Makkal thilagm mgr-part -12

[Russellisf]

The legendary actor and matinee idol of Tamil cinema, MGR's 27th death anniversary is today.

It may be 27 years since he died. But the legacy of the legend called MGR lives on and doesn't seem to end in the near future. The magic spell of MGR can be clearly seen even today from the number of re-runs of his old movies and the people who throng his memorial in Marina beach every year in the months of December and January.

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran, popularly known by his initials MGR, was a Tamil film actor, producer and politician. Well known as a Tamil activist, he served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death in 1987.

MGR's first film 'Sathileelavthi' was released in 1936. MGR played a very minor role of a police officer. He continued to do minor roles in films like Ashokkumar with MK Thiyagaraja Bhagavathar and Meera with MS Subbulakshmi waiting for the big time. After his fist film in 1936 his big break came only in 1947. 'Rajakumari' directed by ASA Samy was the first film in which MGR played the main role. MGR went on to act in over 130 movies -- and also rule Tamil Nadu for 10 long years.

When MGR died on the eve of Christmas in 1987, Tamil Nadu came to a halt. A total of 31 people committed suicide, not wanting to live when their hero was no more. His last journey attracted 1.2 million mourners. MGR may be dead but the legend lives on.

No hero ever had the golden run of MGR in Tamil cinema. MGR may be dead but the legend lives on.

The legend will live on an on and on.