Remembering MGR

MG Ramachandran – widely known simply as MGR – was one of the most charismatic lead stars of Tamil Cinema. Together with Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan, MG Ramachandran dominated Tamil cinema in its formative years.

Bornin Kandy, Sri Lanka, on 17 January 1817, he was introduced to films through American film-maker Ellis R Dungan’s 1936 film, Sathi Leelavathy, graduating to lead actor in the 1947 film, Rajakumari.

Concentrating on developing an image of an action star who unhesitatingly fights for and on behalf of the poor people, MGR’s popularity grew rapidly. His early foray into politics through The Indian National Congress saw him identify the power of the medium of cinema. When he joined CN Annadurai’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, he was quick to cement his place in the film industry while simultaneously growing his political strength.

Things changed drastically after the death of Annadurai, with the party under the leadership of M Karunanidhi, a former close ally of MGR who began a campaign to side line MGR. Karunanidhi began by launching his son MK Muthu in a deliberate attempt to replicate the acting style, dressing and mannerisms of MGR. Next, Karunanidhi called into question MGR’s loyalty to the party as well as his honesty as a person.

MGR left the DMK and did the unthinkable – he formed his own party, the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), later to become the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Using a combination of his films and carefully orchestrated campaigns, MGR grew this party into a formidable force by 1977 when the party contested and won the Tamil Nadu general election, resulting in MGR becoming the Chief Minister of the state of Tamil Nadu.

He held this position until his death on 24 December 1987 following a long period of ill health.

Like most politicians, there was a duality to his personality, but what was beyond question was the extent to which the average common person idolised him because of his many people-centred policies that largely favoured the poor and downtrodden.

MGR remains one of the most loved and most respected politicians and is still regarded as one of the most influential politicians of post-Independence India. His famous philosophic songs are as popular today as they were when first released. Hope you enjoy our specially created MGR YouTube playlist featuring some of his most iconic songs.