Muthuvel Karunanidhi Muthu (born 14 January 1948) is an Indian actor, playback singer and politician. Muthu is the eldest son of late former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi and his first wife Padmavathi, sister of actor-singer Chidambaram S. Jayaraman.[2] According to the internal evidence provided by Karunanidhi, in the 1st volume of his autobiography, Muthu's birth probably took place on January 14, 1948, Muthu's mother Padmavathi had died at the age of 20, soon after giving birth to Muthu, due to accelerated tuberculosis fever.
Muthu started acting in 1970 and appeared in films such as Pillaiyo Pillai, Samayalkaran, Anayavilaku, Ingeyum Manidhargal and Pookkari. He also sang a few songs in these films.[3] In 2008, he sang a song for the film Mattuthavani under music director Deva.[4] Most of his movies paired with actress Vennira Aadai Nirmala are hit.
Career
Karunanidhi initially had wanted Muthu to be his political heir in the early 1970s, but later launched him into films as a counter to M G Ramachandran, founder of the AIADMK. But Muthu's career in films never really took off.[5]
Muthu later had difference of opinions with Karunanidhi and he went on to join his father's rival party AIADMK. However father and son patched up in 2009 after Muthu fell ill.[5][6]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Pillaiyo Pillai | Kumar / Kannan | Debut |
| 1973 | Pookkari | Kanthan | |
| 1974 | Samayalkkaran | ||
| 1975 | Anaiya Vilakku | ||
| 1975 | Nambikai Natchathiram | ||
| 1975 | Ingeyum Manithargal | ||
| 1977 | Ellam Avale |
Sources
- Hardgrave, Robert L. "Politics and the Film in Tamilnadu: The Stars and the DMK." Asian Survey, Vol. 13, No. 3 (Mar., 1973), pp. 288–305
- Divided dynasties The Telegraph, Sunday, 20 May 2007
- M.K Muthu returns to tinselville
References
- ^ "Karunanidhi's Eldest Son Muthu a Problem Child?". 7 August 2018.
- ^ "Life and family of DMK supremo 'Kalaignar' M Karunanidhi". The New Indian Express. 7 August 2018. Archived from the original on 7 August 2018.
- ^ Sri Kantha, Sachi (14 May 2024). "MGR Remembered – Part 76 | On M.K. Muthu; from a Fan to promoted Cinema Rival and Fall". Ilankai Tamil Sangam. Archived from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- ^ M.K. Muthu croons after 20 years, IndiaGlitz.com. Published 25 March 2008. Retrieved 16 August 2008.
- ^ a b "An indulgent father, Karunanidhi a glue that kept family together". Hindustan Times. 8 August 2018.
- ^ "Father, Sons And The DMK". Outlook. 3 February 2022.
External links
- M. K. Muthu at IMDb