the love and devotion people had for him.
Posthumously, MGR was awarded the Bharat Ratna — India’s highest civilian honor.
Today, his legacy lives on not just in films and politics, but in every heart that still remembers the man who was both a cinematic idol and a people’s leader.
He remained as chiefminister till his death in 1987.
- Born
- Jan 17, 1917
Kandy - Also known as
- Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran
- M.
His death plunged Tamil Nadu into grief and chaos. Despite this, his charisma remained unshaken. Ramachandran
- M.G.R.
- Parents
- Siblings
- Spouses
- Religion
- Ethnicity
- Nationality
- Profession
- Lived in
- Nawalapitiya
- Chennai
- Tamil Nadu
- Died
- Dec 24, 1987
Chennai
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on July 23, 2013
M.
Among people deceased in 1987, M. G. Ramachandran ranks 143. He remained in power till his death in 1987 (except for a short interruption in 1980).
His governance was marked by welfare schemes — especially the midday meal scheme that ensured school children never went hungry. Nevertheless, his contributions to Tamil Nadu’s socio-economic progress remain significant.
He began traveling, performing, and learning discipline, stagecraft, and acting. His parents, Gopala Menon and Sathyabhama, were Malayali Nairs from Kerala.
Life was not kind to little Ramachandran. Lakhs thronged his funeral at Marina Beach, where he was laid to rest beside his mentor Annadurai.
For millions, MGR wasn’t just an actor — he was their protector, their dream.
His biggest hits in the later years included Enga Veetu Pillai (1965), Adimai Penn (1969), Rickshawkaran (1971 – which fetched him the National Film Award for Best Actor), and Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973).
In 1978, with Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan, MGR bid farewell to cinema and turned fully towards politics.
⚔️ The Political Chapter
MGR’s political journey was as dramatic as his films.
Before him are Joshua Nkomo, Simon Slåttvik, Vasiľ Biľak, R. G. Armstrong, Fadwa Tuqan, and Fidel Sánchez Hernández. MGR became the undisputed hero of Tamil cinema. He was the founder and first general secretary of the political party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). He joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1953, attracted by its progressive ideologies and focus on Tamil identity.
Who was M. G. Ramachandran?
Marudhur Gopalan Ramachandran, popularlyknown by his initials MGR, was an Indian film actor, director, producer, and politician who also served as the ChiefMinister of Tamil Nadu successively for three terms.
In his youth, MGR and his elder brother, M. G. Chakrapanibecamemembers of a dramatroupe to supporttheir family.
This little boy with bright eyes was unknowingly preparing for a destiny larger than life.
The Rise in Cinema
MGR’s screen journey began in 1936 with the film Sathi Leelavathi, directed by Ellis R. Dungan. Before him are Michael Ondaatje (1943), S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike (1899), Jack Churchill (1906), Maithripala Sirisena (1951), D.
S. Senanayake (1883), and William Chester Minor (1834).