M. R. Radha: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Indian actor}}
{{short description|Indian actor and politician}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2021}}
{{Indian patronymic|Radha|Rajagopal}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Indian name|Radha|Rajagopal}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = M. R. Radha
| name              = M. R. Radha
| image              = MRRadhaactor.png
| image              = Radha (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Radha in his later years
| caption            = Radha in [[Ratha Kanneer]] movie
| birth_name        = Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan
| birth_name        = Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan
| birth_date        = {{birth date|1907|4|14|df=yes}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date|1907|04|14|df=yes}}
| birth_place        = [[Madras]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]] (Now [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[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=yes}}
| 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|Premavathi (deceased)| Jayammal |Geetha}}
| years_active      = 1937-1979
| children          = 11 (including [[M. R. R. Vasu]], [[Radha Ravi]], [[Raadhika]] and [[Nirosha]])
| spouse            = {{ubl|Saraswathi|Dhanalakshmi|Geetha}}
| family            = [[List of South Indian film families#Radha family|M. R. Radha family]]
| children          = 12 (including [[M. R. R. Vasu]], [[Radha Ravi]], Raju, [[Radhika Sarathkumar|Radhika]] and [[Nirosha]])
| parents            = {{ubl|Rajagopalan ({{small|father}})|Rajammal ({{small|mother}})}}
| family            = [[List of South Indian film families#Radha family|Radha family]]
| relatives          = [[Vasu Vikram]]<br />({{small|Son of M. R. R. Vasu}})
| occupation        = {{hlist|Actor|politician}}
| occupation        = Actor, politician
}}
}}


'''Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan''' (14 April 1907&nbsp;– 17 September 1979) was an Indian actor and politician active in Tamil plays and films. He was given the title "Nadigavel" (spearhead 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>
'''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 [[Pattukkottai Alagiri]] for his versatile acting.<ref>
*{{cite book|editor1-last=[[Muktha Srinivasan]] |author2=|title=Inaiyatra Sadanaiyalargal
|volume=2 |publisher=Gangai Puthaka Nilayam  |year=2001|page=158| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W2lmAAAAMAAJ }}
*{{cite book|editor1-last=Karunanantham |author2=|title=Thanthai Periyar (Muzhu Muthal Vazhkai Varalaru)
|volume= |publisher=VOC Noolagam  |year=1979|page=157| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MnJlRnKlsOAC }}
</ref> He mostly played villain roles, but had also acted in several films as comedian.


== Career ==
== Career ==
Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishna 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 |url-status=live |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>
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 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 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 |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 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. In the 1960s, roles were specially written for him, and he often overshadowed actors like MGR and [[Sivaji Ganesan]].
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]].
 
== Political Life ==
Although there were some professional conflicts with [[Periyar|E.V. Ramasamy]] in the beginning, later he was greatly attracted by his principles and became a prominent supporter of the [[Dravidar Kazhagam]]. While being a personal friend of [[K. Kamaraj|Kamaraj]], he campaigned for him during elections when E.V. Ramasamy supported the Congress. Due to his political leanings and profession, he had differences of opinion with [[M. G. Ramachandran|M.G.R]].
 
He extensively propagated his reformist ideas, anti-Brahministic views,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mariappan |first=V. |date=2022-04-15 |title=M R Radha: Blunt truth-teller soaked in Dravidian principles |url=https://inmathi.com/2022/04/15/m-r-radha-blunt-truth-teller-soaked-in-dravidian-principles/48531/ |access-date= |website=Inmathi |language=en-US}}</ref> and Dravidian movement concepts through his plays and films. Despite this, even his opponents appreciated his acting.{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}
 
The Madras Provincial Legislative Assembly introduced a new law specifically to ban plays in response to Radha's "Ramayanam" play. When the debate for this law was taking place, Radha went to the legislature. The assembly members opposed this, but Radha insisted that he should necessarily witness the debate since the law was being created specifically for him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-10-10 |title=எம்.ஆர்.ராதா : பெரியாரின் துருவேறாத போர்வாள்! |url=https://www.vinavu.com/2008/10/10/mrradha/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=வினவு |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
When Periyar announced that a hall would be opened in the name of Radha who had once proclaimed 'Don't build fan clubs for actors,' Radha shyly declined the honor. In 1963, while inaugurating the Radha Mandram (Radha Hall) at Periyar Thidal, Periyar remarked in his speech, 'I am inaugurating this hall only so that other actors might gain some wisdom.


== M. G. Ramachandran shooting incident ==
== M. G. Ramachandran shooting incident ==
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 eye witness for the shooting was Vasu.
[[File:M. R. Radha.png|thumb|left|Radha In his later years]]
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>
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 ==
== Death ==
Radha died of [[jaundice]] on 17 September 1979 aged 72 at his residence in [[Tiruchirappalli]].<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|url-status=live|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|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 December 2020|website=Kalyanamalai}}</ref>
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 ==
Radha married four times, and his marriages were concurrent. The names of his wives were Saraswathi, Dhanalakshmi, Jaya and Geetha.
Although Radha is Tamil-speaking, he is of [[Telugu language|Telugu]] descent and his family's roots can be traced back 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]] | date=3 April 2022 }}</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|date=18 April 2022 |via=www.youtube.com|time=14:44}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZrwa4fzuTI|title=Radhika Brother Actor Radha Ravi Exclusive Interview &#124; Roshan Interviews &#124; @sumantvtelugulive|date=18 July 2024|via=YouTube}}</ref> He was married three times, with the marriages occurring concurrently. His wives were named Saraswathi, Dhanalakshmi and Geetha. He 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]].
 
Radhakrishnan was the father of several children by his four wives. His three sons were [[M. R. R. Vasu]](born to his first wife Saraswati) and [[Radha Ravi]](born to Dhanalakshmi)and M.R. Radharajoo. Radhakrishnan also had seven daughters, including Rashya, Rani, Ganavalli, Kasturi, Rajeswari and two daughters (actresses [[Raadhika|Radhika]] and [[Nirosha]]) born to Geetha.
 
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 ==
== Filmography ==
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|-
|-
|1940
|1940
|Sathiyavaani
|''[[Satyavaani]]''
|
|
|
|
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|''[[Ratha Kanneer]]''
|''[[Ratha Kanneer]]''
|Mohan
|Mohan
|<ref name=":0" />
|<ref>{{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>
|-
|-
|1958
|1958
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|
|-
|-
|1959
| rowspan="3" |1959
|''Ulagam Sirikkirathu''
|''Ulagam Sirikkirathu''
|Jagadeesan
|Jagadeesan
|
|
|-
|-
|1959
|''[[Thamarai Kulam]]''
|''[[Thamarai Kulam]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1959
|''[[Bhaaga Pirivinai]]''
|''[[Bhaaga Pirivinai]]''
|Singaram
|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|url-status=live|access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>
|<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>
|-
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|}
|}
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!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|-
|1960
| rowspan="6" |1960
|''[[Aadavantha Deivam]]''
|''[[Aadavantha Deivam]]''
|Malaiyappan
|Malaiyappan
|
|
|-
|-
|1960
|''[[Rathinapuri Ilavarasi]]''
|''[[Kairasi]]''
|Kumar
|
|
|-
|1960
|''[[Kavalai Illaadha Manithan]]''
|Manickam
|
|
|-
|-
|1960
|''[[Ondrupattal Undu Vazhvu]]''
|''[[Ondrupattal Undu Vazhvu]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1960
|''[[Kadavulin Kuzhandhai]]''
|''[[Kadavulin Kuzhandhai]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1960
|''[[Kavalai Illaadha Manithan]]''
|''[[Rathinapuri Ilavarasi]]''
|Manickam
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1961
|''[[Kairasi]]''
|''[[Kongunattu Thangam]]''
|Kumar
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1961
| rowspan="9" |1961
|[[Sengamala Theevu]]
|
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Paava Mannippu]]''
|''[[Paava Mannippu]]''
|Aalavandhar
|Aalavandhar
|
|
|-
|-
|1961
|''[[Kongunattu Thangam]]''
|''[[Sabaash Mapillai]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1961
|''[[Sabaash Mapillai]]''
|''[[Pangaaligal]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1961
|''[[Paalum Pazhamum]]''
|
|
|-
|1961
|''[[Kumudham]]''
|''[[Kumudham]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1961
|''[[Nallavan Vazhvan]]''
|''[[Nallavan Vazhvan]]''
|Nalasivam
|Nalasivam
|
|
|-
|-
|1961
|''[[Paalum Pazhamum]]''
|
|
|-
|''[[Panam Panthiyile]]''
|''[[Panam Panthiyile]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1961
|''[[Thaai Sollai Thattadhe]]''
|''[[Thaai Sollai Thattadhe]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Pangaaligal]]''
|''[[Bale Pandiya (1962 film)|Bale Pandiya]]''
|
|Kabali and Amirthalingam Pillai
|
|-
| rowspan="23" |1962
|''[[Naagamalai Azhagi]]''
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Pattinathar (1962 film)|Pattinathar]]''
|''[[Sarada (1962 film)|Sarada]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Mangaiyar Ullam Mangatha Selvam]]''
|''[[Thayai Katha Thanayan]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Madappura]]''
|''[[Paadha Kaanikkai]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Sarada (1962 film)|Sarada]]''
|[[Naagamalai Azhagi]]
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Valar Pirai]]''
|''[[Maadappura]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Thayai Katha Thanayan]]''
|''[[Kannadi Maaligai]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Ethaiyum Thangum Ithaiyam]]''
|[[Kavitha (1962 film)|Kavitha]]
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Ellorum Vazhavendum]]''
|''[[Thendral Veesum]]''
|Guest Appearance
|
|-
|''[[Padithal Mattum Podhuma]]''
|Kailasam
|
|
|-
|''[[Bale Pandiya (1962 film)|Bale Pandiya]]''
|Kabali and Amirthalingam Pillai
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Kannadi Maaligai]]''
|''[[Ethaiyum Thangum Ithaiyam]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Paadha Kaanikkai]]''
|[[Muthu Mandapam]]
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Mahaveera Bheeman]]''
|[[Indira En Selvam]]
|Guest Appearance
|
|
|-
|''[[Kudumba Thalaivan]]''
|Velayudam Pilai
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Kathiruntha Kangal]]''
|[[Kathiruntha Kangal]]
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Paasam]]''
|[[Ellorum Vazhavendum]]
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1962
|''[[Kavitha (1962 film)|Kavitha]]''
|''[[Kudumba Thalaivan]]''
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|Velayudam Pilai
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|1962
|''[[Thendral Veesum]]''
|''[[Padithal Mattum Podhuma]]''
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|Kailasam
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|1962
|''[[Indira En Selvam]]''
|[[Valar Pirai]]
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|1962
|''[[Muthu Mandapam]]''
|''[[Paasam]]''
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|1962
|''[[Sengamala Theevu]]''
|''[[Pattinathar (1962 film)|Pattinathar]]''
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|1962
|''[[Aalayamani]]''
|''[[Aalayamani]]''
|Aatkondan Pillai
|Aatkondan Pillai
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|1962
|1963
|''[[Thendral Veesum]]''
|''[[Kadavulai Kanden]]''
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|1963
|''[[Koduthu Vaithaval]]''
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|1963
|''[[Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum]]''
|Sadanandam
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Iruvar Ullam]]''
|''[[Iruvar Ullam (1963 film)|Iruvar Ullam]]''
|Gnana Sigamani
|Gnana Sigamani
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Mani Osai]]''
|''[[Kattu Roja]]''
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Lava Kusa]]''
|''[[Mani Osai]]''
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Needhikkuppin Paasam]]''
|''[[Lava Kusa (1963 film)|Lava Kusa]]''
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|Guest Appearance
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum]]''
|''[[Periya Idathu Penn]]''
|Sadanandam
| Kailasam Pillai
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Naanum Oru Penn]]''
|''[[Aasai Alaigal]]''
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|1963
|1963
|[[Kaanchi Thalaivan]]
|''[[Naanum Oru Penn]]''
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|1963
|1963
|[[Idhayathil Nee]]
|''[[Idhayathil Nee]]''
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|1963
|''[[Koduthu Vaithaval]]''
|''[[Paar Magaley Paar]]''
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|Nataraj
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Kalyaniyin Kanavan]]''
|''[[Neethikkupin Paasam]]''
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Kadavulai Kanden]]''
|''[[Kalyaniyin Kanavan]]''
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|1963
|1963
|[[Aasai Alaigal]]
|''[[Kaanchi Thalaivan]]''
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| PooVikraman
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Periya Idathu Penn]]''
|''[[Karpagam]]''
| Kailasam Pillai
| Thandavam
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|1963
|1963
|''[[Karpagam]]''
|''[[Parisu]]''
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|1963
|1963
|[[Kattu Roja]]
|''Puratshi Veeran Pulithevan''
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|1964
|1964
|''[[Vettaikaaran (1964 film)|Vettaikkaran]]''
|''[[Vettaikkaran (1964 film)|Vettaikkaran]]''
|Sundaram
|Sundaram
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|1964
|1964
|''[[Pachai Vilakku (1964 film)|Pachai Vilakku]]''
|''[[Pasamum Nesamum]]''
|Rajabaadhar
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|1964
|1964
|''[[Aayiram Roobai]]''
|''[[En Kadamai]]''
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|Tharumalingam
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|1964
|1964
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|''[[Pachhai Vilakku (1964 film)|Pachchai Vilakku]]''
|Vijaya's father
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|1964
|1964
|''Ullasa Payanam''
|''[[Kai Kodutha Deivam]]''
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| Keady Varathan
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|1964
|1964
|''[[Vazhi Piranthadu]]''
|''Magaley Un Samathu''
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|1964
|''[[Thaayin Madiyil]]''
|''[[Arunagirinathar (film)|Arunagirinathar]]''
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|''[[Vazhi Piranthadu]]''
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|1964
|1964
|''[[En Kadamai]]''
|''[[Ullasa Payanam]]''
|Tharumalingam
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|1964
|1964
|''Magazhe Un Samathu''
|''[[Aayiram Roobai]]''
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|1964
|1964
|''[[Arunagirinathar]]''
|''[[Bobbili Yuddham]]''
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|Hyder Jung
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|1964
|1964
|''[[Kai Koduttha Dheivam]]''
|''[[Thaayin Madiyil]]''
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|1964
| rowspan="9" |1965
|''[[Bobbili Yuddham]]''
|Hyder Jung
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|-
|1965
|''[[Pazhani (1965 film)|Pazhani]]''
|''[[Pazhani (1965 film)|Pazhani]]''
|Kalyanam
|Kalyanam
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|1965
|''[[Santhi (1965 film)|Santhi]]''
|[[Enga Veetu Penn]]
| Paramasivam Pillai
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|-
|''[[Hello Mister Zamindar]]''
|Azhagirisamy
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|1965
|''Paditha Manaivi''
|''[[Shanti (1965 film)|Shanti]]''
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|1965
|''[[Sarasa B.A.]]''
|''[[Anandhi (1965 film)|Anandhi]]''
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|1965
|''[[Vazhikatti]]''
|''[[Hello Mister Zamindar]]''
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|1966
|''[[Enga Veettu Penn]]''
|''[[Chitthi]]''
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|1966
|''[[Thazhampoo]]''
|''[[Chandrodayam]]''
|
|Duriothanan
|
|<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|url-status=live|access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|1966
|''[[Anandhi (1965 film)|Anandhi]]''
|''[[Thattungal Thirakkappadum]]''
|
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|1966
| rowspan="3" |1966
|''[[Chitthi]]''
|Periyasami Pillai
|
|-
|''[[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>
|-
|''[[Petralthan Pillaiya]]''
|''[[Petralthan Pillaiya]]''
|Kabali
|Kabali
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|
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|-
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|1976
|1976
|''[[Dasavatharam (film)|Dasavatharam]]''
|''[[Dasavatharam (film)|Dasavatharam]]''
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|1978
| rowspan="4" |1978
|''Mela Thalangal''
|''Mela Thalangal''
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|-
|-
|1978
|''Panchabootham''
|''Panchamirtham''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1978
|''[[Vandikkaran Magan]]''
|Vandikaran Magan
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|-
|''[[Taxi Driver (1978 film)|Taxi Driver]]''
|
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|''[[Velum Mayilum Thunai]]''
|''[[Velum Mayilum Thunai]]''
|Velayudham/Thanikachalam
|Velayudham/Thanikachalam
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|-
|1978
|''[[Taxi Driver (1978 film)|Taxi Driver]]''
|
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|-
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!Notes
!Notes
|-
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|1980
| rowspan="2" |1980
|''[[Saranam Ayyappa]]''
|''[[Saranam Ayyappa]]''
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|1980
|''[[Naan Potta Savaal]]''
|''[[Naan Potta Savaal]]''
|Arthanari
|Arthanari
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[[Category:Periyarists]]
[[Category:Periyarists]]
[[Category:Male actors from Chennai]]
[[Category:Male actors from Chennai]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]

Latest revision as of 11:10, 7 March 2026


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 Ratha Kanneer movie
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
Occupation
  • Actor
  • politician
Years active1937-1979
Spouse(s)
  • 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 Pattukkottai Alagiri for his versatile acting.[1] He mostly played villain roles, but had also acted in several films as comedian.

Career[edit | edit source]

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.

Political Life[edit | edit source]

Although there were some professional conflicts with E.V. Ramasamy in the beginning, later he was greatly attracted by his principles and became a prominent supporter of the Dravidar Kazhagam. While being a personal friend of Kamaraj, he campaigned for him during elections when E.V. Ramasamy supported the Congress. Due to his political leanings and profession, he had differences of opinion with M.G.R.

He extensively propagated his reformist ideas, anti-Brahministic views,[6] and Dravidian movement concepts through his plays and films. Despite this, even his opponents appreciated his acting.[citation needed]

The Madras Provincial Legislative Assembly introduced a new law specifically to ban plays in response to Radha's "Ramayanam" play. When the debate for this law was taking place, Radha went to the legislature. The assembly members opposed this, but Radha insisted that he should necessarily witness the debate since the law was being created specifically for him.[7]

When Periyar announced that a hall would be opened in the name of Radha who had once proclaimed 'Don't build fan clubs for actors,' Radha shyly declined the honor. In 1963, while inaugurating the Radha Mandram (Radha Hall) at Periyar Thidal, Periyar remarked in his speech, 'I am inaugurating this hall only so that other actors might gain some wisdom.

M. G. Ramachandran shooting incident[edit | edit source]

Radha In his later years

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.[8] 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.[9]

Death[edit | edit source]

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.[10][11]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Although Radha is Tamil-speaking, he is of Telugu descent and his family's roots can be traced back to Andhra Pradesh.[12][13][14] He was married three times, with the marriages occurring concurrently. His wives were named Saraswathi, Dhanalakshmi and Geetha. He 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[edit | edit source]

This is a partial filmography. You can expand it.

1930s[edit | edit source]

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

1940s[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Ref.
1940 Satyavaani

1950s[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Ref.
1954 Ratha Kanneer Mohan [15]
1958 Nalla Idathu Sammandham Muthu
1959 Ulagam Sirikkirathu Jagadeesan
Thamarai Kulam
Bhaaga Pirivinai Singaram [16]

1960s[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Ref.
1960 Aadavantha Deivam Malaiyappan
Rathinapuri Ilavarasi
Ondrupattal Undu Vazhvu
Kadavulin Kuzhandhai
Kavalai Illaadha Manithan Manickam
Kairasi Kumar
1961 Paava Mannippu Aalavandhar
Kongunattu Thangam
Sabaash Mapillai
Kumudham
Nallavan Vazhvan Nalasivam
Paalum Pazhamum
Panam Panthiyile
Thaai Sollai Thattadhe
Pangaaligal
1962 Naagamalai Azhagi
Pattinathar
Mangaiyar Ullam Mangatha Selvam
Madappura
Sarada
Valar Pirai
Thayai Katha Thanayan
Ethaiyum Thangum Ithaiyam
Ellorum Vazhavendum Guest Appearance
Padithal Mattum Podhuma Kailasam
Bale Pandiya Kabali and Amirthalingam Pillai
Kannadi Maaligai
Paadha Kaanikkai
Mahaveera Bheeman Guest Appearance
Kudumba Thalaivan Velayudam Pilai
Kathiruntha Kangal
Paasam
Kavitha
Thendral Veesum
Indira En Selvam
Muthu Mandapam
Sengamala Theevu
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 PooVikraman
1963 Karpagam Thandavam
1963 Parisu
1963 Puratshi Veeran Pulithevan
1964 Vettaikkaran Sundaram
1964 Pasamum Nesamum
1964 En Kadamai Tharumalingam
1964 Pachchai Vilakku Rajabaadhar
1964 Kai Kodutha Deivam Keady Varathan
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
Santhi Paramasivam Pillai
Hello Mister Zamindar Azhagirisamy
Paditha Manaivi
Sarasa B.A.
Vazhikatti
Enga Veettu Penn
Thazhampoo
Anandhi
1966 Chitthi Periyasami Pillai
Chandrodayam Duryodhanan [17]
Petralthan Pillaiya Kabali

1970s[edit | edit source]

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

1980s[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1980 Saranam Ayyappa
Naan Potta Savaal Arthanari

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑
    • Muktha Srinivasan, ed. (2001). Inaiyatra Sadanaiyalargal. Vol. 2. Gangai Puthaka Nilayam. p. 158.
    • Karunanantham, ed. (1979). Thanthai Periyar (Muzhu Muthal Vazhkai Varalaru). VOC Noolagam. p. 157.
  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. ↑ Mariappan, V. (15 April 2022). "M R Radha: Blunt truth-teller soaked in Dravidian principles". Inmathi.
  7. ↑ "எம்.ஆர்.ராதா : பெரியாரின் துருவேறாத போர்வாள்!". வினவு. 10 October 2008. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  8. ↑ Srivathsan, A. (23 December 2012). "The day M.R. Radha shot MGR". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  9. ↑ Srivatsan, A. (24 December 2012). "Radha pleaded innocence; was found guilty". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  10. ↑ 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.
  11. ↑ Majordasan. "Potpourri of titbits about Tamil cinema – M. R. Radha". Kalyanamalai. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  12. ↑ "Raadhika Sarathkumar Open Heart with RK || Full Episode || Season-3 || OHRK". YouTube. 3 April 2022.
  13. ↑ "Alitho Saradaga | Raadhika (Actress) | 18th April 2022 | Full Episode | ETV Telugu". 18 April 2022. Event occurs at 14:44 – via www.youtube.com.
  14. ↑ "Radhika Brother Actor Radha Ravi Exclusive Interview | Roshan Interviews | @sumantvtelugulive". 18 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  15. ↑ 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.
  16. ↑ Guy, Randor (31 January 2015). "Bhagapirivinai 1959". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  17. ↑ Guy, Randor (9 January 2016). "Blast from the past: Chandhrodhayam (1966)". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 January 2021.

External links[edit | edit source]

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