M. G. Chakrapani

Maruthur Gopala Menon Chakrapani (13 January 1911 – 17 August 1986), commonly known as Ettan ("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]

M. G. Chakrapani
Born
Maruthur Gopala Menon Chakrapani

(1911-01-13)13 January 1911
Vadavannur, Kingdom of Cochin, British Raj (now Kerala, India)
Died17 August 1986(1986-08-17) (aged 75)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesPeriyavar, Yettan
OccupationActor, producer
Years active1936–1986
Spouse(s)Meenakshi Chakrapani
Children10
Parent(s)Gopala Menon (father)
Sathyabama (mother)
RelativesM. G. Ramachandran (brother)

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.[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, where Ramachandran found success, but Chakrapani did not.[1]

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 Kautilya.[1]

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.[1]

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.[1]

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.[1]

Filmography
Year Film Role Language
1936Iru SahodarargalPoliceTamil
1939Maya MachhindraTamil
1939JothiTamil
1942Tamizhariyum PerumalTamil
1944MahamayaMinisterTamil
1946Sri MuruganTamil
19471000 Thalaivangi Apoorva ChinthamaniTamil
1948AbhimanyuBalaramanTamil
1948Raja MukthiMinisterTamil
1950PonmudiTribal ChiefTamil
1950Thigambara SamiarMagistrate Pattabhirama PillaiTamil
1950Marudhanaattu IlavarasiMinisterTamil
1950Ithaya GeethamTamil
1951VanasundariTamil
1952AmarakaviTamil
1952En ThangaiMGR's uncleTamil
1952KalyaniTamil
1953NaamTamil
1954MalaikkallanPolice InspectorTamil
1954En MagalTamil
1956Alibabavum 40 ThirudargalumAmir Kasim KhanTamil
1957Raja RajanUthselan KavirayarTamil
1958Nadodi MannanTamil
1959Thaai Magalukku Kattiya ThaaliMGR's fatherTamil
1959Nalla TheerpuTamil
1960Raja DesinguNawab of ArcotTamil
1960Mannadhi MannanKing Karikala ChozhanTamil
1967Arasa KattalaiDirector & ActorTamil
1972Idhaya VeenaiMGR's fatherTamil
1974Netru Indru NaalaiTamil
1975Naalai NamadheTamil
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References
  1. Guy, Randor (16 February 2012). "Fame eluded this sibling of an icon". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
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