M.G. RAMACHANDRAN

M.G. Ramachandran – The Legend of Tamil Nadu

Basic Information

  • Full Name: Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (M.G.R.)
  • Born: January 17, 1917, Kandy, British Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
  • Died: December 24, 1987, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Occupation: Actor, Politician, Philanthropist
  • Political Party: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), later founded All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
  • Spouse(s):
    • Sathanandavathi (died in 1942)
    • V. N. Janaki (Actress & Politician)

Early Life & Career

M.G.R. was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to a Tamil family. His father died when he was young, and his family moved to Tamil Nadu, where he struggled financially. To support his family, he joined a drama troupe and later entered the film industry.

Complete List of M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.) Movies 🎬

M.G. Ramachandran acted in 136 films from 1936 to 1978. Below is the complete list categorized by decade.

🎥 1930s – Early Years

  1. Sathi Leelavathi (1936) – Debut film (Supporting role)

🎥 1940s – Establishing Himself

  1. Maya Machhindra (1939)
  2. Ashok Kumar (1941)
  3. Sri Murugan (1946)
  4. Rajakumari (1947) – First film as a hero
  5. Abhimanyu (1948)
  6. Mohini (1948)
  7. Vedhala Ulagam (1948)
  8. Ratnakumar (1949)

🎥 1950s – Rise to Stardom

  1. Marudhanaattu Ilavarasi (1950)
  2. Manthiri Kumari (1950)
  3. Marmayogi (1951)
  4. Sarvadhikari (1951)
  5. Kumari (1952)
  6. En Thangai (1952)
  7. Naam (1953)
  8. Malaikkallan (1954) – First Tamil film to win the National Award
  9. Kudumba Kavi (1954)
  10. Koondukkili (1954) – Only film where M.G.R. co-starred with Sivaji Ganesan
  11. Gulebakavali (1955)
  12. Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956) – First Tamil color film
  13. Madurai Veeran (1956)
  14. Mahadevi (1957)
  15. Nadodi Mannan (1958) – First film produced and directed by M.G.R.

🎥 1960s – Peak of Stardom

  1. Thai Sollai Thattathe (1961)
  2. Thayai Katha Thanayan (1962)
  3. Periya Idathu Penn (1963)
  4. Panakkara Kudumbam (1964)
  5. Enga Veettu Pillai (1965) – Dual Role Superhit
  6. Aayirathil Oruvan (1965) – Adventure blockbuster
  7. Anbe Vaa (1966) – Only full-length MGR color film at that time
  8. Thaikku Thalaimagan (1967)
  9. Kavalkaran (1967)
  10. Olivilakku (1968)
  11. Adimai Penn (1969) – Huge blockbuster
  12. Nam Naadu (1969)

🎥 1970s – Political & Cinema Dominance

  1. Engal Thangam (1970)
  2. Thedi Vantha Maapillai (1970)
  3. Mattukkara Velan (1970)
  4. Rickshawkaran (1971) – National Award Winner
  5. Neerum Neruppum (1971)
  6. Nalla Neram (1972)
  7. Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973) – Science-fiction blockbuster
  8. Urimai Kural (1974)
  9. Ninaithadhai Mudippavan (1975)
  10. Idhayakkani (1975)
  11. Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga (1977)
  12. Meenava Nanban (1977)
  13. Maduraiyai Meetta Sundarapandiyan (1978) – Last film before full-time politics.

Awards & Honors of M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.) 🎖️🏆

M.G. Ramachandran was not only a legendary actor but also a celebrated political leader. His contributions to cinema and society earned him several prestigious awards and honors.

🏅 Civilian Awards (Government of India)

  1. Bharat Ratna (1988) – India’s highest civilian award (Posthumous)
    • He was the first South Indian actor and politician to receive this honor.

🏆 National Film Awards

  1. National Film Award for Best Feature Film – Rickshawkaran (1971)
    • This was M.G.R.’s only National Award as an actor, and it became one of his career-defining performances.

🏆 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

M.G.R. received multiple Tamil Nadu State Government awards for his contribution to Tamil cinema.

  1. Best Actor – Rickshawkaran (1971)
  2. Honorary Award for Contributions to Tamil Cinema

🏆 Other Film & Honorary Awards

  1. Kalaimamani Award (1960s) – Tamil Nadu’s highest artistic honor
  2. Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South (Posthumous)
  3. South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce Honorary Award
  4. Best Actor Award – Madurai Tamil Sangam

🏅 Political & Social Honors

M.G.R. was honored for his contributions to Tamil Nadu’s welfare, especially for:

  • Introducing the Midday Meal Scheme for school children.
  • Improving healthcare and education for the poor.

As a three-time Chief Minister (1977-1987), he received:

  1. Honorary Doctorates from multiple universities for his service.
  2. UNESCO recognition for his Midday Meal Scheme, which inspired policies in India.
  3. International Recognition in Malaysia & Sri Lanka for his contributions to Tamil culture.

M.G. Ramachandran’s Political Entry & Journey 🏛️

M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.) was not only a superstar actor but also a powerful political leader. His journey from cinema to politics was historic and changed the political landscape of Tamil Nadu forever.

📌 Entry into Politics (1953 – 1967)

  • Inspired by C.N. Annadurai (Anna), M.G.R. joined Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1953.
  • He used his movies as a political tool, playing righteous and kind-hearted characters, which built his mass appeal.
  • Became a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) in 1962 and later an MLA in 1967 from the DMK.
  • After Annadurai’s death in 1969, M.G.R. had differences with Karunanidhi, who became DMK’s leader.

📌 Formation of AIADMK (1972 – 1977)

  • In 1972, M.G.R. was expelled from DMK due to internal conflicts with Karunanidhi.
  • He then formed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in October 1972, naming it after his mentor, Annadurai.
  • 1973-1976 – AIADMK gained massive popularity as M.G.R. promoted welfare schemes and social justice policies.
  • In the 1977 Tamil Nadu elections, AIADMK won, and M.G.R. became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

📌 Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1977 – 1987)

M.G.R. served as CM for 10 years (1977-1987), winning three consecutive elections:

  1. 1977 Elections – AIADMK won 144 out of 234 seats. M.G.R. became the first film actor to become a CM.
  2. 1980 Elections – AIADMK won again, despite opposition from the central government.
  3. 1984 Elections – AIADMK won again, though M.G.R. was hospitalized in the U.S. during the campaign.

📌 Key Achievements as Chief Minister

  • Midday Meal Scheme 🍛 – Provided free food to school children, which later inspired similar schemes across India.
  • Educational Reforms 📚 – Built free schools and provided financial support for students.
  • Healthcare Initiatives 🏥 – Improved government hospitals and launched free medical services.
  • Industrial & Economic Growth 💰 – Encouraged industrial development and employment.
  • Women’s Empowerment 👩‍🎓 – Introduced schemes for women’s education and employment.
  • Cinema Welfare 🎬 – Provided financial aid and retirement benefits for struggling artists.

📌 M.G.R.’s Final Years in Politics (1987)

  • In October 1984, M.G.R. suffered a massive stroke and was taken to the U.S. for treatment.
  • Despite health issues, AIADMK won the 1984 elections, proving his popularity.
  • M.G.R. passed away on December 24, 1987, leading to massive mourning across Tamil Nadu.

Death & Legacy

  • M.G.R. passed away on December 24, 1987, due to health complications.
  • His funeral was attended by over 2 million people, making it one of the largest gatherings in Indian history.
  • Even today, he remains one of the most loved figures in Tamil Nadu, both as an actor and politician.
  • His party AIADMK continues to be a major political force in Tamil Nadu.

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