name	M.G. Ramachandran
birth name	Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran
birth date	January 17, 1917
birth place	Nawalapitiya, British Ceylon
death date	December 24, 1987
death place	Chennai, India
other names	M. G. R., Puratchi Thalaivar, Makkal Thilagam
years active	1936-1978 (Actor)1953-1987 (Politician)
spouse	Thangamani (''deceased'')Sathanandavathi (''deceased'')V. N. Janaki (died in 1996)
occupation	Actor, Politician, Producer
religion	Hindu
awards	}}

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (17 January 1917 – 24 December 1987), popularly known by his initials MGR, was an Indian film actor, director, producer, and politician who also served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu successively for three terms.

In his youth, MGR and his elder brother, M. G. Chakrapani became members of a drama troupe to support their family. Influenced by Gandhian ideals, MGR joined the Indian National Congress. After a few years of acting in plays, he made his film debut in the 1936 film ''Sathi Leelavathi'' in a supporting role. In the late 1940s he graduated to leading roles and for the next three decades dominated the Tamil film industry. He became a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and rose rapidly through its ranks. He successfully used his popularity as a film hero to build a large political base. In 1972, he left the DMK to form his own party the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK). In 1977 he became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu - the first film actor in India to become the chief minister of a state. He remained as chief minister till his death in 1987.

In Tamil Nadu, he has a reputation for philanthropism and is considered to be one of the greatest political leaders and actors of the state. He is idolized by his followers as ''Puratchi Thalaivar'' (lit. Revolutionary leader) MGR was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

Early life and background

MGR was born in Nawalapitiya near Kandy, British Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka), to immigrant Malayali parents — Melakkath Gopala Menon and Maruthur Satyabhama. His family was originally from Vadavannur, Kollengode, Palakkad, Kerala. Melakkath Gopala Menon had been excommunicated (''bhrasht'') during a Smarthavicharam in 1903, regarding an allegation that dealt with an illicit relationship with a widowed Brahmin woman; and hence he left his family, and married Maruthur Satyabhama.

MGR was a Hindu and a devotee of Murugan, as is the common practice for Hindus in Sri Lanka. This was during his early days. Later, when he joined the DMK,a pro-rationalist party,he followed the rationalist ideology, though not appearing very aggressively atheistic.However,in later days after he founded his own party following his expulsion from the DMK, he seems to have shown some leaning towards religious faith. He had asked his followers to pray for the success of his AIADMK party.

His followers even prayed for him when it was determined that he had a kidney illness. After his demise, his wife opened up a temple in his name.

After his father's death, he joined a drama troupe called Original Boys. Later, he entered the world of cinema, becoming an actor, and later a director, producer, and editor. MGR married Bargavi also known as Thangamani who died early due to illness. He later married Sathanandavathi who also died soon due to Tuberculosis. M. G. R. married V. N. Janaki a former Tamil film actress as his third wife after the death of his second wife. Janaki divorced her husband Ganapati Bhat, to marry MGR.

Acting career

He made his film debut in 1935, in the film ''Sati Leelavati'', directed by Ellis Dungan, an American born film director. Generally starring in romance or action films, MGR got his big breakthrough in the 1947 film ''Mandirikumaari'', written by M. Karunanidhi. Soon he rose to superstardom in the 1954 blockbuster ''Malaikallan''. He acted as hero in the Tamil film industry's first ever colour movie, the 1955 blockbuster ''Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum''. He rose to become the heart throb of millions of Indians with movies such as ''Anbe Vaa'', ''Aayirathil Oruvan'', ''Mahadevi'', ''Panam Padaithavan'', ''Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan'', ''Adimai Penn'', etc. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for the film ''Rickshawkaran'' in 1972. His film ''Nadodi Mannan'', released in 1958, was a Tamil version of the interpretation of the Prisoner of Zenda, was produced and directed by himself and released in 1956, ran to full houses. He began to act in many movies that appealed to the direct sentiments of the common man and the rich as well. His 1973 blockbuster ''Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan'' broke previous box office records. It was one of the few movies filmed abroad in those days. It was shot in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan. The DMK unsuccessfully tried to curtail that movie. His acting career ended in 1978 with his last movie, Madurai Meettu Sundara Pandian, which he acted when he was the Chief Minister of the state. He was among the "three biggest names" of Tamil cinema, the other two being Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan.

Political career

MGR was a member of the Congress Party till 1953 and he used to wear Khādī. In 1953 MGR joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) with the help of M. Karunanidhi. He became a vocal Tamil and Dravidian nationalist and prominent member of the DMK] ("Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam" aka ''Dravidian Progressive Federation''). He added glamour to the Dravidian movement which was sweeping Tamil Nadu. He became a member of the state Legislative Council in 1962. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1967. After the death of his mentor, Annadurai, MGR became the treasurer of DMK in 1969 after Karunanidhi became the chief minister.

On 12 January 1967, he was shot in the neck by fellow actor M.R. Radha.Both had worked together in 25 films together.When MGR was acting in the film Kaavalkaran in 1967 opposite J. Jayalalithaa this incident happened. Petralthaan Pillaya was the last movie of MGR-MR Radha together, shooting which ended just few days before MGR was shot at.The bullet was permanently lodged in his neck and his voice damaged. Within hours of the shooting, some 50,000-odd fans had gathered at the hospital where MGR had been taken. People cried in the streets. For six weeks, he lay in the hospital as fans awaited each report of his health. He was visited by a steady stream of commoners and luminaries of film industry, polity and bureaucracy.From his hospital bed, he conducted his campaign for Madras Legislative Assembly. He won twice the number of votes polled by his Congress rival and the largest vote polled by any candidate for the Assembly.

In 1972, DMK leader Karunanithi started to project his first son M.K.Muthu in a big way in film industry and also in politics. Understanding the tactics played by Karunanithi to corner him, MGR started to claim that corruption had grown within the party after the demise of Annadurai and in a public meeting asked for the financial details of the party to be publicised which enraged the leadership of DMK. Consequently, as expected, MGR was expelled from the party, and floated a new party named Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), later renamed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the only powerful opponent of the DMK. He mobilised the period between 1972-1977 to spread and preach his party ambition with films like Netru Indru Naalai(1974), Idhayakani(1975), Indru Pol Endrum Vazhga (1977) etc. He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on the 30th of July 1977, remaining in office till his death in 1987. In 1979, members of his party Satyavani Muthu and Aravinda Bala Pajanor, became the first non-Congress politicians from Tamil Nadu to be ministers in the Union Cabinet. The AIADMK won every state assembly election as long as MGR was alive. Although Anna Durai as well as Karunanidhi had acted in stage plays in trivial roles, in their younger days, before becoming chief minister, MGR was the first popular film actor to be a Chief Minister in India.Though the Congress won by a small margin of votes with the DMK in the 1980 parliamentary elections, the AIADMK under MGR won the state elections the same year.This made the Congress to ally with the AIADMK in the 1984 elections. Once he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he placed great emphasis on social development, especially education. One of his most successful policies was the introduction of the "Midday Meal Scheme" introduced by the popular Congress Chief Minister and Kingmaker K Kamaraj to a nutritious Midday Meal Scheme in the Government-run and aided schools in Tamil Nadu, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend schools. This scheme was at a cost of Rs.100 crore and was imposed in 1982. A little more than 12000000 citizens of the state were benefited. He also introduced Women's Special buses. He introduced Liquor ban in the state and Preservation of old temples and historical monuments, ultimately increasing the state's tourist income. He set up a free school for the Cinema Technicians children in Kodambakkam called MGR Primary & Higher Secondary School which provided Free Mid-Day meals in the 1950s. He led the ADMK to victory in the 1984 assembly elections despite not taking part in the campaigning. At that time he was undergoing medical treatment in America and his images were broadcast in Tamil Nadu through cinema halls. This was an effective campaign tactic and ADMK won the elections, indicating the depth of his popular support. He won the election in a double landslide victory in 1984.He still holds the record of being the chief minister with the highest consistent longevity of more than a decade.

Member of Legislative Assembly

Reelected Elected Elected Elected

Year !! Elected/Reelected !! Place !! Party
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1967	1967	Elected	St. Thomas Mount >
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1971	1971	|	St. Thomas Mount	Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam>DMK
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1977	1977	|	Aruppukottai (State Assembly Constituency)>Aruppukottai	All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam>ADMK
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1980	1980	|	Madurai West (State Assembly Constituency)>Madurai West	All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam>ADMK
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1984	1984	|	Andipatti (State Assembly Constituency)>Andipatti	All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam>ADMK

Chief Minister

From Year !! To Year !! Election
1977	1980	Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1977
1980	1984
1984	1987

Awards

Filmfare Best Actor Award for ''Enga Veettu Pillai'' Filmfare Best Film Award for ''Adimai Penn''

National Film Award for Best Actor for the film ''Rickshawkaran'' in 1972.

Honorary doctorate received from University of Madras and The World University (Arizona).

Bharat Ratna was conferred by the Government of India (posthumously) in 1988 for his reformation activities and support from Tamil Nadu.

Philanthropy

He personally offered relief in disasters and calamities like fire, flood, drought, and cyclones. He was the first donor during the war with China in 1962, donating Rs. 75,000 to the war fund. He was the founder and editor of ''Thai'' weekly magazine and ''Anna'' daily newspaper in Tamil. He was the owner of Sathya Studios and Emgeeyar Pictures (willed to charity) which produced many of the films he acted in. He had gifted a golden sword weighing half a Kilogram to Mookambika temple in Kollur, Udupi district.

Death

In October 1984, MGR was diagnosed with kidney failure and rushed to the Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, United States for treatment, undergoing a kidney transplant. MGR died on December 24, 1987 after his prolonged illness. He was 70. His death sparked off a frenzy of looting and rioting all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Shops, movie theatres, buses and other public and private property became the target of violence let loose all over the state. The police had to resort issuing shoot-at-sight orders. Tamilians from Bangalore rushed to Madras in trains to see the mortal remains of MGR. Govt had announced free train facility for this visit. The violence during the funeral alone left 29 people dead and 47 police personnel badly wounded. , This state of affairs continued for almost a month all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Around one million people followed his remains, around 30 followers committed suicide and people had their heads tonsured. After his death, his political party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, split between his wife Janaki Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa; they later merged in 1988. In 1989 Dr. M. G. R. Home and Higher Secondary School for the Speech and Hearing Impaired was established in the erstwhile Residence MGR Gardens, Ramapuram, in accordance with his will dated January 17, 1986. His official residence at 27, Arcot Street, T.Nagar is now MGR Memorial House and is open for public viewing. His film studio, Sathya Studios has been converted into a women's college.

Filmography

As Actor

As producer & director

''Ulagam Sutrum Valiban'' ''Madhurai Meetha Sundharapandian''

Year !! Film !! Role !! Notes
1958 in film	1958	''Nadodi Mannan''
1973 in film	1973	|		MGR's Second film as Director,
1977 in film	1977	|		MGR's Third film as Director,

Gallery

References

External links

M.G. Ramchandran: Jewel of the Masses

The Hindu - Politics and Suicides in TN

All about Dr MGR

MGR Memorial Charitable Trust

MGR web portal and Monthly magazine

Category:1917 births Category:1987 deaths Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri Category:Recipients of the Bharat Ratna Category:Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu Category:Tamil Nadu politicians Category:National Film Award winners Category:Indian actor–politicians Category:Malayali people Category:Indian Hindus Category:All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians Category:Sri Lankan people of Indian descent Category:Indian people of Sri Lankan descent Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners Category:Filmfare Awards South winners

de:M. G. Ramachandran fr:Marudu Gopalan Ramachandran hi:मारुदुर गोपालन रामचन्द्रन ml:എം.ജി. രാമചന്ദ്രൻ mr:ए‍म.जी. रामचंद्रन pnb:راماچندرن fi:M. G. Ramachandran sv:M.G. Ramachandran ta:ம. கோ. இராமச்சந்திரன் te:ఎం.జి.రామచంద్రన్

name	B. Saroja Devi
birth date	January 07, 1938
birth place	Karnataka, India
death date
occupation	actress
yearsactive	1955–present
spouse	Sri Harsha(1967)
website	}}

B. Saroja Devi () is an Indian actress. She has acted in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi movies. She is referred to as Abinaya Saraswathi by Kannada film industry and as Kannadathu Paingili (meaning Kannada's Parrot) by Tamil Film Industry. She has acted in nearly 200 films in a period of more than three decades.Saroja Devi is one of the most successful female film stars in the history of Indian cinema and she was at her peak as the main female lead in films in the period 1958-85.Saroja Devi received Padma Bhushan,third highest civilian award, in 2002 and in 1969, she was honoured with the Padma Sri, the fourth-highest civilian honour, by the Government of India.

Early life

Saroja Devi was born in Karnataka on 7 January 1938 to Bhairappa and Rudramma. Her father worked for the police department. Saroja Devi was their fourth daughter. But this wasn't a happy occasion for her family, especially her grandfather, Mayanna Gowda. Bhairappa managed to overrule him and insist on raising the child. Her father asked her to learn dance and encouraged her to venture into films when film offers started coming to her. A young Saroja Devi was often chaperoned to studios by him. He frequently tied her salangais, and often massaged her swollen feet after her dancing stints.

Saroja Devi was first spotted by B.R. Krishnamurthy singing at a function at the age of 13. Initially, she declined his offer to act in movies. She debuted with the Kannada film ''Mahakavi Kalidasa'' in 1955

Film career

Early career as lead actress(1955–69)

Saroja Devi's first big break came in the Honnappa Bhagavatar's Kannada film, Mahakavi Kalidasa, in 1955, for which she won a National Award. It was followed by B R Panthulu's Thanga Malai Ragasiyam, where her eyes enacted a magical drama, in a dance sequence.Her debut movie in Telugu was ''Panduranga Mahatyam'' (1957) in which she acted opposite N.T. Rama Rao.After this she came under the notice of the MGR for the very first time, on K Subramaniam's sets and MGR casted her in Nadodi Manan(1958).

People doubted her ability to speak Tamil, but MGR had faith in her and encouraged her to learn and speak Tamil and casted her in his home production Nadodi Mannan in 1958 as well.It was the Tamil film Nadodi Mannan opposite MGR in 1958 that catapulted Saroja Devi to superstar status in Tamil Film industry.After this she immediately received offer to make her Hindi debut opposite Dilip Kumar in Paigam(1959). She never allowed any one to dub for her and insisted that she would speak by herself as a result none of her Tamil movies her voice was dubbed by any other artiste since the beginning of her career.Then she gave hits opposite Gemini Ganesan in Manalane Mangayin Bhagyam, Kalyana Parisu, Ode Velaiyadu papa, Kairasi and opposite Sivaji Ganeshan in Baga Pirivinai,Vidi Velli,Palum Pazhamum, Iruvar Ullam(1958 till 1960).After this she started getting offers from Tamil,Kannada, and Telugu films. She was working more than 20 hours a day in this peak period of her career(1960–69).She became the number one female lead actress of the period 1959-69 in Tamil films.

She was cast always opposite the much high in demand stars of respective film industries :NTR, ANR in Telugu, MGR, Sivaji Ganeshan, Gemini Ganesan in Tamil and Rajkumar in Kannada.Saroja chose to do more films in Tamil in the period 1958-1969 and after her mairrage she was more active in Kannada and Telugu films from (1970–1984).

Saroja Devi's energetic performance as a patriotic queen raging against the British in Kannada flick Kittooru Rani Chennamma, which won the national award for Best Film in 1963, brought her much acclaim. Her Telugu hits were Seetha Rama Kalyanam and Jagadeka Veeranukatha in 1961 with NTR, while her hits in Hindi films included Paigham (1959), Sasural (1960), Opera House (1961), Pareeksha, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya(1963) and Beti Bete (1964) and in addition Kannada hits like Chintamani(1957), School Master(1958), Jagajyothi Basaveshwara (1959), Kitturu Chennamma (1962).It was at this time in 1962 that she was crowned Chaturbhaasha Taare, because of her popularity in these four languages. She had mincing accent, smart and perky attitude and this made her popular among the audience of all the four languages.She concentrated more in Tamil films as a result though she had all her films as hits in Hindi, after Preet Na Jane Reet opposite Shammi Kapoor she did not do more Hindi films.

Another leading Telugu actress Krishna Kumari had dubbed her voice in Panduranga Mahatyam for Saroja devi and few more films in the initial part of her career in Telugu Films. But in subsequent years, without any external source of dubbing, Saroja Devi acted in her Telugu films.For her films in Hindi, Kannada and Tamil she always dubbed for herself since the beginning of her career.

MGR Saroja Devi established a popular on screen pair and had back to back superhits from 1958-1967.The pair who began with Naadodi Mannan, went on to give back to back 27 blockbusters the most popular being Thirudathey, Thai Sollai Thattathey, Paasam,Thaayaikaatha Thanayan, Asai Mugam, Periya Idathu Penn, Dharmam Thalaikkakkum, Neethikku Pin Pasam, Pannakkara Kudumbam,Padakoti, Nadodi, Thalibahakiyam, Naan Anayittaal, Petralthaan Pillaiya and Parrakkum Pavai. Her best performances opposite MGR were the 'rich girl' roles in Anbe Vaa, Enga Veettu Pillai, En Kadamai, Pana Thottam and Thayin Madiyil.She made a fashion statement too as women adored her dressing sense and her saris and blouses, ornaments, hairstyles were copied by girls and women.

Later career as lead actress(1970–85)

After Jayalalitha become a star and her pair with MGR was appreciated and after Saroja got married in 1967, Sarojadevi did not get the opportunity to work opposite MGR. Saroja Devi's last film oppsoite MGR was Arasa Katalai, which also starred Jayalalithaa. However Saroja continued having hits opposite Sivaji like En Thambi, Anjal Petti 520, Thenum Palum, Arunothayam and with Gemini in Panamaa Paasama, Thamarai Nenjam, Malathy, Kann Malar etc. She was cast with younger heroes like Ravichandran in Odum Nadhi(1969) and R.Muthuraman in 1974 in Paththu Matha Bandham(her last film in Tamil) which were successful too.

From 1970,she started to get few offers in Tamil Cinema.But this only resulted in she becoming the highest paid actress in Kannada films and was more active in Kannada films in seventies.She acted in films such as Sri Renukadevi Mahathme, Gunavanthudu, Shani Prabhava and Katha Sangama.She won accolades from critics in films opposite Dr. Raj Kumar in Kannada for her performances in MalamaPavada (1969), Nyayave Devaru(1971), Sri Srinivasa Kalyana(1974), Babruvahana(1977), Bhagyavantharu(1977) and with Vishnuvardhan in Shani Prabhava, Rudra Naga, Ugra Naagu (1985) and in other films like Thande Makkalu, Papa Punya, Chiranjeevi etc.(from 1971–1984).She accepted in an interview that she excelled in roles that challenged her with tremendous range. In her long career she chiefly opted for sentimental films.

She mesmerized audience of all sections with her lively action, eye-catching looks and sweet articulation and got critical acclaims for her roles in the few Telugu films she did like Rahasiyam and in Aathma Balam and Amarashilpi Jakanna, both with A Nageshwara Rao. From the late sixties till mid 70's she formed popular on screen pair with NTR in Telugu films with Dagudu moothulu,Shakuntala,Bahakiyachakaram, Mayani Mamata and Daana Veera Shoora Karna.

Later Career (1986-2011)

Saroja Devi accepted supporting roles in very few films.She took up very few assignments and even those films turned out to be popular.The most notable being Anuragasangama, Agni I P S, Mangala Suitra in Kannada and in title role in the Tamil film Thaimel Aanai and again opposite Sivaji Ganeshan in Parambhariyam and Once More (where Saroja was paired opposite Sivaji Ganesan in with her scenes in Iruvar Ullam too infused in the movie).

She said in an interview 'I have four homes in Chennai: the residences of MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, and MR Radha,' she had once said. 'But now, they have all gone—and I remain alone, with only their memories in my heart, and tears in my eyes.'

B. Saroja Devi was Chairperson of the Karnataka Film Development Corporation. She was also the chairperson of Kantheerava Studios, Bangalore.

Personal life

Saroja Devi was married to Sri Harsha, an engineer by profession who worked with Bharat Electronics Limited, on 1 March 1967.Her husband had reportedly no qualms about her star status, and was a 'complete gentleman'. She was careful not to involve herself in too many controversies and scandals obviously helped. Their marriage lasted till her husband's death in 1986.The couple have three children, daughters Bhuveneshwary, Indira and son Gautam.

Social causes

Saroja Devi has organized many donation camps in the name of her late husband Sri Harsha, daughter Bhuvaneshwari and her mother and has organized Charitable Trusts, Rehabilitation centers and health programs.

Awards

Life Time Achievement Award in 2008 by the Government of India

Padma Bhushan in 1992

Padma Sri in 1969

Dr.Rajkumar National award by the Government of Karnataka in 2009

Life time achievement award by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2010

N.T.R. National Award from Government of Andhra Pradesh for the second time for the year 2009.

Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University in 2006

Dinakaran award for All-round Achievement in 2003

N.T.R. National Award from Andhra Pradesh Government for the year 2001.

Tamil Nadu Government’s M.G.R award in 1997

Cinema Express award in 1997

Filmfare award for All-round Achievement

Karnataka Government’s Rajyothsava award in 1989

''Abhinandana-Kanchana Mala'' award in 1980

Honoured as a title "Abinya saraswathy" by Karnataka government in 1965

Filmography

References

External links

Devi,Saroja B Category:Kannada film actors Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan Category:People from Karnataka Category:1938 births Category:Living people Category:Kannada people Category:Tamil film actors

kn:ಬಿ.ಸರೋಜಾದೇವಿ te:బి.సరోజా దేవి ta:சரோஜாதேவி

name	Anjali Devi
birth date	24 August 1927
birth place	Peddapuram, East Godavari district, Madras Presidency, British India
occupation	Actress
spouse	P. Adinarayana Rao
website	}}

Anjali Devi () (born 24 August 1927) is a veteran Telugu actress and producer. She is well known for her mythological role as Sita in ''Lava Kusha'' and roles in movies like ''Suvarna Sundari'' and ''Anarkali''.

Biography

She hails from Peddapuram, East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, India, and later settled in Chennai. She was a theater artist before entering into movies. Her film debut was as Lohitasya in ''Raja Harishchandra'' in 1936. Her first movie as heroine was ''Kashtajeevi'' by L. V. Prasad 1n 1940 but that movie was abandoned after three reels shooting.Later C.Pullayya found her given opportunity hevenly beauty Mohini in Gollabhama.Her expepressions and looks she became star over night in 1947 after that she never looked back. She eventually acted in more than 350 Telugu films and also in a few Tamil and Kannada films as the heroine.

She married P. Adinarayana Rao, a music director, in 1940. They have two sons. Together they produced many Telugu films under the banner of Anjali Pictures. She acted in ''Lava Kusha'', a milestone film and the first color film in the Telugu film industry in 1963. She acted in various roles like damsel, angel, dancer, demon, goddess, traditional woman and later in mother characters. Her granddaughter Saila Rao is also an actress.

Career

As actress

In 1936 she appeared in a minor role in ''Raja Harishchandra'' and then played the lead role in L. V. Prasad's ''Kashtajeevi''. She is well known for playing Sita in ''Lava Kusha'' and her performances in films like ''Suvarna Sundari'' and ''Anarkali'' were also appreciated. She has acted in more than 350 films, which includes Telugu, Tamil and Kannada language films. ''Brundavanam'' (1992), ''Anna Vadina'' (1993) and ''Police Alludu'' (1994) were the last few films of her career. In Balaiah's ''Police Alludu'' and ''Anna Vadina'' she appeared alongside Brahmanandam.

As producer

In 1955 she produced the film ''Anarkali'', in which she herself played the lead role of Anarkali, with Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Salim. Then she produced V. Madhusudan Rao's ''Bhakta Tukaram'' and ''Chandipriya''. Bollywood and Tollywood actress Jayapradha played the lead role in her film ''Chandipriya'' alongside Shobhan Babu and Chiranjeevi.

Awards

She received the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2005 for her lifetime service to the Telugu film industry.

She was conferred the Ramineni Award in 2006 in the fine arts category.

She received the prestigious ANR National Award in 2008.

Filmography

! Year	! Film	! Language	! Character	! Remarks
1948	''Balaraju''	Telugu
1949	''Keelu Gurram''	Telugu	Mohini
1950	''Palleturi Pilla''	Telugu	Santha
		Telugu	Swapna Sundari
1951	''Nirdoshi''	Telugu	Nirmala
	''Niraparadhi''	Tamil
		Tamil
1953	''Pakkinti Ammayi''	Telugu	Leela Devi
1954	''Rechukka''	Telugu	Nana
	''Sangham''	Telugu
1955		Telugu	Anarkali
1956		Hindi
1957	''Allauddin Adhbhuta Deepam''	Telugu	Yasmin, the Princess
		Telugu	Rama
	''Suvarna Sundari''	Telugu
1958	''Chenchu Lakshmi''	Telugu
1959	''Jayabheri''	Telugu	Manjulavani
1960	''Bhatti Vikramarka''	Telugu
1962		Telugu	Amba
1963	''Lava Kusha''	Telugu	Sita
1966	''Chilaka Gorinka''	Telugu
	''Palnati Yudham''	Telugu
	''Rangula Ratnam''	Telugu
1967	''Bhakta Prahlada''	Telugu	Leelavati
		Telugu
1971	''Kalyana Mandapam''	Telugu
1972	''Badi Panthulu''	Telugu
	''Bala Bharatam''	Telugu
	''Tata Manavadu''	Telugu
1973	''Bhakta Tukaram''	Telugu	Avali Bai
	''Jeevana Tarangalu''	Telugu
1975		Telugu
1976	''Mahakavi Kshetrayya''	Telugu
1977	''Shri Ram Vanvas''	Hindi
1980	''Ram Robert Rahim''	Telugu
1986	''Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mahathyam''	Telugu
1987	''Srutilayalu''	Telugu
1993	''Brundavanam''	Telugu

''Gollabhama''

''Kashtajivi''

''Chandipriya''

''Bhale Krishnudu''

''Sati Sakkubai''

''Mayalamaari''

Tamil movies

''Annai Oru Alayam''

''Adutha Veetu Penn''

''Manalanae Mangayin Baghyam''

''Sarvadhikari'' (with MGR)

''Kanavane Kankanda Theivam'' (with Gemini Ganesan)

''Penn'' (with Vyjayanthimala)

''Mangayarkarasi'' (with P. U. Chinnappa)

''Marmayogi'' (with MGR as hero)

''Eezai Uzavan''

''Adiththan Kanavu'' (producer: T. R. Sundaram)

''Sorgavasal'' (as K.R. Ramasamy's sister "Thilagavathy")

As producer

''Paradesi''

''Suvarna Sundari''

''Swarnamanjari''

''Chandi Priya''

''Sati Sakkubai''

''Shirdi Sai Sathya Sai Divya Katha'' (television series)

See also

Krishnaveni

Bhanumathi

References

Anjali Devi at Chakpak.com

External links

Golden Nandi for Krishnaveni

Category:1927 births Category:Living people Category:Telugu people Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian film producers Category:Telugu actors

te:అంజలీదేవి

name	M.N.Nambiar
birth date	March 05, 1919
birth place	Kannur, Kerala, India
death date	November 19, 2008
death place	Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
birth name	Manjeri Narayanan Nambiar
spouse	Rukmani }}

M. N. Nambiar ( )(born Manjeri Narayanan Nambiar 5 March 1919 — 19 November 2008) was a film actor in Tamil cinema and had been in the film industry for more than 50 years.

Early life

Born on 7 March 1919 to Kelu Nambiar and Lakshmi in Cherupazhassi village, Kannur in a Nambiar family of North Malabar a descendent of Pazhassi Raja family. While he was a child his father died. He moved to live and study in Ooty with his elder sister and brother in law. He became interested in acting when he was 13 and he joined Nawab Rajamanikkam's troupe. From then on acting became the only thing that occupied him. His first film was 'Bhaktha Ramadoss', shot in 1935 in Hindi and Tamil, where he played as a comedian along with T.K.Sampangi.

Film career

Though he started as a hero but started donning the role of a villain - so much so that today his name is almost eponymous with the Kollywood villain. Nambiar has worked with seven generations of actors from Balaiyah to Manoj (Bharathiraaja's son).

His first pay was Rs.3 in the "Boys Company." He would retain Re 1 and send Rs.2 to his mother. A man of very limited needs, he has not eaten outside of his house. He is extremely health conscious.

He made quite a statement in the early 50s with his portrayal of 11 roles in ‘Digambara Samiyar.’ His arresting performance in films such as ‘Manthiri Kumari,’ ‘Velaikkari,’ ‘Ayirathil Oruvan,’ ‘Thillana Mohanambal,’ ‘Missiamma’ and ‘Nenjam Marappadillai’ paved way for a very successful career that spanned over five decades.

A majority of the more than 1000 films that he has done is in Tamil, though he has acted in Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, besides an English film `Jungle' (with Rod Cameron, the film's hero, directed by William Burke) in which he appears in a few brief scenes. The film was released in 1952. The Hindi film he acted in was a remake of the Tamil `Kanavane Kankanda Deivam.'

After becoming popular in Tamil films he started his own drama troupe called Nambiar Nataka Mandram. They staged two plays — `Kaviyin Kanavu' and a comedy play `Kalyana Supermarket.'

M.N. Nambiar was a rare personality who was a cruel ruthless fellow in the screen and a very pious man in the real life. He was pure vegetarian and a teetotaler. He was also an ardent devotee of Sabarimala Sri Ayyappan. He has had a long association with the temple, and visited the shrine more than 65 years over the last half a century; this has led to him being called Maha Guruswamy. His colleagues noted that he died during the famous Sabarimala season and it may be due to the blessing of his Lord.

His favourite films remain `Aayirathil Oruvan' with MGR, `Ambikapathi' with Sivaji Ganesan, `Missiyamma' with Gemini Ganesan, `Nenjam Marappathillai' directed by Sridhar and `Thooral Ninu Pochu' with Bhagyaraj. This was the film that made him do character roles, something that he continued to do till his death. He also acted as hero in two films `Kalyani' and `Kavitha' produced by Modern Theatres.

He has done stage, films and also serials such as `Velan.' When it comes to acting, he supposedly likes all the actors; but of special mention are M. R. Radha and Savitri. Both, in his opinion, were brilliant in their own way.

Filmography

Year	! Film	! Language	! Notes
1935	''Bhaktha Ramadas''	Tamil	Debut film as a comedian
1946	''Vidyapathi''	Tamil	as a Comedian
1947	''Rajakumari	Tamil	Along with his friend M. G. Ramachandran
1947	''Kanjan''	Tamil
1948		Tamil
1949	''Velaikaari''	Tamil
1950	''Manthiri Kumari''	Tamil	Rajaguru
1951		Tamil
1951		Tamil	Remake of The Gallant Blade
1952	''Jungle''	English
1953	''Petrathai''	Tamil
1953	''Kanna Talli''	Telugu	Sankar
1956	''Amara Deepam''	Tamil
1961	''Pasamalar''	Tamil
1963	''Enga Veetu Pillai''
1964	''Uthama Puthiran''
1965		Tamil
1966	''Thali Bhagyam''	Tamil
1976		Tamil
1980		Tamil
1981	''Garjanai''
1982	''Thooral Ninnu Pochu''
1983	''Thai Veedu''	Tamil
1984		Tamil
1986	''Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu''	Tamil
1993		Tamil
1993	''Paasamalargal''	Tamil
1993	''Yejaman''	Tamil
1996	''Poove Unakkaga''	Tamil
1997	''Vallal''
1999	''Rojavanam''	Tamil
1999	''Pooparika Varugirom''	Tamil
2001	''Vinnukkum Mannukkum''
	''Varushellam Vasantham''
2002		Tamil
2003		Tamil
2004	''Arasatchi''	Tamil
2006	''Sudesi''		posthumous film

Uthama Puthiran

Ambikapathy (1957)

Enga Veetu Pillai

Mannavan vandhanadi

Thooral ninnu pochu

Pallandu vaazhga

Swamy ayyappan

Ninaithadai mudippavan

Ulagam sutrum vaaliban

Savale samali

Raja Raja Cholan

Nenjam marappadhillai

En thambi

Anbe vaa

Makkalai petra magaraasi

Velaikari (1949)

Thigambara Samiyar (1950)

Kalyani (1952)

Vidyapathi (1946)

Kaviyin Kanavu

Garjanai (1981)

Avasara Police 100(1991)

Bhaktha Ramadass (1935)

Vinnukum Mannukum (2001)

Arasilankumari

Varushamellam Vasantham (2002)

Death

Nambiar was suffering from age-related ailments for the past four months and died at his residence in Chennai on 19 November 2008, family sources said. He was survived by his wife, 2 sons - one, a senior BJP leader Sukumar Nambiar, and the other, Mohan Nambiar, is a prominent businessman based in Coimbatore and a daughter, Sneha Nambiar.

Film actors told about him

P. Vasu (Director) :

“If there was anyone who could act with both the top heroes [Sivaji Ganesan and MGR] of Tamil cinema then, it was Nambiar. At one point, directors could not think of anyone else but him to play villain.”

Srikanth (Actor) :

“This is a very big loss…you cannot find a human being like him easily.”

Manorama (Actress) :

“He was a villain only when the camera got rolling…otherwise, he’d always keep us laughing with his ready wit,”

K. Raman (Make-up man) :

“In ‘Nenjam Marappadillai,’ he plays a really old man…the makeup would take hours together, but he would be extremely patient. His skin was flawless and almost pink…he took great care of his health.”

Sundaram (Dance master) :

“Nambiar sami was responsible for taking most of us in the industry to Sabarimalai”

J. Jayalalithaa (Politician) :

“I have acted with him in several films. He would be very jovial and enthusiastic on the sets. When one worked with him, one forgot the burden of work. He was very fond of me and I always had great regard and respect for him. His passing away is a great loss indeed.”

References

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7737798.stm

External links

M.N. Nambiar: Legendary "Villain" of Tamil Cinema-by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Category:1919 births Category:2008 deaths Category:Indian actors Category:People from Kannur

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