M. G. Chakrapani

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M. G. Chakrapani
Born
1911-1-13
Vadavannur Palakkad (Madras presidency), British India


Occupation
Actor, film producer
Years active
1936–1986



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

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

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

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

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

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Fame eluded this sibling of an icon. The Hindu(16 February 2012). Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Iru Sahodarargal 1936. The Hindu(14 August 2009). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  3. ↑ Maya Machhindra (1939). The Hindu(25 January 2014). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  4. ↑ Jothi 1939. The Hindu(4 October 2014). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  5. ↑ Thamizh Ariyum Perumal 1942. The Hindu(7 May 2011). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  6. ↑ Mahamaya 1944. The Hindu(4 September 2010). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  7. ↑ Abhimanyu 1948. The Hindu(2 October 2009). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  8. ↑ Ponmudi 1950. The Hindu(3 October 2008). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  9. ↑ Blast from the past - Maruthanaatu Ilavarasi (1950). The Hindu(2011-01-08). Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  10. ↑ Ithaya Geetham{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Citadel Film Corporation(1950)
  11. ↑ En Thangai 1952. The Hindu(28 November 2008). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  12. ↑ கல்யாணி{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Modern Theatres(1952)
  13. ↑ Naam (1953). The Hindu(29 December 2012). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  14. ↑ Malaikkallan. The Indian Express(24 July 1954). Retrieved 29 November 2020.Template:Cbignore
  15. ↑ En Magal (1955). The Hindu(15 June 2013). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  16. ↑ அலிபாபாவும் 40 திருடர்களும்{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Modern Theatres(c. 1956)
  17. ↑ சாதனைகள் படைத்த தமிழ்த் திரைப்பட வரலாறு – நாடோடி மன்னன் பற்றி எம்.ஜி.ஆர். – வீரப்பாவை சிரிக்கச் சொல்லவில்லை!{{#if:Film News Anandan|, Film News Anandan}. Sivakami Publishers(23 October 2004)
  18. ↑ தாய் மகளுக்கு கட்டிய தாலி{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Kalpana Kala Mandir(1959)
  19. ↑ Nalla Theerpu (1959). The Hindu(17 August 2013). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  20. ↑ Raja Desingu (1960). The Hindu(15 August 2015). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  21. ↑ Blast from the past: Mannaathi Mannan (1960). The Hindu(28 April 2012). Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  22. ↑ Rani Samyuktha (1962). The Hindu(19 September 2015). Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  23. ↑ Arasa Kattalai (1967). The Hindu(23 April 2016). Retrieved 29 November 2020.

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