M.K.T. Bhagavathar Biography

MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (M.K.T. Bhagavathar) was a famous Tamil singer and artist whose talent appeared on both the silver screen and the stage. His innate musical talent helped him set apart in his early years. Yet, his path was not without obstacles, as societal norms and familial expectations clashed with his fervent desire to pursue music as a profession. But he faced these challenges to become one of the prominent artists pursuing his career in music, theater, and cinema.

MKT’s golden voice and the unique ability to add maximum lucidity to classical music kept him in good stead throughout his career.

Early life

Born on February 3, 1909, in Mayavaram (Nagapattinam District), India M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar was an Indian Carnatic singer, actor, and film director who had a significant influence on Tamil cinema and is known as its first superstar. Starting from the 1930s to almost the last decade of the 1950s he pursued his career as an actor, director, and also a Carnatic vocalist.

His family did not support him initially but that did not deter Thyagaraja from being passionate about singing. According to an anecdote, once because of his father’s disapproval, he ran away from home. His father later found him entertaining crowds at Cuddapah with his voice. Thyagaraja improved on this talent encouraged by his father’s change in heart through which he graduated from classical music concerts and dramas into films.

The Governor of Madras personally thanked him for organizing concerts during World War II to raise funds and entertain British troops. However, it wasn’t until his arrest in 1944 over alleged involvement in the Lakshmikanthan Murder Case that this part of his life started going downhill. This led to three years’ imprisonment and loss of money involved in legal defense against the murder charges leveled against him.

However, his memorable performances in movies like 1937’s Ambikapathy and “Pudhu Vazhuvu” (1957) and that of Haridas on Broadway Theatre Madras for three years have kept the spirit of Thyagaraja alive even through adversity.

Thyaraga Bhagavathar’s music was a means through which he was immortalized within the field of Tamil cinema and culture. He died on November 1st, 1959 leaving a rich artistic legacy that continues to inspire generations.

M.K.T Bhagavathar music

Thygaraha became popular on stage after having had an important meeting with K.G. Natesa Iyer who is one of the prominent members of the Railway community yet an amateur drama enthusiast. His debut as Lohidasa in “Harischandra” marked the beginning of his entry to stardom, earning him recognition at an young age. However, despite becoming famous as an actor, music always remained his true love.

Thyagaraja entered into a six-year training under the guidance of Madurai Ponnu Iyengar who was a renowned violinist specializing in Carnatic music at that time. His debut concert took place at Trichy when he performed with great musicians such as Pudukottai Dakshina Murthy Pillai whom fans gave the name “Thyagaraja Bhagavathar”. M.K.T. Bhagavathar carnatic music gained admiration from prominent artists like S.G. Kittappa, affirming his status as a musical luminary.

After receiving positive feedback, he started to delve deeper into his musical journey and get advanced training under famous maestros like Alathur Venkatesa Iyer and Papanasam Sivan. During this time, he had also blossomed as a professional actor who performed in many successful roles including that of Subbulakshmi’s love interest in “Pavalakkodi” which was staged all over Madras presidency.

The combination of MKT’s magnetic stage presence, melodious voice, and flawless dialogue delivery gained him a name as the king of stage actors. His success reverberated from villages within Madras presidency to other far-flung places such as Ceylon, Burma, and Malaya, where they forever influenced the cultural landscape.

M.K.T. Bhagavathar Tamil cinema and acting career

M.K.T. Bhagavthar acted in a total of fourteen movies throughout his life, some of which became unprecedented successes for him. M.K.T. Bhagavathar first Tamil film is “Pavalakodi,”released in 1934. Other early Jewels in Tamil cinema include “Thiruneelakandar,” “Ambikapathi,” and “Chintamani.”

Did You Know?

M.K.T. Bhagavathar, a known personality, in the years of Tamil cinema was not only a successful actor but also a gifted singer. His strong vocals and mesmerizing acts, on screen earned him the moniker “Tamil Isai Arasu” (King of Tamil Music).

“Haridas” was his peak film-wise which was released in 1944 after it enjoyed an uninterrupted three-year run at Chennai Broadway Theatre. It even spanned three consecutive Deepavali festivals from 1944 to 1946. It made a record for the longest continuous run at a single theater.

From 1934 to 1944, Bhagavathar’s artistic brilliance excelled in nine hit films, including “Sarangadara” (1935), “Sathyaseelan” (1936), and the other classics. However, following his brief pause due to legal troubles, he returned to the screen with “Amarakavi” and “Shyamala” as his sole successful ventures.

MKT Bhagavathar films

M.K.T. Bhagavathar legacy in Tamil cinema is marked by several films. Bhagavathar’s career spanned from 1934 to 1959, during which he acted in 14 films including:

1. Pavalakkodi, 1934
2. Sarangadara, 1935
3. Sathyaseelan, 1936
4. Chintamani, 1937
5. Ambikapathi, 1937
6. Thiruneelakantar, 1939
7. Ashok Kumar, 1941
8. Sivakavi, 1942
9. Haridas, 1944
10. Raja Mukthi, 1948

M.K.T. Bhagavathar songs

MKT Bhagavathar sang numerous songs in his films.

1. Pavalakkodi, 1934
2. Naveena Sarangadhara, 1936
3. Sathyaseelan, 1936
4. Chintamani, 1937
5. Ambikapathy, 1937
6. Thiruneelakantar, 1939
7. Ashok Kumar, 1941
8. Sivakavi, 1943
9. Haridas, 1944
10. Raja Mukthi, 1948
11. Amarakavi, 1952
12. Shyamala, 1952
13. Pudhu Vazhvu, 1957
14. Sivagami, 1960

Conclusion

In conclusion, M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar’s life and career experienced the dramatic rise and fall of a legendary figure in Tamil cinema. With humble beginnings, Bhagavathar’s exceptional talent as a Carnatic singer and actor propelled him to new heights of fame. His films not only entertained but also contributed significantly to the cultural sphere of Indian cinema.

Despite the controversy and legal battles that scarred his later years, Bhagavathar’s legacy as the first superstar of Tamil cinema remains undisputed. His melodious voice and charismatic screen presence continue to resonate, reminding us of the lasting power of art to inspire and move across generations. Bhagavathar’s story is a touching reminder of the fugitive nature of fame and the permanent mark one individual can leave on an entire industry.