M.K.Thyagaraja Bhagavathar

M.K.Thyagaraja Bhagavathar
Born	Mayapuram Krishnamurthy Thyagarajan
Other names	MKT
Parent(s)	Krishnamurthy Manikkathammal
Website	Dedicated Page [1]

M.K. Thyagaraja Bagavadhar (1909-1959) also called MKT was a popular Tamil movie actor and singer in the 1930s and 1940s. He was born at Mayavaram (now Mayiladuthurai) in Tamil Nadu, India,in a family of Goldsmiths and grew up in Trichy.

He is considered as the first superstar of Tamil Cinema (Kollywood). Most of MKT's songs were devotional with a South Indian classical base. Along with Papanasam Sivan(the lyricist), MKT created many superhits. Some of his superhit songs include Unai Alaal, Neelakanta, Amba Manam Kanindhu, Soppana Vazhvil Makizhndu, Maraivaai Maraitha Odu, Gyaana Kann, Sathva Guna Bodhan, Rajan Maharajan, Krishna Mukunda Murari, Naatiya Kalaiye, Radhe Unaku Kobam Aagadadi, Vasantha Ruthu, and many others.

His first movie was "Pavalakodi" in 1934 and he appeared in another 14 movies until his death. Most of his movies were record breakers. Thiruneelakandar, Ambikapathi, Chintamani remain among the first ever superhit Tamil movies. Haridass, released in 1944, ran continuously for three years in Chennai Broadway Theatre. He was charged with murder along with the then famous comedian N. S. Krishnan and Coimbatore based Movie Studio owner Sriramlu Naidu in 1944 but was acquitted and released in 1946. Prior to the arrest he was booked to make 12 movies, but he lost interest and the few movies he did make were unsuccessful. Nevertheless he still drew huge crowds in concerts. He quietly spent his last years, having lost almost all his wealth defending his case.

Despite efforts by the follwers of Dravidian movement such as [C. N. Annadurai]] founder of DMK party of later day Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to entice him to their fold, because of his convictions, MKT remained apolitical and a staunch Bhakta (Devotee of God) till his demise. His absence from the film industry, it is believed, provided a window for dravidian atheist movement to move in and establish themselves in the Tamil film industry.

MKT's Golden voice remains unparalleled in Tamil Cinema and his songs are still popular among music Connoisseur.

Links

• Extensive Biography and Pictures [2]
• Info on his last movie [3]
• Filmography [4]
• IMBD Entry [5]
• The Hindu article [6]