M. R. Radha
Madras Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Other names | Nadiga vel |
| Occupation | Actor |
 | This article may be written from a fan's point of view, rather than a neutral point of view. (August 2010) |
Madras Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu (Tamil: மெட்ராசு ராசகோபால ராதாகிருட்டிணன் நாயுடு) (21 February 1907 - 17 September 1979), popularly known as M. R. Radha (Tamil: எம். ஆர். ராதா), was an Indian Tamil 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, theater.
Career
Radha was a popular theatre artist who made more than 5000 stage shows. Starting at the age of 10, where 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 star status. Ratha Kanneer gave Radha international recognition and an award. Recently, Ratha Kanneer has been remade by Upendra from Karnataka.
With his versatile acting, Radha played roles of both villains and comics. After the 1950s, film-makers created roles especially for him, and he often stole the limelight from other 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.
Personal life
His children are actor M. R. R. Vasu, Radha Ravi, Rashia, Rani and Rathe. By his second wife he has Raadhika Sarathkumar, Nirosha and Mohan Ratha.
Incidents
On the 12th of January 1967, M.R.Radha shot actor M.G.R in neck. The bullet was permanently lodged in his neck and M.G.R's voice was permanently damaged.
Death
Radha died of jaundice on 17 September, 1979 in his residence in Tiruchirappalli.
Filimography
- Ratha Kanneer
- Aayiram Roobai
- Kaikodutha Deivam
- Paava Mannippu
- Chithi
- Pudhiya Paravai
- Bale Pandiya
- Petraldhan Pillaya
- Thaikku Pin Thaaram
- Kumudam
- Karpagam
- Thayai kaatha thanayan
- Paasam
- Paalum Pazhamum
- Pattinathar
- Padithal Mattum Podhuma
- Naanum Oru Penn
- Koduthu Vaithaval
- Aalayamani
- Santhanathevan
- Velum Mayilum Thunai
- Rathinapuri Ilavarasi