MK Muthu, the eldest son of the late former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi and half-brother of Chief Minister MK Stalin, passed away on Saturday morning at about 8 am due to old age-related illnesses, the DMK said. His body has been placed at his Enjambakkam residence for public grief. Muthu was 76.
Born on January 14, 1948, Muthu was the first child of Karunanidhi and his first wife, Padmavathy, who tragically passed away from tuberculosis at just 20, shortly after giving birth to him.
From Heir Apparent to Silver Screen Star
In the early 1970s, Karunanidhi first chose Muthu to follow him in politics. To counter the opposition of AIADMK founder and legendary actor MG Ramachandran (MGR), Karunanidhi steered Muthu into films. The actor debuted in 1970 with Pillaiyo Pillai, Samayalkaran, Anayavilaku, Ingeyum Manidhargal, and Pookkari. He was often cast alongside actress Vennira Aadai Nirmala, and some of these films were commercially successful.
Apart from being an actor, Muthu was also a playback singer. In a comeback of sorts in 2008, he sang a song in the movie Mattuthavani, with music director Deva.
Political Rift and Reconciliation
Though initial promise was made, Muthu’s film career stagnated, and an estrangement between him and his father provoked a drastic change he joined AIADMK led by J Jayalalithaa. It provoked a serious split and alienated him from both his father and the DMK.
It took falling gravely ill in 2009 for the strained relationship to be repaired. Karunanidhi and Muthu came together, ending years of political and personal distance.
Health Struggles in Later Years
In 2013, Muthu had a life-threatening cardiorespiratory arrest and was given ventilator support along with treatment for hypoxic brain damage. His health was weak in recent years, characterized by frequent visits to hospitals.
Despite all these issues, Muthu held on to a subdued dignity, keeping aloof from politics but remaining in memory for the roles he played once both on screen and as part of a dominant political family.
Final Years and Legacy
MK Muthu’s death closes an era of politics, cinema, familial separation, and reconciliation. His was a life of the intricate crosscurrents between politics and cinema in Tamil Nadu.
His body is lying in Enjambakkam, where thousands will pay their last respects. Politics is pouring tributes from all over the state, with DMK leaders highlighting both his early promise and his ability to forgive.
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