M. G. Chakrapani
M. G. Chakrapani | |
|---|---|
| Born | Marudur Gopala Chakrapani 13 January 1911 |
| Died | 17 August 1986 (aged 75) |
| Other names | Yettan |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Producer |
| Years active | 1936–1986 |
| Spouse | Meenakshi Chakrapani[1] |
| Children | 10 |
Marudur Gopala Chakrapani (13 January 1911 – 17 August 1986), commonly known as M. G. Chakrapani or Yettan ("elder brother" in Malayalam), was an Indian actor based in the Tamil film industry. He was the elder brother of actor-politician M. G. Ramachandran.[2]
Early life
Chakrapani was born in Vadavannur, Kingdom of Cochin (now Kerala), on 13 January 1911. His parents, Gopala Menon and Sathyabhama, named him Neelakantan, but was soon changed to Chakrapani because of his father's religious beliefs. Soon after his birth, the family migrated to Ceylon where Chakrapani's two younger siblings (brother M. G. Ramachandran and a sister) were born. His father, Gopala Menon, worked as a magistrate in Kandy, until he suffered an early death. Chakrapani's sister also died while they were in Ceylon.[2]
Sathyabhama took her sons to Kumbakonam, India to be close to her brother. Chakrapani studied at Yanaiadi School, but left after the seventh grade. His mother then enrolled him and Ramachandran in the Madurai Original Boys Company (MOBC), a professional Tamil theatre company, where Ramachandran found success, but Chakrapani did not.[2]
Career
Chakrapani made his Tamil cinema debut in Iru Sahodarargal in 1936. Maya Machindra and Tamizhariyum Perumal came next, where he began to be known as a character actor. His breakout role came in 1944 with Mahamaya. His character, Neelan, is believed to have been modelled after the Indian philosopher Kautilya.[2]
Though Mahamaya was a box office failure, Chakrapani's lines continue to be spoken. His next big success came some 15 years later with Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali, where he again played a villain.[2]
Later in his career, Chakrapani transitioned from actor to director and producer and managing his brother's career. Chakrapani worked with his brother on several projects which failed to see the light of day. One such film, Bhavani had Ramachandran in the lead role. It was written by A. K. Velan, directed by Masthan, with Chakrapani producing. Years later, Chakrapani tried again, this time taking the director's seat in the renamed Arasa Kattalai. It was a success.[2]
Death
Chakrapani died on 17 August 1986 at the age of 75. At the time of his death, he was survived by his second wife, Meenakshi Chakrapani, and their ten children: seven sons and three daughters.[2]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Iru Sahodarargal | Police | Tamil |
| 1939 | Maya Machindra | Tamil | |
| 1942 | Tamizhariyum Perumal | Tamil | |
| 1944 | Mahamaya | Minister | Tamil |
| 1946 | Sri Murugan | Tamil | |
| 1947 | Aayiram Thalaivangiya Apoorva Chintamani | Tamil | |
| 1948 | Abhimanyu | Balaraman | Tamil |
| 1948 | Raja Mukthi | Minister | Tamil |
| 1950 | Ponmudi | Tribal Chief | Tamil |
| 1950 | Digambara Samiyar | Magistrate Pattabhirama Pillai | Tamil |
| 1950 | Marudhanaattu Ilavarasi | Minister | Tamil |
| 1950 | Idhaya Geetham | Tamil | |
| 1951 | Vanasundari | Tamil | |
| 1952 | En Thangai | MGR's uncle | Tamil |
| 1952 | Kalyani | Tamil | |
| 1953 | Naam | Tamil | |
| 1954 | Malaikkallan | Police Inspector | Tamil |
| 1954 | En Magal | Tamil | |
| 1956 | Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum | Amir Kasim Khan | Tamil |
| 1959 | Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali | MGR's father | Tamil |
| 1957 | Raja Rajan | Uthselan Kavirayar | Tamil |
| 1959 | Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali | Sundharam Mudhaliyar | Tamil |
| 1959 | Nalla Theerppu | Tamil | |
| 1960 | Raja Desingu | Nawab of Arcot | Tamil |
| 1960 | Mannadhi Mannan | King Karikala Chozhan | Tamil |
| 1972 | Idhaya Veenai | MGR's father | Tamil |
| 1974 | Netru Indru Naalai | Tamil | |
| 1975 | Naalai Namadhe | Tamil |
References
- ^ Pradeep. "MGR Official Blogspot". Retrieved 25 May 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g Randor Guy (16 February 2012). "Fame eluded this sibling of an icon". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 October 2013.