Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
📖

M. G. Ramachandran

society Maturity 11-13 death dying war conflict politics Next article →

This article covers sensitive topics: death_dying, war_conflict, politics. Parents can manage visibility in Parental Controls.

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran, known as M. G. R., was a massive figure in Indian history.

MGR -OIL PAINTING BY RAJASEKHARAN
MGR -OIL PAINTING BY RAJASEKHARAN

He was a famous actor, film director, and producer. He was also a powerful politician who led the state of Tamil Nadu. He served as the chief minister for most of the years between 1977 and 1987. People called him Makkal Thilagam, which means Jewel of the People. They also called him Puratchi Thalaivar, or Revolutionary Leader. His life changed how people viewed both cinema and government in India.

Ramachandran's early life was marked by many challenges. He was born on January 17, 1917, in Nawalapitiya, British Ceylon. His family was from the Palakkad region of Kerala. His father worked as a magistrate in Kandy. Sadly, his father died when Ramachandran was only two and a half years old. After this, his sister also died from ill health. His mother worked as a housemaid to support her two sons. During his school years, Ramachandran joined a drama troupe called Boys Company.

M. G. Ramachandran in Sathi Leelavathi (1936)
M. G. Ramachandran in Sathi Leelavathi (1936)

He trained in many different acting roles to help his family.

His career in the Tamil film industry began in 1936. He made his debut in the film Sathi Leelavathi. Over fifty years, he acted in more than 135 films. He became one of the three biggest male actors in Tamil cinema. He was known as an action hero in many successful movies. In 1955, he starred in Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum. This was the first full-length color film in the Tamil industry.

MGR and VNJanaki
MGR and VNJanaki

He also directed and produced films, such as the blockbuster Nadodi Mannan in 1958. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1971 for the film Rickshawkaran.

In 1967, a violent event changed his life and his voice. An actor named M. R. Radha shot Ramachandran near his left ear. The bullet lodged behind his first vertebra. Doctors had to perform surgery to remove the bullet. Because of the injury, Ramachandran lost hearing in his left ear. The surgery also permanently altered the sound of his voice.

MGR -OIL PAINTING BY RAJASEKHARAN
MGR -OIL PAINTING BY RAJASEKHARAN

Even while recovering in the hospital, he campaigned for the 1967 elections. He was elected to the legislative assembly for the first time during this period.

Ramachandran's path to political leadership involved leaving his original party. He joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1953. He rose through the party ranks because of his massive popularity as a film star. However, he had disagreements with the DMK leadership in the early 1970s. He accused the party of corruption and demanded ministers declare their assets. In October 1972, he was permanently expelled from the DMK. Shortly after, he founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

AIADMK Flag
AIADMK Flag

He used his films to spread his political messages to the public.

As a leader, Ramachandran won several major elections. His AIADMK-led alliance won the 1977 assembly election. This victory made him the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on June 30, 1977. He remained in power through the 1980 and 1984 elections.

Sedpatti Muthiah with M.G.Ramachandiran
Sedpatti Muthiah with M.G.Ramachandiran

His government introduced specific economic rules for reservations. In 1979, he set a ₹9,000 income ceiling for certain economic criteria. He also formed the Ambasankar Commission between 1982 and 1985 to look at representation issues. These political moves showed how he used law to address social needs.

Ramachandran's health declined in his later years. In October 1984, he was diagnosed with renal failure caused by diabetes. He traveled to the United States for a renal transplant and treatment. Despite these efforts, his condition continued to get worse. He died on December 24, 1987, due to a cardiac arrest.

MGR food scheme (cropped)
MGR food scheme (cropped)

His death was a major event for the people of Tamil Nadu. He was buried at Marina beach, where a memorial was later built.

MGR Memorial 9 December 2007
MGR Memorial 9 December 2007

His legacy continues to be recognized across India today. In March 1988, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. This is India's highest civilian honor. A life-size statue of him was unveiled in the Indian Parliament in 2006. Many places in India are named after him, including the Chennai Central railway station. India Post has even released stamps to honor his memory. He remains a symbol of both cinematic stardom and political influence.

698 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (11)
File:M. G. Ramachandran in Sathi Leelavathi (1936).jpg
M. G. Ramachandran in Sathi Leelavathi (1936).jpg
File:MGR and VNJanaki.jpg
MGR and VNJanaki.jpg
File:MGR -OIL PAINTING BY RAJASEKHARAN.jpg
MGR -OIL PAINTING BY RAJASEKHARAN.jpg
File:AIADMK Flag.svg
AIADMK Flag.svg
File:S D Somasundaram.jpg
S D Somasundaram.jpg
File:Sedpatti Muthiah with M.G.Ramachandiran.jpg
Sedpatti Muthiah with M.G.Ramachandiran.jpg
File:MGR food scheme (cropped).JPG
MGR food scheme (cropped).JPG
File:MGR Memorial 9 December 2007.jpg
MGR Memorial 9 December 2007.jpg
File:M g .r நினைவு இல்லம் முகப்பு தோற்றம்.JPG
M g .r நினைவு இல்லம் முகப்பு தோற்றம்.JPG
File:M g .r நினைவு இல்லம்-.JPG
M g .r நினைவு இல்லம்-.JPG
File:MGR Statue at the MGR Memorial.jpg
MGR Statue at the MGR Memorial.jpg
More to explore

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.