M. R. Radha
In this Indian name, the name Madras Rajagopal is a patronymic, not a family name, and the person should be referred to by the given name, MR Radha.
| Madras Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of M. R. Radha | |
| Born | April 14, 1907 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Died | September 17, 1979 (aged 72) Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Other names | Nadiga vel |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Religion | Atheist |
Madras Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu (b. 14 April 1907 - 17 September 1979), popularly known by his stage name, M. R. Radha was anIndian film actor and politician. He was given the title of "Nadigavel" for his acting prowess. After a successful career on stage in his early years, he acted in films from the 1930s to the 1970s, and then, giving up films, he went back to his first love - Stage.
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Career
Radha left his home at an early age due to a quarrel with his mother that she refused to give an extra piece of fish to eat.Radha was a popular theater artist who made more than 5000 stage shows. Starting at the age of 10, he appeared in small roles, grew to a level that stories for dramas were custom made for him. Radha gained popularity with the success of his stage play Ratha Kanneer. When he acted in the film version of the play, he quickly gained his star status. Rattha Kanneer gave Radha an international recognition and an award. Recently, Rattha Kanneer has been remade byUpendra from Karnataka. Rattha Kaneer is his most famous work that was acclaimed by veteran actors Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachan and others who termed it as one of the brilliant performances in Indian film history, and no other actor could ever duplicate that role.
With his versatile acting, Radha played both villain and comedian roles. After 1950s, film-makers created roles specially for him, and he often overshadowed even main actors. He was an active member of the Dravidian movement, and was known for his atheistic views. Towards the end of his career, however, he started acting in Hindu devotional movies like Velum Mayilum Thunai. He often used to ridicule atheism in these movies.
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Personal life
His children are actor M. R. R. Vasu, m. R . Radha rajoo, m..ganavalliRadha Ravi, Rashia, Rani and Rathe. Through his second wife, he has Raadhika Sarathkumar & Nirosha.
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Major Incident
On the 12th of January 1967, M.R.Radha shot actor M.G. Ramachandran in his neck. He shot himself on the temple after this incident. M R Radha was admitted in same hospital immediately after MGR was admitted. He also said "Naan thaan sutteen. Policeukku statement koduthacchu."
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Death
Radha died of jaundice on 17 September 1979 aged 72 in his residence in Tiruchirappalli. His funeral procession was one the largest in South India, as nearly two to three hundred thousand mourners paid respect to one being an iconic legend of Indian film industry, as well as being a key figure in the Dravidian movement and social reform through out India. During his death, he was survived by his wife, late M R Dhanalakshmi, two sons and five daughters.
The unmatched hero and the inimitable villain... with M.R. Radha in ``Paava Mannippu''.
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