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{{short description|Indian actor and politician}}
{{refimprove|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Indian name|M. R. Radha|Madras Rajagopal}}
{{Indian name|Radha|Rajagopal}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = M. R. Radha
| name = M. R. Radha
| image = MRRadhaactor.png
| image = M. R. Radha.png
| imagesize =
| caption = Radha in 1976
| birth_name = Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1907|4|14|df=year}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1907|04|14|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Madras]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]]
| birth_place = [[Madras]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]] (present-day [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India)
| death_date = {{death date and age|1979|9|17|1907|4|14|df=year}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1979|09|17|1907|04|14|df=yes}}
| death_place = [[Tiruchirappalli]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| death_place = [[Tiruchirappalli]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| othername = Nadigavel
| othername = Nadigavel
| spouse = {{ubl|Saraswathi|Dhanalakshmi|Geetha}}
| yearsactive =
| children = 12 (including [[M. R. R. Vasu]], [[Radha Ravi]], Raju, [[Radhika Sarathkumar|Radhika]] and [[Nirosha]])
| spouse M. R. Prema<br>M. R. Saraswathi<br>M. R. Dhanalakshmi<br>M. R. Jayamal<br>M. R. Babyamal<br>Geetha
| family = [[List of South Indian film families#Radha family|Radha family]]
| website =
| occupation = [[Actor]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|politician}}
}}
}}


'''Madras Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu''' (14 April 1907 – 17 September 1979), popularly known by his stage name, '''M. R. Radha''', was an [[Indian people|Indian]] film actor and politician. He was given the title of "Nadigavel" (Spearhead of acting in the meaning being frontrunner/torchbearer) by E.V.R. Periyar in a stage, 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, the stage. He is a strong person went through so many issues during the growth of his career.
'''Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan''' (14 April 1907&nbsp;– 17 September 1979), better known as '''M. R. Radha''', was an Indian actor and politician active in Tamil plays and films. He was given the title "Nadigavel" (King of Acting) by [[Periyar E. V. Ramasamy]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Sundaram |first=Nandhu |date=31 May 2020 |title='Ratha Kanneer': MR Radha's film is a scathing indictment of our culture |work=[[The News Minute]] |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ratha-kanneer-mr-radha-s-film-scathing-indictment-our-culture-125619 |access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> He mostly played villain roles, but had also acted in several films as comedian.


==Career==
== Career ==
Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan was born on 14 April 1907 at [[Chintadripet]], a locality in [[Chennai]] (then Madras), Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=27 July 2014 |title=The ultimate bad guy |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-hindu/20140727/282381217678728 |access-date=18 December 2020 |via=[[PressReader]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Naig |first=Udhav |date=1 August 2014 |title=M.R. Radha: The star who questioned it all |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mr-radha-the-star-who-questioned-it-all/article6268961.ece |access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> Radha left his home at an early age due to a quarrel with his mother in which she declined to give an extra piece of fish to eat.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=9 August 2014 |title=Rajaguru of villains |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/nambiar-rajaguru-of-villains/article6299230.ece |access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref>
Radha left his home at an early age due to a quarrel with his mother in which she declined to give an extra piece of fish to eat. Radha was a popular theatre artist who performed in more than 5000 stage shows. Starting at the age of 10, he appeared at first in small roles and eventually grew to a level that stories for dramas were custom made for him.


Radha was a popular theatre [[artiste]] who performed in more than 5000 stage shows. Starting at the age of 10, he appeared at first in small roles and eventually grew to a level that stories for dramas were custom-made for him.{{Citation needed|reason=there is no citation for this complete paragraph, especially the numbers|date=December 2016}}
Radha gained popularity with the success of his stage play ''Ratha Kanneer''. His performance in [[Ratha Kanneer|the 1954 film version of the play]], directed by [[Krishnan-Panju]], brought wider recognition of his talents and made him a household name in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/22/stories/2005072216350800.htm|title=On Sivaji death anniversary, M. R. Radha, Kannamba remembered|journal=The Hindu|author=T. Ramakrishnan |date=22 July 2005|accessdate=21 December 2015}}</ref>


Radha gained popularity with the success of his stage play ''Ratha Kanneer''. His performance in [[Ratha Kanneer|the 1954 film version of the play]], directed by [[Krishnan–Panju]], brought wider recognition of his talents and made him a household name in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramakrishnan |first=T. |date=22 July 2005 |title=On Sivaji death anniversary, M.R. Radha, Kannamba remembered |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/on-sivaji-death-anniversary-mr-radha-kannamba-remembered/article27433674.ece |access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref>
Radha played both villain roles and comedic roles. After the 1950s, filmmakers created roles specially for him, and he often overshadowed even main actors like MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. He was an active member of the [[Self-Respect Movement]], and was known for his atheistic views. Towards the end of his career, however, he started acting in Hindu devotional films like ''Velum Mayilum Thunai'' but he often used to ridicule theism in these films.


Radha played both villain roles and comedic roles. In the 1960s, roles were specially written for him, and he often played the villain to actors like [[M.G. Ramachandran]] and [[Sivaji Ganesan]].
==Shooting incident==
[[Image:MRRadha.jpg|left|thumb|170px|Portrait of M. R. Radha]]
On 12 January 1967, Radha and a producer from Muthukumaran Pictures visited [[M. G. Ramachandran]] at his home to talk about a future project. During the conversation, Radha suddenly got up from his chair and shot twice at Ramachandran's left ear.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/the-day-mr-radha-shot-mgr/article4230862.ece|title=The day M. R. Radha shot MGR|journal=The Hindu|date=23 December 2012|accessdate=21 December 2015}}</ref> Both bullets lodged in Ramachandran's neck. Radha then turned the gun on himself but it just scratched his right temple.


== M. G. Ramachandran shooting incident ==
Radha and Ramachandran were admitted to the same hospital, where Ramachandran spoke with his own voice for the last time prior to surgery. Luckily M.G.Ramachandran survived and so did Radha. However Ramachandran lost his original voice and had a different voice due to surgery.
On 12 January 1967, Radha and producer K.N. Vasu of Muthukumaran Pictures visited the actor and politician [[M. G. Ramachandran]] at his home to talk about a future project. During the conversation, Radha suddenly got up from his chair and shot twice at Ramachandran's left ear. Both bullets got lodged in Ramachandran's neck. Radha then turned the gun on himself and tried to shoot himself, but the bullet just scratched his right temple. Radha and Ramachandran were admitted to the [[Government General Hospital, Chennai]], where they survived after proper treatment.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srivathsan |first=A. |date=23 December 2012 |title=The day M.R. Radha shot MGR |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-day-mr-radha-shot-mgr/article12059018.ece |access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The only eyewitness for the shooting was Vasu.


In the assassination trial, held at Saithapet First Division Magistrate Court under Magistrate S. Kuppusami in May 1967, and later at the Chingleput Sessions Court held under Justice P. Lakshmanan, Radha was represented by eminent criminal attorney N. T. Vanamamalai. The verdict was delivered on 4 November 1967. As majority of the evidences were against Radha, he was sentenced to a seven-year term. At the High Court hearing, considering his age, the sentence was reduced to four years and three months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srivatsan |first=A. |date=24 December 2012 |title=Radha pleaded innocence; was found guilty |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/radha-pleaded-innocence-was-found-guilty/article4232721.ece |access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref>
==Death==
Radha was imprisoned for the shooting of Ramachandran.


== Death ==
After being released from jail, Radha died of [[jaundice]] on 17 September 1979 aged 72 at his residence in [[Thiruchirappalli]]. His popularity had improved and his funeral procession was one of the largest in South India, as over 200,000 mourners paid respect.
After being released from jail, Radha died of jaundice on 17 September 1979 aged 72 at his residence in Thiruchirappalli. His popularity had improved and his funeral procession was one of the largest in South India, as over 200,000 mourners paid respect.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Balachandran|first=Logesh|date=18 September 2020|title=Radikaa Sarathkumar shares throwback pic on dad MR Radha's death anniversary: Always in our hearts|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/radikaa-sarathkumar-shares-throwback-pic-on-dad-mr-radha-s-death-anniversary-always-in-our-hearts-1723019-2020-09-18|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 December 2020|website=[[India Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Majordasan|date=|title=Potpourri of titbits about Tamil cinema – M. R. Radha|url=http://www.kalyanamalaimagazine.com/Content/Thiraichuvai/Jan10_1_15/Potpourri_of_titbits_about_Tamil_cinema_M_R_Radha.html|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 December 2020|website=Kalyanamalai}}</ref>


==Personal life==
== Personal life ==
Though Tamil-speaking, Radha is of Telugu descent and his family traces its roots to Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA908Gd-H9s&t=820s | title=Raadhika Sarathkumar Open Heart with RK &#124;&#124; Full Episode &#124;&#124; Season-3 &#124;&#124; OHRK | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJmZ5iCfkD4&t=884s|title=Alitho Saradaga &#124; Raadhika (Actress) &#124; 18th April 2022 &#124; Full Episode &#124; ETV Telugu|via=www.youtube.com|time=14:44}}</ref> He married three times, and his marriages were concurrent. The names of his wives were Saraswathi, Dhanalakshmi and Geetha. Radhakrishnan was the father of 12 children by his three wives. His four sons were [[M. R. R. Vasu]], [[Radha Ravi|M. R. Radha Ravi]], Raju and Mohan. Also had eight daughters including Rashya, Rani, Rathikala, Ganavalli, Kasturi, Rajeswari, [[Radhika Sarathkumar]] and [[Nirosha]]. His first son Vasu was a leading character artist until the mid-1980s. His other son [[Radha Ravi]] is also an actor. Radhika is an actress and producer and is married to actor [[R. Sarathkumar]]. [[Nirosha]] (also known as Niroja) is an actress working mostly in supporting roles; she is married to actor [[Ramki]].
He was survived by his wives M. R. Saraswathi, M. R. Danalakshmi, and M. R. Jayamamal, and his son M. R. R. Vasu, who was also a leading character artist until the mid-1980s. His other son [[Radha Ravi]] is also an actor and his daughter [[Raadhika Sarathkumar]] is an actress and producer.


==Filmography==
== Filmography ==
''This is a partial filmography. You can expand it.''
{{Div col|cols=3}}
* ''[[Ratha Kanneer]]''
* ''[[Nalla Idathu Sambandham]]''
* ''Aayiram Roobai''
* ''[[Kai Koduttha Dheivam]]''
* ''[[Paava Mannippu]]''
* ''[[En Kadamai]]''
* ''[[Chitthi]]''
* ''[[Puthiya Paravai]]''
* ''[[Bale Pandiya (1962 film)|Bale Pandiya]]''
* ''[[Sarada (1962 film)|Sarada]]''
* ''[[Kavalai Illaadha Manithan]]''
* ''[[Kumudham]]''
* ''[[Anandhi (1965 film)|Anandhi]]''
* ''[[Karpagam]]''
* ''Thayai Kaatha Thanayan''
* ''Paasam''
* ''[[Paalum Pazhamum]]''
* ''Pattinathar''
* ''[[Padithal Mattum Podhuma]]''
* ''[[Naanum Oru Penn]]''
* ''Koduthu Vaithaval''
* ''[[Aalayamani]]''
* ''Santhanathevan''
* ''Velum Mayilum Thunai''
* ''Rathinapuri Ilavarasi''
* ''Thai Solli Thathathe''
* ''[[Iruvar Ullam (1963 film)|Iruvar Ullam]]''
* ''[[Petralthan Pillaiya]]''
* ''Periya Idathu Penn''
* ''[[Anandha Jodhi]]''
* ''Ulagam Sirikkirathu''
* ''[[Bhaaga Pirivinai]]''
* ''[[Aadavantha Deivam]]''
* ''Kannadi Maligai''
* ''[[Hello Mr.Zamindhar]]''
* ''[[Mani osai]]''
{{Div col end}}


==References==
=== 1930s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Year
!Film
!Role
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|1937
|''Rajasekaran Emantha Sonagiri''
|
|Debut Movie
|-
|1939
|''[[Santhana Devan (1939 film)|Santhana Devan]]''
|
|
|-
|}

=== 1940s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Film
!Role
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|-
|1940
|[[Satyavaani]]
|
|
|}

=== 1950s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Year
!Film
!Role
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|-
|1954
|''[[Ratha Kanneer]]''
|Mohan
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|1958
|''[[Nalla Idathu Sammandham]]''
|Muthu
|
|-
|1959
|''Ulagam Sirikkirathu''
|Jagadeesan
|
|-
|1959
|''[[Thamarai Kulam]]''
|
|
|-
|1959
|''[[Bhaaga Pirivinai]]''
|Singaram
|<ref>{{Cite news|last=Guy|first=Randor|author-link=Randor Guy|date=31 January 2015|title=Bhagapirivinai 1959|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/blast-from-the-past-bhagapirivinai-1959/article6842599.ece|access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>
|-
|}

=== 1960s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Year
!Film
!Role
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|1960
|''[[Aadavantha Deivam]]''
|Malaiyappan
|
|-
|1960
|''[[Rathinapuri Ilavarasi]]''
|
|
|-
|1960
|''[[Ondrupattal Undu Vazhvu]]''
|
|
|-
|1960
|''[[Kadavulin Kuzhandhai]]''
|
|
|-
|1960
|''[[Kavalai Illaadha Manithan]]''
|Manickam
|
|-
|1960
|''[[Kairasi]]''
|Kumar
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Paava Mannippu]]''
|Aalavandhar
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Kongunattu Thangam]]''
|
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Sabaash Mapillai]]''
|
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Kumudham]]''
|
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Nallavan Vazhvan]]''
|Nalasivam
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Paalum Pazhamum]]''
|
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Panam Panthiyile]]''
|
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Thaai Sollai Thattadhe]]''
|
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Pangaaligal]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Naagamalai Azhagi]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Pattinathar (1962 film)|Pattinathar]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Mangaiyar Ullam Mangatha Selvam]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Madappura]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Sarada (1962 film)|Sarada]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Valar Pirai]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Thayai Katha Thanayan]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Ethaiyum Thangum Ithaiyam]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Ellorum Vazhavendum]]''
|Guest Appearance
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Padithal Mattum Podhuma]]''
|Kailasam
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Bale Pandiya (1962 film)|Bale Pandiya]]''
|Kabali and Amirthalingam Pillai
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Kannadi Maaligai]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Paadha Kaanikkai]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Mahaveera Bheeman]]''
|Guest Appearance
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Kudumba Thalaivan]]''
|Velayudam Pilai
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Kathiruntha Kangal]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Paasam]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Kavitha (1962 film)|Kavitha]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Thendral Veesum]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Indira En Selvam]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Muthu Mandapam]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Sengamala Theevu]]''
|
|
|-
|1962
|''[[Aalayamani]]''
|Aatkondan Pillai
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Kadavulai Kanden]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Koduthu Vaithaval]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum]]''
|Sadanandam
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Iruvar Ullam (1963 film)|Iruvar Ullam]]''
|Gnana Sigamani
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Kattu Roja]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Mani Osai]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Lava Kusa (1963 film)|Lava Kusa]]''
|Guest Appearance
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Periya Idathu Penn]]''
| Kailasam Pillai
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Aasai Alaigal]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Naanum Oru Penn]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Idhayathil Nee]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Anandha Jodhi]]''
|Punniya Kodi
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Paar Magaley Paar]]''
|Nataraj
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Neethikkupin Paasam]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Kalyaniyin Kanavan]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Kaanchi Thalaivan]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Karpagam]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''[[Parisu]]''
|
|
|-
|1963
|''Puratshi Veeran Pulithevan''
|
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Vettaikkaran (1964 film)|Vettaikkaran]]''
|Sundaram
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Pasamum Nesamum]]''
|
|
|-
|1964
|''[[En Kadamai]]''
|Tharumalingam
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Pachhai Vilakku (1964 film)|Pachchai Vilakku]]''
|Rajabaadhar
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Kai Kodutha Deivam]]''
|
|
|-
|1964
|''Magaley Un Samathu''
|
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Arunagirinathar (film)|Arunagirinathar]]''
|
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Vazhi Piranthadu]]''
|
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Puthiya Paravai]]''
|Rangan
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Ullasa Payanam]]''
|
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Aayiram Roobai]]''
|
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Bobbili Yuddham]]''
|Hyder Jung
|
|-
|1964
|''[[Thaayin Madiyil]]''
|
|
|-
|1965
|''[[Pazhani (1965 film)|Pazhani]]''
|Kalyanam
|
|-
|1965
|''[[Santhi (1965 film)|Shanti]]''
|
|
|-
|1965
|''[[Hello Mister Zamindar]]''
|Azhagirisamy
|
|-
|1965
|''Paditha Manaivi''
|
|
|-
|1965
|''[[Sarasa B.A.]]''
|
|
|-
|1965
|''[[Vazhikatti]]''
|
|
|-
|1965
|''[[Enga Veettu Penn]]''
|
|
|-
|1965
|''[[Thazhampoo]]''
|
|
|-
|1965
|''[[Anandhi (1965 film)|Anandhi]]''
|
|
|-
|1966
|''[[Chitthi]]''
|Periyasami Pillai
|
|-
|1966
|''[[Chandrodayam]]''
|Duryodhanan
|<ref>{{Cite news|last=Guy|first=Randor|author-link=Randor Guy|date=9 January 2016|title=Blast from the past: Chandhrodhayam (1966)|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Blast-from-the-past-Chandhrodhayam-1966/article13990301.ece|access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>
|-
|1966
|''[[Petralthan Pillaiya]]''
|Kabali
|
|-
|}

=== 1970s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Year
!Film
!Role
!Notes
|-
|1974
|''[[Samaiyalkaran]]''
|
|-

|1976
|''[[Dasavatharam (film)|Dasavatharam]]''
|Hiranya Kashipu
|
|-
|1978
|''Mela Thalangal''
|
|
|-
|1978
|''Panchabootham''
|
|
|-
|1978
|[[Vandikkaran Magan]]
|
|
|-
|1979
|''[[Velum Mayilum Thunai]]''
|Velayudham/Thanikachalam
|
|-
|1978
|''[[Taxi Driver (1978 film)|Taxi Driver]]''
|
|
|-
|}

=== 1980s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Year
!Film
!Role
!Notes
|-
|1980
|''[[Saranam Ayyappa]]''
|
|
|-
|1980
|''[[Naan Potta Savaal]]''
|Arthanari
|
|}

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|id=1173060|name=M. R. Radha}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1173060|name=M. R. Radha}}

* [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/gallery/sg/sg005.htm A scene from ''Paava Mannippu'']
{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Radha, Mohan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Radha, Mohan}}
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[[Category:Dravidian movement]]
[[Category:Dravidian movement]]
[[Category:Anti-Brahminism]]
[[Category:Anti-Brahminism]]
[[Category:1925 births]]
[[Category:1907 births]]
[[Category:1997 deaths]]
[[Category:1979 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian male stage actors]]
[[Category:Indian male stage actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Periyarists]]
[[Category:Male actors from Chennai]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]

Latest revision as of 12:06, 2 December 2024

In this Indian name, the name Rajagopal is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Radha.
M. R. Radha
Radha in 1976
Born
Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan

(1907-04-14)14 April 1907
Madras, Madras Presidency, British India (present-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India)
Died17 September 1979(1979-09-17) (aged 72)
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesNadigavel
Occupations
  • Actor
  • politician
Spouses
  • Saraswathi
  • Dhanalakshmi
  • Geetha
Children12 (including M. R. R. Vasu, Radha Ravi, Raju, Radhika and Nirosha)
FamilyRadha family

Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan (14 April 1907 – 17 September 1979), better known as M. R. Radha, was an Indian actor and politician active in Tamil plays and films. He was given the title "Nadigavel" (King of Acting) by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy.[1] He mostly played villain roles, but had also acted in several films as comedian.

Career

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Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan was born on 14 April 1907 at Chintadripet, a locality in Chennai (then Madras), Tamil Nadu.[2][3] Radha left his home at an early age due to a quarrel with his mother in which she declined to give an extra piece of fish to eat.[4]

Radha was a popular theatre artiste who performed in more than 5000 stage shows. Starting at the age of 10, he appeared at first in small roles and eventually grew to a level that stories for dramas were custom-made for him.[citation needed]

Radha gained popularity with the success of his stage play Ratha Kanneer. His performance in the 1954 film version of the play, directed by Krishnan–Panju, brought wider recognition of his talents and made him a household name in Tamil Nadu.[5]

Radha played both villain roles and comedic roles. In the 1960s, roles were specially written for him, and he often played the villain to actors like M.G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan.

M. G. Ramachandran shooting incident

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On 12 January 1967, Radha and producer K.N. Vasu of Muthukumaran Pictures visited the actor and politician M. G. Ramachandran at his home to talk about a future project. During the conversation, Radha suddenly got up from his chair and shot twice at Ramachandran's left ear. Both bullets got lodged in Ramachandran's neck. Radha then turned the gun on himself and tried to shoot himself, but the bullet just scratched his right temple. Radha and Ramachandran were admitted to the Government General Hospital, Chennai, where they survived after proper treatment.[6] The only eyewitness for the shooting was Vasu.

In the assassination trial, held at Saithapet First Division Magistrate Court under Magistrate S. Kuppusami in May 1967, and later at the Chingleput Sessions Court held under Justice P. Lakshmanan, Radha was represented by eminent criminal attorney N. T. Vanamamalai. The verdict was delivered on 4 November 1967. As majority of the evidences were against Radha, he was sentenced to a seven-year term. At the High Court hearing, considering his age, the sentence was reduced to four years and three months.[7]

Death

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After being released from jail, Radha died of jaundice on 17 September 1979 aged 72 at his residence in Thiruchirappalli. His popularity had improved and his funeral procession was one of the largest in South India, as over 200,000 mourners paid respect.[8][9]

Personal life

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Though Tamil-speaking, Radha is of Telugu descent and his family traces its roots to Andhra Pradesh.[10][11] He married three times, and his marriages were concurrent. The names of his wives were Saraswathi, Dhanalakshmi and Geetha. Radhakrishnan was the father of 12 children by his three wives. His four sons were M. R. R. Vasu, M. R. Radha Ravi, Raju and Mohan. Also had eight daughters including Rashya, Rani, Rathikala, Ganavalli, Kasturi, Rajeswari, Radhika Sarathkumar and Nirosha. His first son Vasu was a leading character artist until the mid-1980s. His other son Radha Ravi is also an actor. Radhika is an actress and producer and is married to actor R. Sarathkumar. Nirosha (also known as Niroja) is an actress working mostly in supporting roles; she is married to actor Ramki.

Filmography

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This is a partial filmography. You can expand it.

1930s

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Year Film Role Ref.
1937 Rajasekaran Emantha Sonagiri Debut Movie
1939 Santhana Devan

1940s

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Year Film Role Ref.
1940 Satyavaani

1950s

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Year Film Role Ref.
1954 Ratha Kanneer Mohan [1]
1958 Nalla Idathu Sammandham Muthu
1959 Ulagam Sirikkirathu Jagadeesan
1959 Thamarai Kulam
1959 Bhaaga Pirivinai Singaram [12]

1960s

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Year Film Role Ref.
1960 Aadavantha Deivam Malaiyappan
1960 Rathinapuri Ilavarasi
1960 Ondrupattal Undu Vazhvu
1960 Kadavulin Kuzhandhai
1960 Kavalai Illaadha Manithan Manickam
1960 Kairasi Kumar
1961 Paava Mannippu Aalavandhar
1961 Kongunattu Thangam
1961 Sabaash Mapillai
1961 Kumudham
1961 Nallavan Vazhvan Nalasivam
1961 Paalum Pazhamum
1961 Panam Panthiyile
1961 Thaai Sollai Thattadhe
1961 Pangaaligal
1962 Naagamalai Azhagi
1962 Pattinathar
1962 Mangaiyar Ullam Mangatha Selvam
1962 Madappura
1962 Sarada
1962 Valar Pirai
1962 Thayai Katha Thanayan
1962 Ethaiyum Thangum Ithaiyam
1962 Ellorum Vazhavendum Guest Appearance
1962 Padithal Mattum Podhuma Kailasam
1962 Bale Pandiya Kabali and Amirthalingam Pillai
1962 Kannadi Maaligai
1962 Paadha Kaanikkai
1962 Mahaveera Bheeman Guest Appearance
1962 Kudumba Thalaivan Velayudam Pilai
1962 Kathiruntha Kangal
1962 Paasam
1962 Kavitha
1962 Thendral Veesum
1962 Indira En Selvam
1962 Muthu Mandapam
1962 Sengamala Theevu
1962 Aalayamani Aatkondan Pillai
1963 Kadavulai Kanden
1963 Koduthu Vaithaval
1963 Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum Sadanandam
1963 Iruvar Ullam Gnana Sigamani
1963 Kattu Roja
1963 Mani Osai
1963 Lava Kusa Guest Appearance
1963 Periya Idathu Penn Kailasam Pillai
1963 Aasai Alaigal
1963 Naanum Oru Penn
1963 Idhayathil Nee
1963 Anandha Jodhi Punniya Kodi
1963 Paar Magaley Paar Nataraj
1963 Neethikkupin Paasam
1963 Kalyaniyin Kanavan
1963 Kaanchi Thalaivan
1963 Karpagam
1963 Parisu
1963 Puratshi Veeran Pulithevan
1964 Vettaikkaran Sundaram
1964 Pasamum Nesamum
1964 En Kadamai Tharumalingam
1964 Pachchai Vilakku Rajabaadhar
1964 Kai Kodutha Deivam
1964 Magaley Un Samathu
1964 Arunagirinathar
1964 Vazhi Piranthadu
1964 Puthiya Paravai Rangan
1964 Ullasa Payanam
1964 Aayiram Roobai
1964 Bobbili Yuddham Hyder Jung
1964 Thaayin Madiyil
1965 Pazhani Kalyanam
1965 Shanti
1965 Hello Mister Zamindar Azhagirisamy
1965 Paditha Manaivi
1965 Sarasa B.A.
1965 Vazhikatti
1965 Enga Veettu Penn
1965 Thazhampoo
1965 Anandhi
1966 Chitthi Periyasami Pillai
1966 Chandrodayam Duryodhanan [13]
1966 Petralthan Pillaiya Kabali

1970s

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Year Film Role Notes
1974 Samaiyalkaran
1976 Dasavatharam Hiranya Kashipu
1978 Mela Thalangal
1978 Panchabootham
1978 Vandikkaran Magan
1979 Velum Mayilum Thunai Velayudham/Thanikachalam
1978 Taxi Driver

1980s

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Year Film Role Notes
1980 Saranam Ayyappa
1980 Naan Potta Savaal Arthanari

References

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  1. ^ a b Sundaram, Nandhu (31 May 2020). "'Ratha Kanneer': MR Radha's film is a scathing indictment of our culture". The News Minute. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  2. ^ Guy, Randor (27 July 2014). "The ultimate bad guy". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 December 2020 – via PressReader.
  3. ^ Naig, Udhav (1 August 2014). "M.R. Radha: The star who questioned it all". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  4. ^ Guy, Randor (9 August 2014). "Rajaguru of villains". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  5. ^ Ramakrishnan, T. (22 July 2005). "On Sivaji death anniversary, M.R. Radha, Kannamba remembered". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  6. ^ Srivathsan, A. (23 December 2012). "The day M.R. Radha shot MGR". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  7. ^ Srivatsan, A. (24 December 2012). "Radha pleaded innocence; was found guilty". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  8. ^ Balachandran, Logesh (18 September 2020). "Radikaa Sarathkumar shares throwback pic on dad MR Radha's death anniversary: Always in our hearts". India Today. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  9. ^ Majordasan. "Potpourri of titbits about Tamil cinema – M. R. Radha". Kalyanamalai. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  10. ^ "Raadhika Sarathkumar Open Heart with RK || Full Episode || Season-3 || OHRK". YouTube.
  11. ^ "Alitho Saradaga | Raadhika (Actress) | 18th April 2022 | Full Episode | ETV Telugu". Event occurs at 14:44 – via www.youtube.com.
  12. ^ Guy, Randor (31 January 2015). "Bhagapirivinai 1959". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  13. ^ Guy, Randor (9 January 2016). "Blast from the past: Chandhrodhayam (1966)". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
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