M. G. Chakrapani: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Indian actor}}
{{short description|Indian actor (1911- 1986)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = M. G. Chakrapani
| name              = M. G. Chakrapani  
| image              = M. G. Chakrapani.jpg
| image              = M. G. Chakrapani.jpg
| caption            =  
| caption            =  
| birth_name        = Maruthur Gopala Menon Chakrapani
| birth_name        = Maruthur Gopalan Neelakandan (Stage Name Chakrapani)
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|1911|1|13|df=y}}
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|1911|1|13|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Vadavannur]], [[Kingdom of Cochin]], [[British Raj]]
| birth_place        = [[Vadavannur]] [[Palakkad]] (Madras presidency), [[British Raj|British India]]
| death_date        = {{Death date and age|1986|8|17|1911|1|13|df=y}}
| death_date        = {{Death date and age|1986|8|17|1911|1|13|df=y}}
| death_place        = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| death_place        = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| years_active      = 1936–1986
| years_active      = 1936–1986
| spouse            = Meenakshi Chakrapani
| spouse            = Meenakshi Neelakandan
| other names        = Yettan
| other names        = Ettan
| relatives          = [[M. G. Ramachandran]] (brother)
| relatives          = [[M. G. Ramachandran]] (brother)
| occupation        = [[Actor]], [[film producer|producer]]
| occupation        = [[Actor]], [[film producer]]
| children          = 10
| children          = 10
}}
}}


'''Maruthur Gopala Menon Chakrapani''' (13 January 1911&nbsp;– 17 August 1986), commonly known as '''Ettan''' ("elder brother" in [[Malayalam]]), was an Indian actor and producer based in the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]]. He was the elder brother of actor-politician [[M. G. Ramachandran]].<ref name="HINDU">{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=16 February 2012 |title=Fame eluded this sibling of an icon |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/fame-eluded-this-sibling-of-an-icon/article2899646.ece |access-date=29 October 2013}}</ref>
'''Maruthur Gopalan Neelakandan''' '''M. G. Chakrapani''' stage name (13 January 1911- 17 August 1986), commonly known as '''Eattan''' ("elder brother" in [[Malayalam]]), was an Indian actor and producer based in the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]]. He was the elder brother of actor-politician [[M. G. Ramachandran]].<ref name="HINDU">{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=16 February 2012 |title=Fame eluded this sibling of an icon |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/fame-eluded-this-sibling-of-an-icon/article2899646.ece |url-status=live |access-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023162245/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/fame-eluded-this-sibling-of-an-icon/article2899646.ece |archive-date=23 October 2018}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Chakrapani was born in [[Vadavannur]], [[Kingdom of Cochin]] (now [[Kerala]]), on 13 January 1911. His parents, Gopala Menon and Sathyabhama, named him Neelakantan, but this was soon changed to Chakrapani because of his father's religious beliefs. Soon after his birth, the family migrated to Ceylon (now [[Sri Lanka]]) where Chakrapani's two younger siblings (brother [[M. G. Ramachandran]] and a sister) were born. Gopala Menon worked as a magistrate in [[Kandy]], until he suffered an early death. Chakrapani's sister also died while they were in Ceylon.<ref name="HINDU" />
Chakrapani was born in [[Vadavannur]], [[Palakkad]] ([[Madras Presidency]] now [[Kerala]]), on 13 January 1911. His parents, Gopala Menon and Sathyabhama, named him Neelakantan, but this was soon changed to Chakrapani because of his father's religious beliefs. Soon after his birth, the family migrated to Ceylon (now [[Sri Lanka]]) where Chakrapani's two younger siblings (brother [[M. G. Ramachandran]] and a sister) were born. Gopala Menon worked as a magistrate in [[Kandy]], until he suffered an early death. Chakrapani's sister also died while they were in Ceylon.<ref name="HINDU" />


Sathyabhama took her sons to [[Kumbakonam]] to be close to her brother. Chakrapani studied at Yanaiadi School, but left after the seventh grade. His mother then enrolled him and Ramachandran in the Madurai Original Boys Company (MOBC), a professional Tamil theatre company, where Ramachandran found success, but Chakrapani did not.<ref name="HINDU" />
Sathyabhama took her sons to [[Kumbakonam]] to be close to her brother. Chakrapani studied at Yanaiadi School, but left after the seventh grade. His mother then enrolled him and Ramachandran in the Madurai Original Boys Company (MOBC), a professional Tamil theatre company.


== Career ==
== Career ==
Chakrapani made his Tamil cinema debut in ''[[Iru Sahodarargal]]'' in 1936. ''[[Maya Machhindra]]'' and ''[[Tamizhariyum Perumal]]'' came next, where he began to be known as a character actor. His breakout role came in 1944 with ''[[Mahamaya (film)|Mahamaya]]''. His character, Neelan, is believed to have been modelled after the Indian philosopher [[Chanakya|Kautilya]].<ref name="HINDU" />
Chakrapani made his Tamil cinema debut in ''[[Iru Sahodarargal]]'' in 1936. ''[[Maya Machhindra]]'' and ''[[Tamizhariyum Perumal]]'' came next, where he began to be known as a character actor. His breakout role came in 1944 with ''[[Mahamaya (film)|Mahamaya]]''. His character, Neelan, is believed to have been modelled after the Indian philosopher [[Chanakya]].<ref name="HINDU" /> Though ''Mahamaya'' was a box office failure, Chakrapani's lines continue to be spoken. His acting in the role of police inspector in Malai kallan and as villain in En Thangai are notable. He had a very good role in Nadodi Mannan. His big success came some years later with ''[[Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali]]'', where he again played a villain.<ref name="HINDU" />


Though ''Mahamaya'' was a box office failure, Chakrapani's lines continue to be spoken. His next big success came some 15 years later with ''[[Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali]]'', where he again played a villain.<ref name="HINDU" />
Later in his career, Chakrapani transitioned from actor to director and producer, managing his brother's career. Chakrapani worked with his brother on several projects which failed to see the light of day. One such film, ''Bhavani'' had Ramachandran in the lead role. It was written by A. K. Velan, directed by Masthan, with Chakrapani producing. Years later, Chakrapani tried again, this time taking the director's seat in the renamed ''[[Arasa Kattalai]]''. It was a success.<ref name="HINDU" />


Later in his career, Chakrapani transitioned from actor to director and producer and managing his brother's career. Chakrapani worked with his brother on several projects which failed to see the light of day. One such film, ''Bhavani'' had Ramachandran in the lead role. It was written by A. K. Velan, directed by Masthan, with Chakrapani producing. Years later, Chakrapani tried again, this time taking the director's seat in the renamed ''[[Arasa Kattalai]]''. It was a success.<ref name="HINDU" />
== Personal life and death ==
 
Chakrapani was married to Meenakshi. They had 10 children together including seven sons and three daughters. Chakrapani died on 17 August 1986 at the age of 75.<ref name="HINDU" />
== Death ==
Chakrapani died on 17 August 1986 at the age of 75. At the time of his death, he was survived by his second wife, Meenakshi Chakrapani, and their ten children: seven sons and three daughters.<ref name="HINDU" />


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" style="font-size:90%;" background:#B0C4DE;
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
!Year
! scope="col" | Year
!Film  
! scope="col" | Film
!Roles
! scope="col" | Role
!Notes  
! scope="col" | Notes
!Ref.  
!{{tooltip|Ref.|References}}
|-
|-
||1936 || ''[[Iru Sahodarargal]]'' || Police inspector || Billed as G. Chakrapani
|1936
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 August 2009 |title=Iru Sahodarargal 1936 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/iru-sahodarargal-1936/article3021811.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|''[[Iru Sahodarargal]]''
|Police inspector
|Billed as G. Chakrapani
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 August 2009 |title=Iru Sahodarargal 1936 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/iru-sahodarargal-1936/article3021811.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602162908/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/iru-sahodarargal-1936/article3021811.ece |archive-date=2 June 2017 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1939 || ''[[Maya Machhindra]]'' ||
|1939
|''[[Maya Machhindra]]''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=25 January 2014 |title=Maya Machhindra (1939) |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/maya-machhindra-1939/article5617395.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=25 January 2014 |title=Maya Machhindra (1939) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/maya-machhindra-1939/article5617395.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013171709/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/maya-machhindra-1939/article5617395.ece |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1939 || ''[[Jothi (1939 film)|Jothi]]'' ||
|1939
|''[[Jothi (1939 film)|Jothi]]''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=4 October 2014 |title=Jothi 1939 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/blast-from-the-past-jothi-1939/article6471409.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=4 October 2014 |title=Jothi 1939 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/blast-from-the-past-jothi-1939/article6471409.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309101926/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/blast-from-the-past-jothi-1939/article6471409.ece |archive-date=9 March 2021 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1942 || ''[[Tamizhariyum Perumal]]'' ||
|1942
|''[[Tamizhariyum Perumal]]''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=7 May 2011 |title=Thamizh Ariyum Perumal 1942 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/thamizh-ariyum-perumal-1942/article1998955.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=7 May 2011 |title=Thamizh Ariyum Perumal 1942 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/thamizh-ariyum-perumal-1942/article1998955.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421131830/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/thamizh-ariyum-perumal-1942/article1998955.ece |archive-date=21 April 2021 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1944 || ''[[Mahamaya (film)|Mahamaya]]'' || Neelan
|1944
|''[[Mahamaya (film)|Mahamaya]]''
|Neelan
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=4 September 2010 |title=Mahamaya 1944 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Mahamaya-1944/article12572634.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=4 September 2010 |title=Mahamaya 1944 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Mahamaya-1944/article12572634.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121094043/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Mahamaya-1944/article12572634.ece |archive-date=21 January 2017 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1946 || ''[[Sri Murugan]]'' ||
|1946
|''[[Sri Murugan]]''
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1947 || ''[[1000 Thalaivangi Apoorva Chinthamani]]'' ||
|1947
|''[[1000 Thalaivangi Apoorva Chinthamani]]''
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1948 || ''[[Abhimanyu (1948 film)|Abhimanyu]]'' || [[Balarama]]n
|1948
|''[[Abhimanyu (1948 film)|Abhimanyu]]''
|[[Balarama]]n
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=2 October 2009 |title=Abhimanyu 1948 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/abhimanyu-1948/article3021993.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=2 October 2009 |title=Abhimanyu 1948 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/abhimanyu-1948/article3021993.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101004701/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/abhimanyu-1948/article3021993.ece |archive-date=1 January 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1948 || ''[[Raja Mukthi]]'' || Minister
|1948
|''[[Raja Mukthi]]''
|Minister
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1950 || ''[[Ponmudi (film)|Ponmudi]]''|| Tribal Chief
|1950
|''[[Ponmudi (film)|Ponmudi]]''
|Tribal Chief
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=3 October 2008 |title=Ponmudi 1950 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/ponmudi-1950/article3023405.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=3 October 2008 |title=Ponmudi 1950 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/ponmudi-1950/article3023405.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012090048/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/ponmudi-1950/article3023405.ece |archive-date=12 October 2018 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1950 || ''[[Thigambara Samiar]]'' || Magistrate Pattabhirama Pillai
|1950
|''[[Thigambara Samiar]]''
|Magistrate Pattabhirama Pillai
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1950 || ''[[Marudhanaattu Ilavarasi]]'' || Minister
|1950
|''[[Maruthanad Elavarasee]]''
|Minister
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=2011-01-08 |title=Blast from the past - Maruthanaatu Ilavarasi (1950) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Blast-from-the-past-Maruthanaatu-Ilavarasi-1950/article15511688.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818032907/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Blast-from-the-past-Maruthanaatu-Ilavarasi-1950/article15511688.ece |archive-date=18 August 2021 |access-date=2021-08-18 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|1950
|''[[Ithaya Geetham]]''
|Minister
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNTnR6N2ZrTWVfUVE/view |title=Ithaya Geetham |publisher=Citadel Film Corporation |year=1950 |language=ta |type=[[song book]] |access-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827070005/https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNTnR6N2ZrTWVfUVE/view |archive-date=27 August 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1950 || ''[[Ithaya Geetham]]'' ||Minister
|1951
|''[[Vanasundari]]''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNTnR6N2ZrTWVfUVE/view |title=Ithaya Geetham |publisher=Citadel Film Corporation |year=1950 |language=ta |type=[[song book]]}}</ref>
|-
||1951 || ''[[Vanasundari]]'' ||
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1952 || ''[[Amarakavi]]'' ||
|1952
|''[[Amarakavi]]''
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1952 || ''[[En Thangai (1952 film)|En Thangai]]'' || Rajendran's uncle
|1952
|''[[En Thangai (1952 film)|En Thangai]]''
|Rajendran's uncle
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=28 November 2008 |title=En Thangai 1952 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/en-thangai-1952/article3023607.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=28 November 2008 |title=En Thangai 1952 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/en-thangai-1952/article3023607.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101004643/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/en-thangai-1952/article3023607.ece |archive-date=1 January 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1952 || ''[[Kalyani (1952 film)|Kalyani]]'' ||Doctor
|1952
|''[[Kalyani (1952 film)|Kalyani]]''
|Doctor
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNVnh2SW5xSlpoaEk/view |title=கல்யாணி |publisher=[[Modern Theatres]] |year=1952 |language=ta |type=[[song book]]}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNVnh2SW5xSlpoaEk/view |title=கல்யாணி |publisher=[[Modern Theatres]] |year=1952 |language=ta |type=[[song book]] |access-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222060606/https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNVnh2SW5xSlpoaEk/view |archive-date=22 December 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1953 || ''[[Naam (1953 film)|Naam]]'' ||Sanjeevi
|1953
|''[[Naam (1953 film)|Naam]]''
|Sanjeevi
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=29 December 2012 |title=Naam (1953) |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/naam-1953/article4252688.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=29 December 2012 |title=Naam (1953) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/naam-1953/article4252688.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214080606/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/naam-1953/article4252688.ece |archive-date=14 December 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1954 || ''[[Malaikkallan]]'' || Sub Inspector
|1954
|''[[Malaikkallan]]''
|Sub Inspector
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 July 1954 |title=Malaikkallan |page=3 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19540724&printsec=frontpage&hl=en}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 July 1954 |title=Malaikkallan |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19540724&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=3}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1954 || ''[[En Magal]]'' ||[[wiktionary:mirasdar|Mirasdar]]
|1954
|''[[En Magal]]''
|[[wiktionary:mirasdar|Mirasdar]]
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=15 June 2013 |title=En Magal (1955) |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/en-magal-1955/article4817408.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=15 June 2013 |title=En Magal (1955) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/en-magal-1955/article4817408.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627223840/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/en-magal-1955/article4817408.ece |archive-date=27 June 2021 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1956 || ''[[Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956 film)|Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum]]'' || [[Cassim|Amir Kasim Khan]]
|1956
|''[[Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956 film)|Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum]]''
|[[List of One Thousand and One Nights characters#Cassim|Amir Kasim Khan]]
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://ia601608.us.archive.org/28/items/Alibabavum40Thirudargalum1956Songbook/Alibabavum%2040%20Thirudargalum.pdf |title=அலிபாபாவும் 40 திருடர்களும் |publisher=[[Modern Theatres]] |year=c. 1956 |language=Tamil |trans-title=Alibaba and the Forty Thieves |type=[[song book]]}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/Alibabavum40Thirudargalum1956Songbook |title=அலிபாபாவும் 40 திருடர்களும் |publisher=[[Modern Theatres]] |year=c. 1956 |language=Tamil |trans-title=Alibaba and the Forty Thieves |type=[[song book]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1957 || ''[[Raja Rajan (film)|Raja Rajan]]'' || Uthselan Kavirayar
|1957
|''[[Raja Rajan (film)|Raja Rajan]]''
|Uthselan Kavirayar
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1958 || ''[[Nadodi Mannan]]''||Karmegam
|1958
|''[[Nadodi Mannan]]''
|Karmegam
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite book |last=Film News Anandan |url=http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/nadodi_mannan16.asp |title=சாதனைகள் படைத்த தமிழ்த் திரைப்பட வரலாறு&nbsp;– நாடோடி மன்னன் பற்றி எம்.ஜி.ஆர்.&nbsp;– வீரப்பாவை சிரிக்கச் சொல்லவில்லை! |date=23 October 2004 |publisher=Sivakami Publishers |location=Chennai |language=Tamil |trans-title=History of Landmark Tamil Films&nbsp;– I never asked Veerappa to laugh! |access-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20170614092145/http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/nadodi_mannan16.asp |archive-date=14 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite book |last=Film News Anandan |url=http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/nadodi_mannan16.asp |title=சாதனைகள் படைத்த தமிழ்த் திரைப்பட வரலாறு&nbsp;– நாடோடி மன்னன் பற்றி எம்.ஜி.ஆர்.&nbsp;– வீரப்பாவை சிரிக்கச் சொல்லவில்லை! |date=23 October 2004 |publisher=Sivakami Publishers |location=Chennai |language=Tamil |trans-title=History of Landmark Tamil Films&nbsp;– I never asked Veerappa to laugh! |access-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170614092145/http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/nadodi_mannan16.asp |archive-date=14 June 2017 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1959 || ''[[Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali]]'' || Sundara Mudaliar
|1959
|''[[Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali]]''
|Sundara Mudaliar
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNT1A4aXFLZ1JEMlU/view |title=தாய் மகளுக்கு கட்டிய தாலி |publisher=Kalpana Kala Mandir |year=1959 |language=ta |type=[[song book]]}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNT1A4aXFLZ1JEMlU/view |title=தாய் மகளுக்கு கட்டிய தாலி |publisher=Kalpana Kala Mandir |year=1959 |language=ta |type=[[song book]] |access-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208201543/https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JevgDCLbuNT1A4aXFLZ1JEMlU/view |archive-date=8 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1959 || ''[[Nalla Theerpu]]'' ||
|1959
|''[[Nalla Theerpu]]''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=17 August 2013 |title=Nalla Theerpu (1959) |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/nalla-theerpu-1959/article5032262.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=17 August 2013 |title=Nalla Theerpu (1959) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/nalla-theerpu-1959/article5032262.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822070447/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/nalla-theerpu-1959/article5032262.ece |archive-date=22 August 2013 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|1960
|''[[Raja Desingu]]''
|Nawab of Arcot
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=15 August 2015 |title=Raja Desingu (1960) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-raja-desinghu-1960-featuring-mgr/article7544279.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101004641/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-raja-desinghu-1960-featuring-mgr/article7544279.ece |archive-date=1 January 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1960 || ''[[Raja Desingu]]'' || Sultan of Delhi
|1960
|''[[Mannathi Mannan]]''
|[[Karikala|King Karikala Chozhan]]
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=15 August 2015 |title=Raja Desingu (1960) |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-raja-desinghu-1960-featuring-mgr/article7544279.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=28 April 2012 |title=Blast from the past: Mannaathi Mannan (1960) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/blast-from-the-past-mannaathi-mannan-1960/article3363973.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200211094143/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/blast-from-the-past-mannaathi-mannan-1960/article3363973.ece |archive-date=11 February 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1960 || ''[[Mannathi Mannan]]''|| [[Karikala|King Karikala Chozhan]]
|1962
|''[[Raani Samyuktha]]''
|
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=28 April 2012 |title=Blast from the past: Mannaathi Mannan (1960) |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/blast-from-the-past-mannaathi-mannan-1960/article3363973.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 September 2015 |title=Rani Samyuktha (1962) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-rani-samyuktha-1962/article7668441.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603132713/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-rani-samyuktha-1962/article7668441.ece |archive-date=3 June 2021 |access-date=18 August 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1967 || ''[[Arasa Kattalai]]'' ||
|1967
|''[[Arasa Kattalai]]''
|
|Also director
|Also director
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=23 April 2016 |title=Arasa Kattalai (1967) |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/mgr-and-saroja-devi-in-arasa-kattalai-1967/article8513630.ece |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=23 April 2016 |title=Arasa Kattalai (1967) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/mgr-and-saroja-devi-in-arasa-kattalai-1967/article8513630.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424085653/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/mgr-and-saroja-devi-in-arasa-kattalai-1967/article8513630.ece |archive-date=24 April 2016 |access-date=29 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
||1969 || ''[[Nam Naadu (1969 film)|Nam Naadu]]'' || Producer
|1969
|''[[Nam Naadu (1969 film)|Nam Naadu]]''
|
|
|Also producer
|
|
|-
|-
||1972 || ''[[Idhaya Veenai]]'' || MGR's father
|1972
|''[[Idhaya Veenai]]''
|Sivaraman
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1974 || ''[[Netru Indru Naalai (1974 film)|Netru Indru Naalai]]'' ||
|1974
|''[[Netru Indru Naalai (1974 film)|Netru Indru Naalai]]''
|Manavalan Thangappapuram
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
||1975 || ''[[Naalai Namadhe]]'' ||
|1975
|''[[Naalai Namadhe (1975 film)|Naalai Namadhe]]''
|
|
|
|
|
Line 184: Line 252:
[[Category:1911 births]]
[[Category:1911 births]]
[[Category:1986 deaths]]
[[Category:1986 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:M. G. Ramachandran]]
[[Category:Actors from Thanjavur district]]
[[Category:People from Palakkad district]]

Latest revision as of 16:42, 15 January 2026


M. G. Chakrapani
Born
Maruthur Gopalan Neelakandan (Stage Name Chakrapani)

(1911-01-13)13 January 1911
Vadavannur Palakkad (Madras presidency), British India
Died17 August 1986(1986-08-17) (aged 75)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesEttan
OccupationActor, film producer
Years active1936–1986
Spouse(s)Meenakshi Neelakandan
Children10
RelativesM. G. Ramachandran (brother)

Maruthur Gopalan Neelakandan M. G. Chakrapani stage name (13 January 1911- 17 August 1986), commonly known as Eattan ("elder brother" in Malayalam), was an Indian actor and producer based in the Tamil film industry. He was the elder brother of actor-politician M. G. Ramachandran.[1]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Chakrapani was born in Vadavannur, Palakkad (Madras Presidency now Kerala), on 13 January 1911. His parents, Gopala Menon and Sathyabhama, named him Neelakantan, but this was soon changed to Chakrapani because of his father's religious beliefs. Soon after his birth, the family migrated to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where Chakrapani's two younger siblings (brother M. G. Ramachandran and a sister) were born. Gopala Menon worked as a magistrate in Kandy, until he suffered an early death. Chakrapani's sister also died while they were in Ceylon.[1]

Sathyabhama took her sons to Kumbakonam to be close to her brother. Chakrapani studied at Yanaiadi School, but left after the seventh grade. His mother then enrolled him and Ramachandran in the Madurai Original Boys Company (MOBC), a professional Tamil theatre company.

Career[edit | edit source]

Chakrapani made his Tamil cinema debut in Iru Sahodarargal in 1936. Maya Machhindra and Tamizhariyum Perumal came next, where he began to be known as a character actor. His breakout role came in 1944 with Mahamaya. His character, Neelan, is believed to have been modelled after the Indian philosopher Chanakya.[1] Though Mahamaya was a box office failure, Chakrapani's lines continue to be spoken. His acting in the role of police inspector in Malai kallan and as villain in En Thangai are notable. He had a very good role in Nadodi Mannan. His big success came some years later with Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali, where he again played a villain.[1]

Later in his career, Chakrapani transitioned from actor to director and producer, managing his brother's career. Chakrapani worked with his brother on several projects which failed to see the light of day. One such film, Bhavani had Ramachandran in the lead role. It was written by A. K. Velan, directed by Masthan, with Chakrapani producing. Years later, Chakrapani tried again, this time taking the director's seat in the renamed Arasa Kattalai. It was a success.[1]

Personal life and death[edit | edit source]

Chakrapani was married to Meenakshi. They had 10 children together including seven sons and three daughters. Chakrapani died on 17 August 1986 at the age of 75.[1]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Year Film Roles Notes Ref.
1936 Iru Sahodarargal Police inspector Billed as G. Chakrapani [2]
1939 Maya Machhindra [3]
1939 Jothi [4]
1942 Tamizhariyum Perumal [5]
1944 Mahamaya Neelan [6]
1946 Sri Murugan
1947 1000 Thalaivangi Apoorva Chinthamani
1948 Abhimanyu Balaraman [7]
1948 Raja Mukthi Minister
1950 Ponmudi Tribal Chief [8]
1950 Thigambara Samiar Magistrate Pattabhirama Pillai
1950 Maruthanad Elavarasee Minister [9]
1950 Ithaya Geetham Minister [10]
1951 Vanasundari
1952 Amarakavi
1952 En Thangai Rajendran's uncle [11]
1952 Kalyani Doctor [12]
1953 Naam Sanjeevi [13]
1954 Malaikkallan Sub Inspector [14]
1954 En Magal Mirasdar [15]
1956 Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum Amir Kasim Khan [16]
1957 Raja Rajan Uthselan Kavirayar
1958 Nadodi Mannan Karmegam [17]
1959 Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali Sundara Mudaliar [18]
1959 Nalla Theerpu [19]
1960 Raja Desingu Nawab of Arcot [20]
1960 Mannathi Mannan King Karikala Chozhan [21]
1962 Raani Samyuktha [22]
1967 Arasa Kattalai Also director [23]
1969 Nam Naadu Also producer
1972 Idhaya Veenai Sivaraman
1974 Netru Indru Naalai Manavalan Thangappapuram
1975 Naalai Namadhe

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Guy, Randor (16 February 2012). "Fame eluded this sibling of an icon". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  2. ↑ "Iru Sahodarargal 1936". The Hindu. 14 August 2009. Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  3. ↑ Guy, Randor (25 January 2014). "Maya Machhindra (1939)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  4. ↑ Guy, Randor (4 October 2014). "Jothi 1939". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 March 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  5. ↑ Guy, Randor (7 May 2011). "Thamizh Ariyum Perumal 1942". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  6. ↑ Guy, Randor (4 September 2010). "Mahamaya 1944". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 January 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  7. ↑ Guy, Randor (2 October 2009). "Abhimanyu 1948". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  8. ↑ Guy, Randor (3 October 2008). "Ponmudi 1950". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 October 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  9. ↑ Guy, Randor (8 January 2011). "Blast from the past - Maruthanaatu Ilavarasi (1950)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  10. ↑ Ithaya Geetham (song book) (in தமிழ்). Citadel Film Corporation. 1950. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  11. ↑ Guy, Randor (28 November 2008). "En Thangai 1952". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  12. ↑ கல்யாணி (song book) (in தமிழ்). Modern Theatres. 1952. Archived from the original on 22 December 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  13. ↑ Guy, Randor (29 December 2012). "Naam (1953)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  14. ↑ "Malaikkallan". The Indian Express. 24 July 1954. p. 3. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  15. ↑ Guy, Randor (15 June 2013). "En Magal (1955)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  16. ↑ அலிபாபாவும் 40 திருடர்களும் [Alibaba and the Forty Thieves] (song book) (in Tamil). Modern Theatres. c. 1956.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  17. ↑ Film News Anandan (23 October 2004). சாதனைகள் படைத்த தமிழ்த் திரைப்பட வரலாறு – நாடோடி மன்னன் பற்றி எம்.ஜி.ஆர். – வீரப்பாவை சிரிக்கச் சொல்லவில்லை! [History of Landmark Tamil Films – I never asked Veerappa to laugh!] (in Tamil). Chennai: Sivakami Publishers. Retrieved 29 November 2020.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  18. ↑ தாய் மகளுக்கு கட்டிய தாலி (song book) (in தமிழ்). Kalpana Kala Mandir. 1959. Archived from the original on 8 December 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  19. ↑ Guy, Randor (17 August 2013). "Nalla Theerpu (1959)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 August 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  20. ↑ Guy, Randor (15 August 2015). "Raja Desingu (1960)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  21. ↑ Guy, Randor (28 April 2012). "Blast from the past: Mannaathi Mannan (1960)". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 November 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  22. ↑ "Rani Samyuktha (1962)". The Hindu. 19 September 2015. Archived from the original on 3 June 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  23. ↑ Guy, Randor (23 April 2016). "Arasa Kattalai (1967)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2020.

External links[edit | edit source]

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