MGR — The legend still lives through his evergreen songs

You know it is the former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran’s birthday when the song Accham enbathu madamaiyada from the 1960 Tamil movie Mannathi Mannan is played repeatedly on Tuesday.

For many that song defines the life of their favourite leader MGR, who still holds a special place in their heart.

The actor-turned-politician charmed thousands through his movies and songs. Songs, especially were special because the lyrics were designed for him to convey his beliefs and principles, says his ardent fan 65-year-old Venkat Raghav, a retired government official. The major principles that come through in MGR movies – affection for one’s mother, social reforms, charity, self-respect and selfless leadership.

He recounts an instance when he was a rookie and had gone to MGR’s house. “Very first thing he told me was ‘Have lunch and then we will talk’. This was not just me. He offered food to anyone who comes to his home without discrimination. These are the qualities that made me his follower,” he reminisced.

Ashok Kumar, a supervisor in a company in Chennai, takes motivation from his songs. “The song Yen endra kelvi from his movie Aayirathil Oruvan is my mantra. The crux of the song is you should not cower in fear and question authority when necessary.

But it is not just older generation who admire the yesteryear actor. According to 30-year-old Vikram Aravind, an IT professional, “I grew up watching his movies since my father was a great fan. But now I watch them because I find his movies refreshing.”

“I always pick few things from his songs like Thunkathae thambi thunkathae from Nadodi Mannan . The song says ‘Stop being lazy and start working if you want to grow’. It is something that I could follow in life,” he said.

The sentiments are especially strong among middle-class and lower middle-class, who consider MGR a role model. Arumugan S, an auto-driver, is a huge fan.

He said, “I never missed seeing his movies when I was a boy. There is always something I learn from him.”

Thanks to the revival his midday meal scheme, Arumugam said, “I was sent to school and complete at least till Class 10.” He still has a picture of MGR in his auto and makes it a point to visit his memorial house in Arcot Road, T’Nagar whenever he gets time.