Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R

Maruthur Gopala Ramachandran Menon (January 17, 1917 - December 24, 1987), popularly known as MGR, or Puratchi Thalaivar (English : Revolutionary Leader), was a leading actor in Tamil Films and Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death.

Early life

He was born at Nawalapitiya near Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maruthur Gopala Menon and Satyabhama. He was originally from Palakkad, Kerala. But his grandfather had migrated with his family to Sri Lanka

After his father's death, he could not pursue his studies beyond the primary stage due to poverty and 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.

Tamil cinema

Making his film debut in 1935, in the film Sati Leelavathi, directed by Ellis Dungan, an American born film director, 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 Indian Cinema history, the script for Rajakumari was written by Karunanithi. He rose to stardom by playing characters that portrayed 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 celebrity in Tamil cinema and one of the most famous and worshiped man in Tamil nadu. 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 politics. He won the national award in the best actor category for the film Rickshakaran 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.