Column: MGR Is Still Alive Among His Followers.

By Ravindran Raman Kutty (A piece dedicated to all MGR fans and followers on his 101th birthday (17th January) KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) – In my younger days, watching movies was not a norm. The radio, playing Tamil tunes on Rangkaian Merah, the only Tamil radio channel, was our companion. Whenever the songs played, my favourite was from the movies of one actor, M.G. Ramachandran or MGR. His songs from the thathuva padagal genre (songs with philosophical meaning) were so lively and encouraging, motivating and meaningful, laden with universal values. They were always against injustice, highlighting mother’s love, paying attention to education, eradicating poverty, respecting elders, fighting against corruption and always supporting the downtrodden. Going to the cinema was an annual event during Deepavali. We would excitedly take the bus to the cinema, to a movie by MGR. His movies simply enticed me; so much so, I managed to track down a few books (there are not many books, though) and got to know him a little more. Maruddhur Gopalan Ramachandran, better known as MGR, is an iconic Indian film actor, director, producer and politician. A member of the Congress Party in India, and then the DMK and founder of ADMK, he served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for three successive terms from 1977 to 1987. Apart from his illustrious political career, he starred more than 150 films, of which 90 percent were blockbuster movies. In his lifetime, MGR rose to overwhelming popularity among the masses as both politician and movie star. Reputed for his philanthropy, he was idolized as “Puratchi Thalaivar” (revolutionary leader) and served as Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu until his death in 1987. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award in 1988. Tomorrow, Jan 17, he would have been 101 years old. Not many actors or leaders of this age are spoken or talked about today. However, MGR is still living among the masses and the people. He is still a force back in India. During my recent visit to India, the display of his posters, billboards, airing of his songs and his movies, simply show that MGR is still very much alive. He passed away on 24 Dec 1987 at the age of 70. Why is this man still talked about? In the political scene, I think it’s partly because the heir for the AIDMK was his favourite lady and co-actor Jeyalalitha. In the social scene, there are several possibilities - his philanthropy, his movies and songs, his looks, his messages to his fans. The free food scheme for schools, which he started, is still in practice in India. His centenary (1917-2017) was celebrated almost daily by Astro with his movies and interesting stories. Every Tamil radio station played songs from his movies on his birthday and also on his death day. MGR is not just an actor. He has become a part of India and Tamil Nadu. Although born in Kerala, his contributions to the people of Tamil Nadu and Indian politics were and are beyond any measurable means. His character and persona were beyond the camera lenses or the movie screens. He permeated into the hearts and minds of the people. His movies never once promoted gangsterism, quick rich schemes, corruption, women abuse, alcoholism or drugs. He practiced what he preached. He idolized his mother and continuously promoted how one should always love thy parents. He always protected women in his movies. In actual life he had come up with several programs and laws to protect women, especially from abusive alcoholic spouses. He wanted to step up primary education and he succeeded in a very strategic way by introducing the “Midday Meal Scheme”. He liberated poor children from hunger. He never accumulated wealth during his tenure in office, though the opposition accused him of it. MGR is a brand, an indelible force. The fur cap, the dark glasses, the pristine white long-sleeved shirt and the watch above the sleeve still live on. Under MGR’s leadership, though Tamil Nadu slipped from second to tenth place among India’s twenty five states in industrialization, no one cared about such trivia. They still do not care. MGR the brand has transcended such heights that there are still people in the state who are unaware that MGR is no more. MGR’s formula of politics, as much as his formula in movies is still alive and it continues to pay rich dividends. Even stars like Rajinikanth or Kamalhassan use old cinema posters of MGR in their movies at any opportunity and their fans some of who may not have been born when MGR was alive, blast the theatre with their whistles when MGR’s posters appears. Like in India, MGR is revered in Malaysia too. He is still a topic when one compares him with other actors in regards to his achievements. This man has not only ruled the Indian cinema and state of Tamil Nadu, but still rules millions of people around the world, with his captivating charm, looks and values that he has preached and lived with. Many cinema actors have held political office including Clint Eastwood, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronald Reagan, Joseph Estrada, Amitabh Bachan but none are as popular as this 101-year-old legend who is still remembered, adored and worshipped by millions of people all around the world. -- BERNAMA